Dogs for Adoption in Waynesville, NC: 20 Dogs Looking for a Home
45 dogs and puppies are waiting for homes at 2 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Waynesville. Here are the 20 nearest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the dogs up for adoption within 25 miles of Waynesville, 8 puppies, 5 young dogs, 26 adults and 5 seniors. The breeds you'll see most are Terrier, Labrador Retriever and Feist, along with plenty of one-of-a-kind mixes.
Not in Waynesville? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Rizzo
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact kellyapplegate.advocates@gmail.comfor more information or to adopt the pet.Sadly, I'm rehoming my sweet, female, small, terrier mix Rizzo. I've been fostering her for 2 1/2 months, and she has come a long way but she really needs a friend. She's potty-trained, leash-trained, and takes a bit to warm up to people but once she does she is so snuggly and will follow you everywhere. She loves other dogs and animals too.
Read more about Rizzo
She's about 3 years old and weighs 12 lbs. She is spayed, and she has had all of her initial shots and comes with vet records.She must be placed with someone with another dog in the house because she has a lot of energy and needs a buddy (preferably another small dog). She doesn't like being left alone but does not mess with anything when she is. She's always ready for long hikes and playing. Having a fenced in yard would be great too. Asking for a $300 rehoming fee for vet expenses, and she will come with her toys, bed and harness.Please let me know at kellyapplegate.advocates@gmail.com if you are interested, and we can schedule a meet and greet! I'm hoping to get her settled into her new home as soon as possible as I want her to bond with her new family.Also, If cost is a barrier, I'm sure there's something we can work out as long as it's a good fit!
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Myla
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Text (702) 528-8073 for more information or to adopt the pet.Myla is a sweet, but shy 3.5-year-old Dutch Shepard mix. This precious pup loves to be outside, whether that's walking or playing with other dogs at the dog park! She's a little nervous/shy about meeting new people, but once she warms up to you she's a little bundle of love! One of the main recommendations we can request for Myla is that she has another pup she can play with and/or a yard where she can burn out her zoomies appropriately. If you'd like more information, please text me at 702 528 8073.
- Good with dogs
3. Willie
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Email clarevirnoche@gmail.com or text 6085164560 for more information or to adopt the pet.Willie is a 3-year-old mixed-breed silly goose who loves to frolic in fields, splash in rivers and snuggle his humans. Willie is 43 lbs of energy and incredibly smart. He will need lots of chews, toys and puzzles. It would be best for Willie to go to a home without any young children as he is loud, fast and still working on his impulse control.
Read more about Willie
Willie will need a home that’s understanding of his anxiety, too. He struggles when people come and go from the house and will bark loudly when he’s anxious. He is a very vocal dog and is not afraid to speak his mind. In the past, he’s enjoyed using speech buttons to communicate with his humans. Willie knows the commands sit, stay, leave it, drop it, off, down, settle, wait, paw and come, and is completely house-trained. Willie walks well on leash, but will bark and pull when he sees other dogs. He was crate-trained for the first 2 years of his life, but doesn’t use a crate anymore. During the work day, he stays home alone without issue and at night he sleeps on the couch. Willie currently lives with a 5-year-old dog and loves playing with his dog friends. Willie’s pushy, rough and tumble play style is not for everyone, so any future dog siblings would need to schedule a play date first. Willie is a great adventure buddy and will gladly hop in the car with you to go exploring. He is a Velcro dog who just wants to be near his humans. Even though Willie has extra needs, he loves hard and will be your loyal best friend that wants to curl up under a blanket with you at the end of each day.Please email clarevirnoche@gmail.com or text 6085164560 to ask any questions or set up a time to meet this goofball.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Chance
Meet Chance! He is a sweet boy that takes a little time to warm up, but once he is your buddy, all he wants to do is be near you. He was born around July 2024 and weighs 36 pounds- a perfectly medium sized dog!Chance seems to be house trained and keeps his run clean. He does appreciate having another dog around to help build his confidence.Chance is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, and started on monthly flea/heartworm prevention. His adoption fee is $250 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org
5. Teddy
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact Casey at 864.498.3961 or Casey.fbc@gmail.com for more information or to adopt the pet.Meet Teddy! Teddy is a sweet 8-month-old pup with a beautiful short-haired coat and a gentle heart. He's a mixed breed (likely lab/mountain feist) whose ears bend down and front leg points when he's curious and exploring outside.Teddy has experienced some trauma early in life, so building trust and connecting with people can take time for him.
