N.C. Non-Profit Animal Rescue
Give a Freedom RideIn 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.
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!
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Welcome to FRR's Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We'll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Capicola!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Capicola) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
Welcome to FRR's Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We'll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Lucie!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Lucie) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
FUNDRAISER: OPERATION ADOPT OTIS
Otis has a wish: to find his forever family. No pup deserves it more than this sweet, goofy guy who has been waiting for far too long.
We have a plan to help this boy’s wish come true, but we need YOUR HELP!
Otis is heading to a one-month board & train program to give him the very best shot at finally finding his forever home. After 1,000+ days in foster care, this is our moment to invest in his future, build his confidence, and help him shine the way we know he can.
Otis has come so far — from shelter pup, to foster success, to being loved in a forever home, and back again after heartbreaking life circumstances. Through it all, he’s remained goofy, loving, loyal, resilient, and SO ready for his next chapter. We want to do everything we can to give Otis his best chance at finding the perfect home.
This program will help him:
• Build structure & routine
• Strengthen his obedience & engagement
• Learn to regulate excitement and thrive in new environments
• Show adopters just how amazing he truly is
Huge thank you to @leashandlead_k9s for taking this mission on!
But we can’t do this alone.
Operation Adopt Otis is officially underway, and we’re asking our amazing community to help us fund his training. Every single donation — big or small — gets this boy one step closer to home.
Donate here: www.zeffy.com/.../donation-form/operation-adopt-otis
Let’s rally, let’s share, let’s cheer him on — and let’s make sure this is the chapter that finally leads him home. We are so grateful for every dollar donated. If you can’t donate—please SHARE this post so we can work together to help Otis’s wish come true!
#OperationAdoptOtis #AdoptOtis #otibodi #OtisDeservesMore #FreedomRideRescue #AdoptDontShop #FosterLove #RescueDogMagic #BoardAndTrainJourney #OneMonthForForever #otibodi #dogsofinstagram #dogsofcary ##dogsofdurham
See us on Instagram
Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!
Welcome to FRR`s Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We`ll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Capicola!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Capicola) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
Welcome to FRR`s Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We`ll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Lucie!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Lucie) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
FUNDRAISER: OPERATION ADOPT OTIS
Otis has a wish: to find his forever family. No pup deserves it more than this sweet, goofy guy who has been waiting for far too long.
We have a plan to help this boy’s wish come true, but we need YOUR HELP!
Otis is heading to a one-month board & train program to give him the very best shot at finally finding his forever home. After 1,000+ days in foster care, this is our moment to invest in his future, build his confidence, and help him shine the way we know he can.
Otis has come so far — from shelter pup, to foster success, to being loved in a forever home, and back again after heartbreaking life circumstances. Through it all, he’s remained goofy, loving, loyal, resilient, and SO ready for his next chapter. We want to do everything we can to give Otis his best chance at finding the perfect home.
This program will help him:
• Build structure & routine
• Strengthen his obedience & engagement
• Learn to regulate excitement and thrive in new environments
• Show adopters just how amazing he truly is
Huge thank you to @leashandlead_k9s for taking this mission on!
But we can’t do this alone.
Operation Adopt Otis is officially underway, and we’re asking our amazing community to help us fund his training. Every single donation — big or small — gets this boy one step closer to home.
Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/.../donation-form/operation-adopt-otis
Let’s rally, let’s share, let’s cheer him on — and let’s make sure this is the chapter that finally leads him home. We are so grateful for every dollar donated. If you can’t donate—please SHARE this post so we can work together to help Otis’s wish come true!
#OperationAdoptOtis #AdoptOtis #otibodi #OtisDeservesMore #FreedomRideRescue #AdoptDontShop #FosterLove #RescueDogMagic #BoardAndTrainJourney #OneMonthForForever #otibodi #dogsofinstagram #dogsofcary ##dogsofdurham
Welcome to FRR`s Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We`ll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Orla!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Orla) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
🎄🎅 What`s Your Dog`s Holiday Elf Name? 🎁
The holidays are here, and all our rescue pups have transformed into Santa`s little helpers! We want to know what festive name your furry family member gets!
It`s simple: Combine the word associated with the FIRST LETTER of your dog`s name and the word associated with their BIRTH MONTH. Post their new elf name in the comments below! 👇
Welcome to FRR`s Home for the Holidays Campaign!
We`ll be showing off every single available dog over the next few weeks, in hopes of getting as many as possible adopted and in their own forever homes for the holidays.
