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Puppies and dogs in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Looking for a puppy or dog in Chapel Hill, North Carolina? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

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Adopt a dog in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
Photo of Vyva or V

Vyva or V

American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, Puppy
Carrboro, NC
Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids, House-trained,
Story
This is V, she was found outside of a local Walgreens all by herself. I had her on a shelter watch for 5 days where she wad found, but no one claimed her. I have had her for about 1 month. She quickly learned where the bathroom was (outside) and she was easiest dog ever to Crate train. She is the best dog ever, and while I don't want to give her away I think she needs to be with a family who has a yard, and a less crazy schedule. I'm in my first year of pharmacy school and so I have had to leave her a lot in the crate, which she has done well with, but she deserves more attention and care then I can provide right now.
Photo of BELLA

BELLA

Chihuahua

Female, 8 yrs
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with dogs, Not good with cats, Needs experienced adopter, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Bella was born 4/9/17 so that makes her 6.5 years old. She weighs around 12 lbs. She loves to play tug of war and also likes to fetch. She is very active. She is also a total love bug. When you sit on the couch, she jumps right up and snuggles up right next to you. She will constantly nudge your hand wanting to be petted. She sleeps in the bed with you and crawls up under the covers to snuggle up next to you. She is also a chow hound. She is always begging for something to eat. She is taken out regularly when her foster mom is home. Once when her foster mom didn’t take her out soon enough, she started circling and her foster mom knew she was looking for a place to go. During the day while her foster mom is at work, Bella is left blocked off in her foster mom’s den. Pee pads are left down and she will go on them. She has not torn anything up and her foster mom is gone around 9 hours per day. Her previous foster crated her during the day and said she tore everything up and made a total mess. Her foster mom did lock her in a crate for about 3 hours one day, while she was gone, and she was fine. Bella is dog aggressive and will need to be an ONLY DOG. Even on leash when walking Bella reacts negatively to other dogs. Bella also has a high prey drive so would do best in a home without smaller animals.  Fence is required due to her dog aggression to ensure her safety.  Bella’s adoption fee is $300.00 If you are interested in the above dog, please do not email us and tell us that you are interested, but submit an adoption application. The link for the application is below. To submit an application go here……chihuahua-rescue.com/adoption-application/ An application must be submitted and approved before a meet-n-greet can be scheduled. Your current dogs/cats must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian has determined that your current pet(s) should not be fixed due to medical reasons. They must also be up-to-date on shots and on HW preventative. Reference checks and a home visit are required so SE dogs can only be adopted in NC/SC, VA MD, AL, TN, and GA.
Photo of Denzel and Cameron *BONDED*

Denzel and Cameron *BONDED*

Chihuahua

Male, Adult
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Denzel and Cameron! Denzel and Cameron are a bonded pair that entered CRT after their owner passed away. Denzel is estimated to be around 8 years old but possibly older and around 6.5 pounds. Cameron is believed to be around 14 years old and weighs about 20 pounds. As noted above, these boys are quite bonded and it is an absolute must that they be adopted to the same home. Cameron doesn’t even like there to be a door between himself and Denzel! Denzel is the smaller fawn-colored pup and Cameron is rust-colored and heavier. Denzel and Cameron’s foster mom reports that Cameron is a very sweet boy. Denzel can be grumpy at times and as he has snapped at a neighbor, should go to an adult only home or a home with respectful children who know how to respect small older dogs. Cameron has had a large growth removed from his leg. The vet said it looked like soft tissue osteosarcoma; unfortunately, the growth accidentally got thrown away so we had no biopsy to confirm this. Cameron’s knees don’t work well and he struggles to take the step from his foster mom’s porch to the yard and back but he has done it through sheer determination thus far. Cameron has also been noted on xray to have an enlarged heart and takes a daily medication for his heart. Both boys are potty trained. They are neutered and have been vetted. They are heartworm negative and on monthly heartworm prevention. They will be microchipped prior to adoption. Denzel and Cameron’s’ adoption donation is $550.00. If you are interested in the above dog, please do not email us and tell us that you are interested, but submit an adoption application. The link for the application is below. To submit an application go here……chihuahua-rescue.com/adoption-application/ An application must be submitted and approved before a meet-n-greet can be scheduled. Your current dogs/cats must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian has determined that your current pet(s) should not be fixed due to medical reasons. They must also be up-to-date on shots and on HW preventative. Reference checks and a home visit are required so SE dogs can only be adopted in NC/SC, VA, TN, AL, MD and GA.
Special Needs
Photo of Precious *Special Needs*

