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!
Follow us on Facebook
Stay up to date with current adoptable dogs, available fosters, events and more.
A Weekend Full of Fall Fun & Spooktacular Surprises! 🍂👻
We’ve got a jam-packed weekend ahead, and you won’t want to miss a minute!
🍁 Saturday – Clayton Fall Festival (10–5)
We’ll be soaking up all the fall vibes in downtown Clayton! Stop by our booth to meet some of our adorable adoptable dogs — they’ll be cycling through at different times throughout the day, so take note of when your favorite cutie will be there so you don't miss your chance to meet them! 🐶🍂
🕸️ Sunday – Halloween at Clouds Taproom (3–7 PM)
Our annual Halloween celebration is back at Clouds Taproom in Raleigh! Come enjoy an afternoon of local vendors, delicious food & drinks, and, of course, plenty of puppers and doggos hoping to meet their forever families. Don’t forget — the costume contest starts at 5 PM, so get there early, whether you’re entering or just want to cheer on the cutest contestants in town! 🧡🎭
It’s going to be a weekend full of fun, fur, and festive spirit — we can’t wait to see you there!
Is your dog ready to compete Sunday at Clouds Taproom in Raleigh for the best costume at our 4th Annual Cloudy with a Chance of Boos?
Excited to announce our "Canine Costume Contest" judges!! Martha Waggoner (her third year as a judge: retired Associated Press editor/writer and current senior writer for the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants AND long time mom to rescue dogs, including FRR alumni Ruby), Cory Walker (Wake County Speedway driver - who has sported FRR's logo on his car 51 this season and become a HUGE supporter of our rescue efforts) and Brian Schneider (Head of retail development at Rescue Treats, a company that donates a portion of every sale to rescues).
THE FOUR CATEGORIES:
* Best Couple/Team Costume (Person/Dog couple or Dog/Dog couple)
* Best Pop Culture Reference (Show us your favorite movies, TV shows, or viral moments!)
* Most Creative Costume (Think outside the treat bag! Originality wins!)
* Most Pawsome Overall (The top prize for the best of the best!)
We start lining up for the costume parade to show the judges what your dog's got at 5 pm - there's a $5 donation to enter your pack!!
See more (including what adoptable dogs and puppies are coming) at www.facebook.com/events/3829606267183879
#pawitforward #cloudstapyard #halloweeenanddogs #freedomriderescue
The Deli Platter is Ready to Serve!
Six weeks have flown by, and Mama Salami and her six adorable Deli Platter pups are officially ready to start meeting their forever families! 🩷 From pint-sized hams to little sandwich-stacked sweethearts, this crew has grown into the most lovable bunch — each one ready to bring a big helping of joy to a lucky home.
Head over to our website to read more about Salami and her pups and submit your adoption application today — they can’t wait to meet their future families! The pups can start meeting people now, but can't go to their forever homes until they are 8 weeks old.
www.freedom-ride.org
See us on Instagram
Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!
A Weekend Full of Fall Fun & Spooktacular Surprises! 🍂👻
We’ve got a jam-packed weekend ahead, and you won’t want to miss a minute!
🍁 Saturday – Clayton Fall Festival (10–5)
We’ll be soaking up all the fall vibes in downtown Clayton! Stop by our booth to meet some of our adorable adoptable dogs — they’ll be cycling through at different times throughout the day, so take note of when your favorite cutie will be there so you don`t miss your chance to meet them! 🐶🍂
🕸️ Sunday – Halloween at Clouds Taproom (3–7 PM)
Our annual Halloween celebration is back at Clouds Taproom in Raleigh! Come enjoy an afternoon of local vendors, delicious food & drinks, and, of course, plenty of puppers and doggos hoping to meet their forever families. Don’t forget — the costume contest starts at 5 PM, so get there early, whether you’re entering or just want to cheer on the cutest contestants in town! 🧡🎭
It’s going to be a weekend full of fun, fur, and festive spirit — we can’t wait to see you there!
Is your dog ready to compete Sunday at Clouds Taproom in Raleigh for the best costume at our 4th Annual Cloudy with a Chance of Boos?
