N.C. Non-Profit Animal Rescue

Give a Freedom Ride

In the rescue world, a “Freedom Ride” is that magical car ride out of an animal shelter for a dog. At first they are nervous, but there is a moment when they realize they are safe …. tongue out, tail wagging, a new chapter for them.

Adopt a dogMake a Donation
About Us

About Our N.C. Rescue

We are proud to be the crazy dog lovers who skip out on work to transport dogs from all over the state to their excited fosters’ homes; who stay up late searching shelter pages for that next “Freedom Ride” potential; who spend countless hours making rescue a reality!

Freedom Ride Rescue brings together individuals who share a love for dogs and a dream to see a no-kill state. Our foster-based network is in the Raleigh/Clayton, NC, area. We bring in dogs of all ages, sizes and breed mixes. We help to rehabilitate these animals – providing security, love, medical, and behavioral training as needed – until they can be adopted to their “fur-ever” homes.

We are foster based: we have no facility and every one of our adoptable (and not quite ready to be adopted) animals are in homes where families are teaching trust, love, basic manners …. preparing your future dog ready to be the best addition to your family that he can be!

As fosters, we are willing to have our heart break after we love, rehabilitate and nurse an unwanted, unloved animal until they prance away with their fur-ever person – often never looking back – as they start their most life’s wonderful chapter: the one as a cherished pet.

So join our road to making freedom rides happen! We are a wonderful, tight-knit family needing volunteers, fosters, donors – basically caring people willing to help in any way they can!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay up to date with current adoptable dogs, available fosters, events and more.

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

... See MoreSee Less

All dogs listed here have been added to the website to begin receiving applications. If you are interested in any of these dogs, please visit www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption to read more information and submit an adoption application. ... See MoreSee Less

Warning: may cause instant heart-eyes 😍🐾

Meet Meander—blue-eyed heartthrob, professional goofball, and your future adventure buddy all in one BIG, lovable package 💙

This bouncy boy has major Tigger energy—he’s playful, curious, and always ready to turn everyday moments into fun. Whether he’s exploring the world, entertaining himself (and you), or handing out top-tier puppy kisses, Meander is living life to the fullest.

And did we mention… he’s going to be a BIG boy? We’re talking 80+ lbs of love, laughter, and loyal companionship. With his cattle dog/hound roots, he’s going to thrive with an active family ready for adventures, playtime, and helping him grow into the amazing dog he’s meant to be.

Potty training is still a work in progress, but this smart, eager pup is ready to learn with a little guidance (and maybe a few treats along the way 😉).

If you’re looking for a fun-loving, handsome pup with a heart of gold—and eyes you’ll absolutely get lost in—Meander is ready to meander right into your life 💛🐶

Apply to meet him today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
... See MoreSee Less

Load more

See us on Instagram

Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!

Warning: may cause instant heart-eyes 😍🐾

Meet Meander—blue-eyed heartthrob, professional goofball, and your future adventure buddy all in one BIG, lovable package 💙

This bouncy boy has major Tigger energy—he’s playful, curious, and always ready to turn everyday moments into fun. Whether he’s exploring the world, entertaining himself (and you), or handing out top-tier puppy kisses, Meander is living life to the fullest.

And did we mention… he’s going to be a BIG boy? We’re talking 80+ lbs of love, laughter, and loyal companionship. With his cattle dog/hound roots, he’s going to thrive with an active family ready for adventures, playtime, and helping him grow into the amazing dog he’s meant to be.

Potty training is still a work in progress, but this smart, eager pup is ready to learn with a little guidance (and maybe a few treats along the way 😉).

If you’re looking for a fun-loving, handsome pup with a heart of gold—and eyes you’ll absolutely get lost in—Meander is ready to meander right into your life 💛🐶

Apply to meet him today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
He’s not just charming… he’s Charm ✨🐾

This happy-go-lucky pup is all tail wags, bright eyes, and “what are we doing next?!” energy. Charm greets life with a cheerful spirit and a whole lot of love to give—he’s the kind of dog who makes every day feel a little more fun 💛

Charm is still learning the ropes of home life—things like leash manners, routines, and exploring the world outside—but he’s making great progress and soaking it all in one step at a time. This smart, poodle-mix pup is eager to learn and thrives when he’s given structure, guidance, and plenty of positive reinforcement (and maybe a treat or two 😉).

Because he’s so people-focused, Charm loves being near his humans and may need a little extra support as he builds confidence being on his own. With patience, consistency, and lots of reassurance, he’s well on his way to becoming the amazing companion we know he’ll be.

Charm will do best with an active family ready to keep his mind and body busy—think walks, playtime, training, and plenty of adventures together.

If you’re looking for a fun, loving pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart, Charm is ready to live up to his name in your home 🐶✨

Apply to meet him today 💕
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
We will never stop advocating for our pittie pups. We want the world to see how great pit bull TYPE dogs can really be!
Meet Lolly —professional snuggler, part-time toy pouncer, and full-time believer that she belongs in your lap… forever (we won’t tell her she’s growing 😌).