Precious *Special Needs*

Chihuahua

Female, 8 yrs 2 mos
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Needs special attention, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
This little angel is Precious! And yes, she lives up to her name (mostly)! Precious is a 4.5 pound brown female chihuahua who is estimated to be around 8 years old. Precious was found roaming the streets of western North Carolina after the hurricane and floods in fall of 2024. A volunteer picked her up, and she made her way to us. Precious was not in good shape. This poor little girl has had a lot of medical care since she entered CRT- she required an inguinal hernia repair, a tumor removal from her face (you may see the stitches in her photos), a dental, and an enucleation (eye removal) due to infection. Her remaining eye is not very functional, and she is for the most part blind. Additionally, Precious was considerably underweight and is still about 1-2 pounds underweight, though she is eating well now and slowly putting on weight! Precious is timid and shy in a new place, but after a day or two she is up and exploring her new environment. She bumps into things a bit, but gets around pretty well, especially once she gets her bearings! Precious’ favorite things are a warm cozy dog bed to curl up in (bonus points if it has a comfy blanket to cover herself with, or one of the dog beds with the flap she can cocoon herself in!) and meal time- Precious is very food motivated and LOVES to eat! Precious enjoys curling up in her person’s lap and relaxing. Precious is not very interested in other dogs; in fact, she growls at other dogs who get in her space and will attack if she feels threatened. Now, Precious is so tiny that she probably cannot hurt another dog; but depending on the other dog, she could easily get hurt in a fight. So, we believe she’d be best in a home where she is the only dog, or if there is another dog in the home, if that dog is passive, non-confrontational, and will leave Precious alone and back off when she growls. Precious does get barky when other dogs in the home are barking; or, when she hears a sound that is concerning to her, she will definitely sound the alarm. She has no problem with being vocal when she wants something! Precious, given her size and blindness, would do best in a home without young children. A calm home with a human companion or two would be great for Precious. She has not been aggressive towards humans at all and seems to feel comfortable with new people fairly quickly. Precious seems to be potty trained, and does her business as soon as she’s let out in the yard. However, she does seem to get confused distinguishing rugs from pee pads in her foster home, so her foster parents are trying to work with her on this. She is not a flight risk but obviously needs watched when she is out in the yard due her poor eyesight and her size. Precious currently sleeps through the night without issue in her favorite dog bed. As previously mentioned, Precious is for the most part blind. She does require daily eye drops for dry eyes in her remaining eye. She is spayed and up to date on vaccinations. She is heartworm negative and on monthly heartworm prevention. As she is missing some teeth post-dental, she is now eating soft food. She is microchipped. Precious’ adoption donation is $300. If you are interested in the above dog, please do not email us and tell us that you are interested, but submit an adoption application. The link for the application is below. To submit an application go here……chihuahua-rescue.com/adoption-application/ An application must be submitted and approved before a meet-n-greet can be scheduled. Your current dogs/cats must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian has determined that your current pet(s) should not be fixed due to medical reasons. They must also be up-to-date on shots and on HW preventative. Reference checks and a home visit are required so our southeast dogs can only be adopted in NC/SC, VA, TN, AL, MD and GA.
Photo of Princess Diana (Dede)

Princess Diana (Dede)

Chihuahua

Female, 13 yrs
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
You’re now in the presence of royalty! Princess Diana (aka Dede) is a 13 year old chihuahua who is looking for a best friend and companion. She lived with her elderly owner until she passed recently, so she is happiest being around her owner a lot. She was inherited by a family who unfortunately spends a lot of time away from the house during the day which has led to severe separation anxiety with Dede. Dede was never crated as a puppy so has had a hard time adjusting to being in a crate, and doesn’t do well spending long amounts of time crated or in a play pen. Dede has a sassy but sweet, loving personality and is looking for a loving home where she can take naps, get plenty of snuggles, and be your most loyal companion! She does not have a lot of energy and prefers to relax and take naps over playing. She tends to get very anxious if left alone for long period of time so someone who is home frequently would be a great fit. She loves to cuddle and be petted. She is very loyal to you once she trusts you and is bonded to you. She bonds quickly and is very easy to fall in love with. Dede is not aggressive towards people or other dogs, and could integrate well into a home with dogs once adjusted. She is very sweet but can be an anxious dog so Dede needs a stable environment! Dede is potty trained although will have accidents in the house if not let out on a regular basis. Dede is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations. She just recently had a vet wellness check with no signs of health issues. Medical records are available as well for historical reference. Dede’s adoption donation is $250. If you are interested in the above dog, please do not email us and tell us that you are interested, but submit an adoption application. The link for the application is below. To submit an application go here……chihuahua-rescue.com/adoption-application/ An application must be submitted and approved before a meet-n-greet can be scheduled. Your current dogs/cats must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian has determined that your current pet(s) should not be fixed due to medical reasons. They must also be up-to-date on shots and on HW preventative. Reference checks and a home visit are required so our southeast dogs can only be adopted in NC/SC, VA, TN, AL, MD and GA.
Photo of Bob *Fence Required*