Read more about Teddy
But underneath his uncertainty is a loving dog who is looking for someone patient, kind and willing to let him grow at his own pace. Teddy will be a wonderful companion for someone who understands that trust is earned one small step at a time, and he may benefit from having another older dog in the home with him. Teddy rarely ever barks (except for when bears come through the yard!), but is fully house-trained and loves staying cuddled on his mat or in his crate. With patience, consistency and a safe environment, he has the opportunity to blossom into a devoted friend and loving companion. Teddy is waiting for someone who will see his potential, help him feel safe and loved, and welcome him home.Location: East Asheville, NC. Contact: Casey at 864.498.3961 or Casey.fbc@gmail.com.
- House-trained
6. Ladybug
Ladybug came to Mountain Pet Rescue with her 5 puppies in 2025 and her pups were all adopted and so was she, but she was recently returned through no fault of her own. She is about 5 years old and 28 pounds. Ladybug is extremely sweet and likes to give big hugs and kisses. She enjoys walks and has been playing well with the other dogs and cat in her foster home. She is also good with the human kiddos! She is quick to learn a new routine and seems to be pretty intelligent and ready to please. A fenced in yard is ideal for this girl. She also seems to be house and crate trained.Ladybug is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative, and on monthly prevention. Her adoption fee is $250. Apply today at mpravl.org!
7. Buttercup
Meet Buttercup! She was born around 7/4/26 and currently weighed 6.4 pounds on 10/22, so she will stay pretty small. Her and her litter mates are a little shy at first, but are learning the ropes and are ready to find their forever homes!Buttercup is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, and started on monthly flea/heartworm prevention. Her adoption fee is $500 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org. Thank you for looking!
8. Paloma
Paloma is a snuggly sweetheart and wants to cuddle up with you! Paloma is learning to walk well on a leash, she will melt your heart with puppy kisses. She really lights up around other dogs and would probably enjoy a puppy friendPaloma weighed about 8 pounds in 8/14 and was born on June 25, 2026. She will likely be big when fully grown. Paloma is spayed, up to the date on vaccines, dewormed, mircochipped, started on monthly flea and heartworm prevention and her adoption fee is $350.if you'd like to meet and adopt Paloma you can apply at MPRAVL.org
9. Remy
Meet Remy! Do you like the sleek longgg look on dogs? Remy has quite the baby deer look, with long legs and a skinny little head!She has so much love to give. She is a brave and resilient little one. Remy was adopted from us a couple of months ago but was recently returned due to a family emergency. She was learning lots in her old home, she is potty trained on a consistent routine (like most puppies), she was getting used to the crate, she lived with other dogs, she gets along with kids and cats (when introduced properly). Remy is a playful, loving girl who would love to cuddle up her forever family.Remy loves to put herself to sleep in her crate for a nap and at the end of the night.
Read more about Remy
Remy weighed 29 pounds on 10/21/26 and was born March 11, 2026.She is up to date on vaccines, spayed, dewormed, started on monthly flea and heartworm prevention and her adoption fee is $300.Apply to meet and adopt Remy at mpravl.org
10. Mia
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact southernshortti@gmail.com or text 828-772-8612 for more information or to adopt the pet.Meet Mia!3 year old spayed pie bald Amstaff (American staffordshire) cutie rescued from the woods a few months ago. Mia is smart, loving and loves to go on car rides and has a great personality!!She also enjoys walks and just being outside playing with her ball. Mia is uptodate on her vaccines and leash trained .
Read more about Mia
We have been working on crate training. She's affectionate after getting to know you and becoming comfortable. Loves to cuddle but likes her own space as well. Ideal home for her…- kind, patient and understanding family - predictable home with schedule - willing to give her time to decompress - needs to be a only pet - unsure of behavior with children. She would be a great dog for the right family and deserves better than what she has had.Email me at southernshortti@gmail.com or text 828-772-8612 today to meet or learn more about happy Mia!