Today we’d like you to meet Dilly-Dally!
You can find more information about all of our dogs (including Dilly-Dally) on our website: www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption. Once you’ve fallen in love with your perfect pooch, fill out an application!
Freedom Ride Rescue believes that pets should not be presents: they are lifelong commitments. Everyone in the family needs to be involved in finding the RIGHT pet to fit the family and everyone needs to be ready for all that comes with a new furry addition. Because of this, Freedom Ride will put a “paws” on adoptions the week of Christmas. We will not be processing applications or finalizing adoptions from December 21-27. (We’ll process any adoptions that get started before then, but will not process new applications during that time).
But we still have time for lots of precious pups to find their people before that! We would love for our dogs to be Home for the Holidays!
🐾❤️ Kids + Dogs = A Beautiful Friendship… When We Teach It the Right Way! ❤️🐾
One of the most important gifts we can give both children and dogs is the knowledge of how to interact safely and respectfully. Dogs aren’t toys — they’re living, feeling companions who rely on us to understand their boundaries.
✨ Here’s how we can help kids build safe, happy relationships with dogs:
👀 Teach them to read dog body language
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is comfortable. Helping kids understand “I’m nervous,” “I’m done,” and “I need space” keeps everyone safe.
👐 Let dogs come to them
No rushing, grabbing, or hugging. Allowing dogs to approach at their own pace builds trust and confidence.
🐕 Give dogs their space
Sleeping dogs, eating dogs, and dogs in crates or on beds need to be left alone — these are important “dog zones.”
🤲 Show gentle, calm touch
Soft pets on the back or side are great. No ear pulling, no climbing, no squeezing — even the sweetest dogs deserve gentle hands.
🗣️ Model the correct behavior
Little ones learn best by watching us. Showing them how to greet, interact, and respect a dog sets the standard.
💛 When children understand how to behave around dogs, everyone wins:
A safer home. Happier dogs. More confident kids. And lifelong bonds built on trust and love.
Let’s teach kindness, respect, and safety — one positive interaction at a time. 🐾💛
In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we’re shining the spotlight on our wise, wonderful, and oh-so-handsome guy Bartoc. With his gentle spirit and loyal heart, Bartoc is the kind of dog who makes life sweeter just by being in it.
Senior dogs like Bartoc bring a calm, comforting presence — they’ve done the growing, learned the lessons, and now they’re ready to simply love and be loved. He’s looking for a warm home, a soft spot to nap, and a person who appreciates the quiet magic seniors bring.
If you’ve been thinking about opening your heart to an older pup… Bartoc is ready and waiting. 💛
👉 Check out his bio on our website and consider giving this incredible senior his well-deserved forever home.
www.freedom-ride.org
🎄🐾 A BUSY DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND — WE’VE OFFICIALLY LOST OUR HEADS! 🐾🎄
Two events. Same day. Same rescue. Same level of holiday chaos and cuteness.
No matter where you are in the Triangle, we won’t be far away — because on Saturday, we’re popping up in two places at once!
🎁 DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
🕚 11 AM – 6 PM
📍 MAKRS Society Holiday Market
Come stroll the holiday market, shop local makers, and meet some of our adorable adoptables while you soak up the festive vibes.
🎅 CARY
📍 Rosecomb Beer Garden
We’ll be teaming up with Canine Community Outreach of NC for a day of fun, furry friends, and… SANTA PHOTOS!
Bring your pup for a photo with Santa — proceeds support spay/neuter initiatives in NC, a cause near and dear to all of us who care about reducing pet overpopulation.
Plus, we’ll have adoptable dogs ready to charm their way into your heart. 💛
🎉 It’s a big weekend with big chances for holiday fun — whether you choose Raleigh or Cary, you’re guaranteed great dogs, great people, and great holiday spirit.
And if all that wasn’t enough...
We’ll have some of our volunteers out on SUNDAY at Unleashed in Cary. Come say hi and drop off some food, puppy pads, toys, or other doggy items to help our Holiday Supply Drive
Come join us and kick off December with a whole lot of cheer! 🎅🐶✨
Part entertainment, part thank you and part memorial - our Turkey Day 5K signs guide our runners/walkers around the one mile and 5K course! Signs are available for local pick up - email turkeyday@freedom-ride.org for yours. (Signs not picked up will be used in future races .... mark your calendar for Thanksgiving 2026: the 10th Annual Turkey Day 5K!)
#pawitforward #turkeyday5K #freedomriderescue
Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
~
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.
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.