This sweet girl is the total package: playful, loving, and just a little bit thoughtful as she takes in the world around her. She may be a tiny bit shy at first, but give her a treat (or three) and you’ll see her confidence bloom in no time—this girl is SMART and very food motivated 🍪✨

Lolly loves to chase toys, perfect her pounce, and is already figuring out fetch like a pro. But her true passion? Being as close to her humans as physically possible. If you’re looking for a shadow with a heartbeat, Lolly is your girl 💛

Ready to meet your new best friend? Apply today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption

You can see more pics and videos of this cutie on her foster mom's IG: @hill_houseofpups
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month ❤️🐾

Heartworm disease is preventable—but unfortunately, it’s incredibly common, especially here in the South where warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive. And all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to put your dog at risk.

Treatment is long, expensive, and hard on dogs—but prevention is simple, safe, and so much easier on everyone involved. Keeping your pup on monthly prevention truly saves lives.

Dogs like Wendy came to us already heartworm-positive. We’re committed to getting her the treatment she needs to become healthy again, but we’d much rather be able to use those resources to save even more dogs instead of treating a disease that could have been prevented.

If you have a dog, please talk to your vet about heartworm prevention and make sure they’re protected year-round. And if you’re able to support rescues like ours, every donation helps cover the cost of lifesaving treatments for dogs who need it most.

Let’s work together to keep more tails wagging and fewer dogs facing heartworm disease

You can help us care for Wendy and our other heartworm-positive dogs by donating to our funds. https://www.freedom-ride.org/donate/
Loaf may take a minute to warm up in new situations, but once he does, his playful, curious personality starts to shine. He’s a thoughtful little guy who is still learning that the world isn’t so scary—but give him a moment (and maybe a snack 😉), and you’ll see just how special he is.

And speaking of snacks… this boy is VERY food motivated. Treat-dispensing toys? Obsessed. Training potential? Through the roof. Pair that with his incredible hound nose, and Loaf is happiest when he’s following a scent and exploring the world one sniff at a time.

Don’t let his shy start fool you—Loaf loves to play! He’s a tug-of-war champ and will happily bound across the yard when you call his name, full of joy and tail wags. It’s the kind of moment that makes you fall in love instantly.

Loaf is looking for a home that will give him the time, encouragement, and love he needs to truly come into his own. In return, you’ll get a loyal, playful companion with soulful eyes and a heart of gold.

If you’re ready to help this sweet boy find his confidence and blossom, Loaf might just be your perfect match. Apply to meet Loaf: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
Freedom Ride needs YOU!

If you've ever wanted to get involved, we'd love to have you! There are so many ways you can help our organization and we'd love to tell you about all of them so you can find something that fits what you have to give.

Do you love spending time with dogs but aren't in a position to foster--we can still use your help! All of our fosters are volunteers and sometimes life plans conflict with adoption events. We get requests every week from fosters who would love for their adoptable dog to attend an event, but can't bring them personally. That's where we need YOUR help! You can volunteer just a few hours of your time to bring a dog to an event--and hopefully get them noticed by potential adopters! Some dogs may be on leashes and need someone to bring them/handle them at the event, while our little ones are confined to puppy pens and need someone to "puppy sit" them while people come to snuggle. It's an easy way that you can make a big difference for our rescue! 

Put in a volunteer application at:
www.freedom-ride.org

Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”

~ Karen Davison

Services

What We Do

Rescue Dogs

We are proud to be the crazy dog lovers who skip out on work to transport dogs from all over the state to their excited fosters’ homes … who stay up late searching shelter pages for that next “Freedom Ride” potential …. who volunteer countless hours making rescue a reality!

Provide Medical Care

Freedom Ride Rescue provides all supplies (crates, food, bowls) and gets the animal in for a vet visit (for a spay, neuter and/or vaccines); we’ll also provide flea and heartworm preventatives. Anything and everything to make a happy and healthy pet!

Find A Home

We love, rehabilitate and nurse an unwanted, unloved animal until they prance away with their fur-ever person as they start their most life’s wonderful chapter: the one as a cherished pet.

Upcoming Events

 Don't miss our fun-filled line up of events!

help save a life

Donations cover vet expenses, shelter fees, continuing long-term care, and any other costs that arise treating dogs in great need. We prepare our dogs for success with a microchip, spay/neuter and make sure they are up to date on vaccines and preventatives. We are a 501(c)(3) organization making your financial contributions tax deductible.

foster

Join our tight-knit rescue family! We need fosters until dogs are adopted, for temporary needs, for medical cases and/or for end of life hospice care. Supplies and vet care is provided. You help your dog blossom and find his fur-ever home and in the process learn what a rewarding experience fostering really is!

Adopt

Adopting a rescue animal helps to save the life of an animal in need, through no fault of their own! And you get a new best friend out of the deal. Seriously, what could be better than that? We take in all mixes of breeds and all ages! You can meet adoptable dogs at our weekly adoption events or put in an application for specific dogs.

Lost a Pet?

Freedom Ride Rescue partners with Petco Love Lost to make reuniting lost pets easier using image recognition technology to search a national lost and found database. 

Report Lost Pet