11. Pippa
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact cassiem317@gmail.com or (828) 280-1025 for more information or to adopt the pet.Life's More Fun with a Little Pippa in It!Tiny athlete. Road trip enthusiast. Professional heart-stealer.From the Woods to the Good Life!We found Pippa alone, skinny and hungry in the woods of Western North Carolina. This clever little girl followed our family, and we've been discovering her enormous personality ever since!Pippa is a young adult, possibly around 2 years old, and weighs about 35 lbs, with energy to spare! She's affectionate, hilarious, incredibly smart, athletic and a little mischievous.
Read more about Pippa
She has the CUTEST expressions and a gorgeous, short, shiny coat that barely seems to shed.Have Adventures? Pippa Will Travel!Running buddy? Hiking partner? Brewery patio sidekick? Road trip copilot? YES, PLEASE!Pippa is FAST, absolutely LOVES car rides and would make a fantastic adventure companion with a little leash practice. She needs daily activity or a playful dog buddy to help burn off that youthful energy, but she's also a champion couch lounger!A securely fenced yard is a must for this speedy girl!Friends, Family & Farm LifePippa has fit right into our busy farm life with dogs of all sizes, cats, donkeys, chicken, and a 6-year-old child she ADORES!She's super-friendly with other dogs and loves to romp, but could also thrive as an active person's one-and-only. She's wonderful with our daughter, who understands gentle, respectful interactions with animals, and would do best with similarly dog-savvy children.She's house-trained, comfortable in her crate, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped!Could You Be Pippa's Person?Pippa would love an active home with plenty of adventures, playtime and affection.If your days could use a little more adventure, laughter and Pippa, she just might be your girl!Contact me today at cassiem317@gmail.com or (828) 280-1025 to meet or learn more about fun Pippa!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
12. Edith
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact Amy at 404-933-9913 for more information or to adopt the pet.Edith is a redbone coonhound mix. The vet thinks she is about 1.5 years old, and her current weight is 44 pounds. We had her spayed, and she is up to date on her vaccinations. She was dumped on a forest service road in rural Murphy, NC where she had been seen by multiple people for 3 days. It was obvious that she had recently given birth to a litter of puppies.
Read more about Edith
We brought her home and have given her a chance at a good life until finding her a permanent placement. Our house is full with 4 dogs!She has been learning basic commands and is about 95% housetrained. She stays in a crate at night and while we aren't home. Her crate will go with her when she finds a new family. What we love about Edith is that she was drawn to us immediately. She cuddles and snuggles whenever she gets the chance. She and our other rescued female are like long lost sisters - true BFFS. She has a very funny personality and an old soul. We think she probably drank bourbon and smoked cigars in a previous life. Edith's favorites are nyla bones, any kind of dog food and treats. She takes lots of naps, either on a sofa or near a major appliance that puts out heat - the bottom of the fridge or right next to the oven when we're cooking. Because she is a hound, Edith loves to sniff out critters outside. She is relentless and sniffs until she is exhausted. Behaviors that Edith is working on are sharing bones and toys with others, trying to resist reaching for food on the counter, and personal space. She will sit on top of people if she doesn't see available space elsewhere. She also pretends that her legs don't work when she's comfortable, and it's time for bed. My husband often carries her like a baby to tuck her in. Edith will do best in a home with another female dog or as an only dog. We are unsure about children, but she has proven to adore people she has met. She must have a solid fenced yard, as she will test the limits and try to go on a hunting adventure. Please meet her in person if you think she might be a good candidate for your family. Please call Amy at 404-933-9913 if you would like more info on Edith or would like to arrange to meet her.