Bob *Fence Required*

Chihuahua

Male, 2 yrs
Durham, NC
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Bob! Bob is a 2-year-old, 15 pound male chihuahua mix. He was surrendered to a shelter alongside 9 of his brothers and sisters and was very confused about what was happening! When he first came out of the shelter, all he wanted was to tuck his head and hide in the corner of his crate. Since then, he has blossomed into a cuddly and loving companion. We don’t have many details of what Bob’s life was like before joining CRT, but it seems like most things – being with people, playing with toys, and going on walks – were all brand new to him. That being said, he is a very quick learner and open-minded about his new world! After about 48 hours, he began snuggling with his foster mom, giving her gentle kisses on the nose, and trusting her to pick him up off the couch. He gets along well with his two foster siblings and has quickly learned the routine of the pack. He is very curious and loves to explore the yard and chew on new toys – but still gets a little frightened when they squeak! Bob has lived his life with many brothers and sisters around, and takes confidence from having a companion to play and cuddle with. He also ADORES playing with his siblings, so having a canine companion to wrestle and run with him is a must. We aren’t sure how he does with cats, but suspect he’d be fine with them as well. He should go to a home without children, or older children that know to respect his space and allow him to come to them. Bob is nearly house-broken and knows to go potty immediately after going outside, but occasionally will have an accident if not let out enough. He is making progress with learning how to use potty pads. Bob is totally fine being loose in the house while his mom is at work and sleeps in bed with her every single night! An adoptive family should be comfortable sharing their bed with this snuggle bug or be prepared to be patient with some barking while crate-training him at night. He is an excellent climber as well, so short playpens and gates are unable to contain him. Bob is prone to getting spooked by new noises outside and takes time to allow his people to handle him appropriately. Due to this we will only be adopting Bob to a home with a secure fence, to allow time for him to bond with his family prior to a leash being required for daily walks. Bob could probably escape a harness if he really wanted to, so adopters will need to be cautious on walks and have an AirTag on his collar. If you’re looking for a super cuddly and loving new best friend, Bob is the perfect companion! Bob is neutered, UTD on vaccines, HW Negative, and on HW Preventative. He will be microchipped prior to adoption. His adoption donation is $300.00. If you are interested in the above dog, please do not email us and tell us that you are interested, but submit an adoption application. The link for the application is below. To submit an application go here……chihuahua-rescue.com/adoption-application/ An application must be submitted and approved before a meet-n-greet can be scheduled. Your current dogs/cats must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian has determined that your current pet(s) should not be fixed due to medical reasons. They must also be up-to-date on shots and on HW preventative. Reference checks and a home visit are required so our southeast dogs can only be adopted in NC/SC, VA, TN, AL, MD and GA. He may also be transported to adoptees in our midwest region (OH, KY, IL, MI, WI, MN).

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Dog shelters and rescues in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

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Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Petsaver-NC Rescue

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Pet Types: cats, dogs, horses

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Love Overboard Kennels

710 W. Rosemary St., Carrboro, NC 27510

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Shelter

Orange County Animal Services

1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Pet Types: cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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East Coast Asian Dog Rescue, Inc. - NC

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Pet Types: dogs

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Rescue

Rottweiler Hearts Rescue

1304 Dairyland Road, Attn: Rottweiler Hearts Rescue, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Pet Types: dogs

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Russell Rescue of the Carolinas

10711 Arsenal Drive, Durham, NC 27707

Pet Types: dogs

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