Bringing a new pet into your home is one of the most rewarding experiences, and adopting from a local rescue or shelter gives an animal in need a second chance at life. Whether you're looking for a playful puppy, a senior dog in need of a loving home, or a rescue cat to become your new best friend, Charlotte, NC, has several amazing organizations dedicated to helping pets find their forever families.
As a pet photographer in Charlotte, NC, I love capturing the special bond between pets and their owners—including those who have found their happily-ever-after through adoption. If you're considering adding a new pet to your family, here are some of the best rescues and shelters in the Charlotte area to check out.
1. CMPD Animal Care & Control
📍 Location: 8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
🌐 Website: charlottenc.gov/AnimalsCMPD
CMPD Animal Care & Control is Charlotte’s main municipal animal shelter. They take in stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets and work to find them loving homes. If you're looking to adopt a pet in Charlotte, this is a great place to start. They offer:
A wide variety of dogs, cats, and small pets available for adoption
Lost and found pet services for reuniting lost animals with their owners
Low-cost adoption fees that include vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services
CMPD Animal Care & Control is also a great option for those looking to foster a pet before committing to adoption.
2. Humane Society of Charlotte
📍 Location: 1348 Parker Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
🌐 Website: humanesocietyofcharlotte.org
The Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) is a well-known nonprofit that provides adoption services, spay/neuter programs, and pet owner resources. They focus on responsible pet ownership and matching pets with the right families.
Why adopt from HSC?
They have a thorough adoption process to ensure pets are placed in the right homes
Offer veterinary care services and wellness programs
Provide post-adoption support for new pet owners
If you're looking for a well-cared-for and socialized rescue pet, HSC is a fantastic choice.
3. Catering to Cats & Dogs
📍 Location: Huntersville, NC (Foster-Based Rescue)
🌐 Website: c2cnd.org
Catering to Cats & Dogs (C2CND) is a foster-based rescue in the Charlotte area that focuses on saving at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters. They don’t have a physical shelter, but they rely on dedicated foster families to care for their animals until adoption.
Why choose a foster-based rescue?
Pets are socialized and live in home environments, making the transition easier
You can often meet pets in a relaxed, real-life setting before adopting
They specialize in saving high-risk shelter animals that may otherwise be euthanized
C2CND is a great option if you’re looking for a more personalized adoption experience.
4. Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love
📍 Location: Charlotte, NC (Foster-Based Rescue)
🌐 Website: greatdanefriends.com
If you’re a fan of large breed dogs, this rescue specializes in Great Danes and other giant breeds that need loving homes. Their mission is to rehabilitate and rehome Danes, ensuring they are placed with families that understand the needs of large breeds.
This rescue provides:
Giant breed dogs who need loving homes
A thorough adoption process to ensure the right fit
Support for Great Dane owners, including medical resources and breed education
For those who love big dogs with even bigger hearts, this rescue is a wonderful place to adopt.
5. South Charlotte Dog Rescue
📍 Location: Waxhaw, NC (Foster-Based Rescue)
🌐 Website: southcharlottedogrescue.com
South Charlotte Dog Rescue (SCDR) is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in need. They focus on pulling dogs from overcrowded shelters and placing them in foster homes until they can find their forever family.
Adopting from SCDR means:
The dog has been medically vetted, spayed/neutered, and microchipped
You’ll work with a foster family who knows the dog’s personality
You’ll be supporting a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives
They often have puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs available, making it a great place to find the perfect match.
Why Adopt Instead of Shop?
Adopting a pet not only saves a life but also gives you a loving companion who will be forever grateful for a second chance. Here’s why adoption is the best option:
You’re saving lives. Every adoption opens up space for another animal in need.
Shelter pets are just as loving. Many are surrendered due to life circumstances, not because of behavioral issues.
Adoption fees are lower than buying from a breeder. Most adoption fees include vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services.
You’ll be giving an animal a second chance. Many shelter pets have been abandoned, and you can give them the love they deserve.
Capture Your Rescue Pet’s Journey with Professional Photography
If you’ve recently adopted a pet, I would love to help you document their journey with a professional photography session. Whether you’re looking for solo pet portraits, pet & owner sessions, or family photos with your new rescue, I specialize in creating beautiful images that highlight the love and personality of your new companion.
Contact me today to book a pet photography session in Charlotte, NC, and celebrate your rescue pet with timeless portraits!