13. Itzel
Itzel is a little spitfire that enjoys life in true Weinerschnitzel fashion. She loves to play with other dogs, go on car rides and make new friends. Itzel is mostly housetrained and will use a pee pad if you miss her signals. She is insistant on sleeping under the covers in your bed. If you have ever had a dachshund, you know that burrowing under the covers is a must. She is a busy body and loves to be underfoot so as not to miss out on anything going on. Itzel has only been in her foster home for a week but she is learning the routine and finding her voice. She is very excitable and vocal when she plays with the other dogs and will tell you how excited she is when it's time to go for a car ride but overall I would not say that she is too yappy.Itzel is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, and started on monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention.
Read more about Itzel
Her adoption fee is $400 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org
14. Pumpkin
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact bhmurray@gmail.com for more information or to adopt the pet.Meet Pumpkin! Pumpkin is a handsome 1 to 2-year-old, 50-pound boy who is trying to beat the odds. He was found abandoned, malnourished and suffering from a broken leg. After surgery, lots of care and time to heal, Pumpkin is on the path to recovery. He has gained weight, is up to date on his vaccinations, neutered and ready for the best part of his story—a forever family of his own where he can continue to heal and enjoy his best life.Pumpkin is extremely affectionate and loves being with people.
Read more about Pumpkin
He has a joyful, playful personality and lots of youthful energy, so he would thrive with an active person or family who will take him on walks, hikes and backyard adventures. Once playtime is over, he is more than happy to curl up and soak up all the attention you can give him.Pumpkin didn't know any commands when he was first rescued, but he is very smart and proving to be a fast learner. He’s already house- and crate-trained, and eager to please. Since he's been focused on healing from surgery, he hasn't spent time around other dogs yet. We think he was probably a hunting dog, so he’ll do best in a home without small animals and will need additional leash training.Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Pumpkin is his sweet, trusting nature. Despite everything he went through, he has an enormous capacity for affection and seems genuinely delighted just to be loved. He is resilient, curious, energetic, eager to please and ready to become someone's best friend.Pumpkin has already begun the hard work of healing. Now all he needs is a loving home where he can finally belong. Could you be this special boy’s perfect match?Contact me today at bhmurray@gmail.com to learn more about sweet Pumpkin!
- House-trained
15. Axel
Sweet, goofy Axel is about 6 months old and weighs 38lbs. He does not have many complaints and loves most everything. Azxel is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, and on monthly flea/heartworm prevention. His adoption fee is $250 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org
16. Jax
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact Sandy at 727 560-0974 or Ron at 727 481-8882 for more information or to adopt the pet.Jax is a 6-month-old puppy that is happy and very energetic and playful. Loves his stuffed animals and bones. He would do well in a home with another dog. He is not food aggressive and is very healthy. We have 3 cats and that has caused a real stress for our cats with one that has health issues. He has had his rabies vaccine and is neutered.Please consider ax for your home. Contact Sandy at 727 560-0974 or Ron at 727 481-8882 today to meet or learn more about happy Jax!
17. Magnolia
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact cassieann678@gmail.com for more information or to adopt the pet.Meet Magnolia (Nola)! She is a three-year-old, F2 flat-coated Aussiedoodle! Magnolia is wonderful at matching your energy and lifestyle. If you’re someone who loves being outdoors, she’ll happily be your companion all day long. But if you’re having a slow day inside, she’s just as content to curl up and nap right beside you.She’s incredibly loving and affectionate, especially with the people she knows and trusts.
Read more about Magnolia
Magnolia absolutely loves giving hugs—she would snuggle all day if she could. She truly thrives on connection and loves both her human and dog friends. Right now, she especially enjoys being around her doggie half-sister.Because of her playful, energetic nature, we believe Magnolia would do best in a home with either another dog or just a family that can give her plenty of time, attention and activity. She would probably thrive on her own if she’s getting her needs met. She’s used to having a companion, so being completely alone all day would not be a good fit. A home with a fenced yard or plenty of outdoor space would be ideal, as she loves to run and would benefit from having more room to burn off her energy.She has lived with our two-year-old and has always been very sweet and gentle, though she can be a bit clumsy and can accidentally knock ove little ones. She has previously lived with a cat and did well, and she currently lives alongside chickens and goats and doesn't bother them much. As with any transition, slow introductions to new animals would be best.Magnolia is house-trained and knows basic commands. However, she would greatly benefit from additional training and consistency. With a young child and another dog at home, we haven’t been able to dedicate the time and structure she truly needs. We believe she is capable of change, but we haven't had luck with the little obedience trianing we've given her... we believe she would thrive with professional training or a home committed to working with her.She has a mischievous side—she’s known to sneak food from counters or tables and will chew on items left out when unattended for long periods of time. With proper training and attention, we believe these things she can improve. Again, sadly we just haven't been able to put in the work. Magnolia is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations and in excellent health.She is such a loving, sweet dog who deserves a home that can give her the time, structure and space she needs to truly thrive.Contacat me today at cassieann678@gmail.com to meet or learn more about sweet Magnolia!
- House-trained
18. Biscuit
Biscuit is a sweet little terrier mix who came to us from Cherokee. He has opened up so much during his time with us and continues to grow more confident every day.He can still be a little shy when meeting new people, but he absolutely loves other dogs and gains a lot of comfort from them. He is fine around other dogs until it comes to meal time, where he is usually fed separately. He loves to play outside, and walks pretty well on leash. He could happily live with other dogs or be your one and only. Biscuit is still working on potty training but is making progress and will likely continue to improve quickly with consistency and positive reinforcement.Biscuit is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, and on monthly flea/heartworm prevention. He is about 7.5 years old and 20 pounds. His adoption fee is $250 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org
- Good with dogs
19. Buddy
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the pet or apply to adopt this pet on the MPR website. Contact Alicia at alr4317@gmail.com for more information or to adopt the pet.Buddy is a 2-year-old mixed breed dog with a heart as big as his 63-pound frame. Found abandoned and in rough shape, he’s made an incredible comeback and is now healthy, happy and ready to start his next chapter with a loving family.This sweet boy is neutered and up to date on vaccines, and has been well cared for during his time in recovery.
Read more about Buddy
Buddy walks nicely on a leash, is house-trained, knows basic commands and enjoys play time - especially tug of war! He has a medium energy level and would love a home where he can get regular exercise and affection.Buddy is incredibly friendly and greets new people with a wagging tail. He does well with kids and other dogs, and has even shown respectful curiosity around cats. Most of all, he loves being close to his people—he’d happily be your 60-pound lap dog if you let him!Buddy thrives on companionship and would do best in a home where someone is around more often than not. A fenced yard, family with kids, or another friendly, playful dog would be a bonus, but not required.Please reach out to Alicia for more info: alr4317@gmail.com
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
20. Layla
Layla is about 3 years old and weighs 15 pounds. She is a little on the nervous side, but just wants a human to love. She has been doing well with the cats and dogs in her foster home and figured out the dog door to the securely fenced yard pretty quickly. She is playful and would love another dog to play with in her new home. She does need some work on house training.Layla is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, heartworm negative, on monthly prevention, and dewormed. Her adoption fee is $300 and you can apply to adopt at mpravl.org.
Rescues and shelters near Waynesville
The rescues with the most dogs listed within 25 miles of Waynesville.
- Mountain Pet Rescue AshevilleCandler, NC · 32 dogs · 16 mi from Waynesville
How to adopt from Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville
Application which is followed by interview/counseling, vet check and landlord check.
- Haywood County Animal ShelterClyde, NC · 13 dogs · 11 mi from Waynesville
Adopting a dog in Waynesville
Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your dog in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.
Senior dogs are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate dog, ask the rescues about their older residents.
Puppies go quickly, so if you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon. Ask how big they're expected to grow, and plan for plenty of house-training and training in the first few months.
Questions about adopting a dog in Waynesville
How many dogs are up for adoption in Waynesville?
As of November 4, 2026, 45 dogs and puppies are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Waynesville, North Carolina, by 2 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a dog in Waynesville?
The rescues with the most dogs near Waynesville right now are Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville (Candler, NC) and Haywood County Animal Shelter (Clyde, NC). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there puppies for adoption in Waynesville?
Yes. 8 puppys are up for adoption within 25 miles of Waynesville.
How do I adopt a dog in Waynesville?
Pick a dog and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the dog, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.