Excited to announce our “Canine Costume Contest” judges!! Martha Waggoner (her third year as a judge: retired Associated Press editor/writer and current senior writer for the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants AND long time mom to rescue dogs, including FRR alumni Ruby), Cory Walker (Wake County Speedway driver - who has sported FRR’s logo on his car 51 this season and become a HUGE supporter of our rescue efforts) and Brian Schneider (Head of retail development at Rescue Treats, a company that donates a portion of every sale to rescues).
THE FOUR CATEGORIES:
* Best Couple/Team Costume (Person/Dog couple or Dog/Dog couple)
* Best Pop Culture Reference (Show us your favorite movies, TV shows, or viral moments!)
* Most Creative Costume (Think outside the treat bag! Originality wins!)
* Most Pawsome Overall (The top prize for the best of the best!)
We start lining up for the costume parade to show the judges what your dog’s got at 5 pm - there’s a $5 donation to enter your pack!!
🚨🚨FOSTER NEEDED!🚨🚨This sweet boy’s story is a heartbreaker — he was found as a stray with a microchip, but when contacted, his owner claimed he wasn’t theirs. We know he deserves so much better than that, and we’re determined to help him find the love and stability he’s been missing. He’s about 4 years old, neutered, housetrained, and friendly with both dogs and cats. He has great recall, a gentle spirit, and just wants to be by your side. We’re looking for a foster home to give him a safe place to land while he searches for his forever family.If you’re interested in fostering this sweetheart, please email jennifer@freedom-ride.org today!
The Deli Platter is Ready to Serve!
Six weeks have flown by, and Mama Salami and her six adorable Deli Platter pups are officially ready to start meeting their forever families! 🩷 From pint-sized hams to little sandwich-stacked sweethearts, this crew has grown into the most lovable bunch — each one ready to bring a big helping of joy to a lucky home.
Head over to our website to read more about Salami and her pups and submit your adoption application today — they can’t wait to meet their future families! The pups can start meeting people now, but can`t go to their forever homes until they are 8 weeks old.
www.freedom-ride.org
Meet Jonesy — the total package of goofy charm and loving energy! 💛
This young guy (he`s about 2 years old) is still figuring out what kind of play he loves best (stuffies and rope toys are current favorites 🧸), and he’s a champion walker who does great on leash. He’ll happily chase after a ball… even if “fetch” is still a work in progress!
Belly rubs? Jonesy’s ultimate weakness. He’ll melt into you the second you start. He’s eager to learn, loves to please, and just needs someone patient enough to show him the ropes.
If you’re looking for a happy, affectionate companion who’s ready to soak up love and adventure, Jonesy is your guy!
Apply to adopt Jonesy: www.freedom-ride.org
Imagine your dog`s smiling face helping our runners stay on track Thanksgiving morning at the annual Turkey Day 5K in Garner! For a $100 donation, your pet gets a sign for our course .... available for local pick up after the run!
It`s a great way to celebrate your pet or a sweet memorial for one who has crossed the rainbow bridge. It`s a largest fundraiser so please consider joining as a 5K runner, a one mile runner/walker ... or supporting us virtually from anywhere!
See more (including the business sponsors taking part this year) at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Garner/FreedomRideRescueTurkeyDay5k
#pawitforward #freedomriderescue #turkeyday5K #adoptdontshop
🚨🚨FOSTERS NEEDED!🚨🚨 Two tiny, incredibly sweet pups are looking for a soft place to land! First pup (female)– about 5 lbs, super sweet, and the shelter believes she’s already spayed. She’s lived happily with other dogs before and has the gentlest little heart.
Second pup (male) – around 6 lbs, friendly, social, and full of wags. He’s a happy little guy who loves people and other pups.
Both are small, affectionate, and ready to trade the shelter for a comfy couch. Can you open your home to one (or both!) of these cuties?
If you’re interested in fostering, please email jennifer@freedom-ride.org!
😂 FRR Alum Montgomery (aka Monty) might weigh in at 82 lbs, but in his heart he’s a chihuahua. He never meets a stranger and truly believes everyone he sees is there just to meet him.
🐿️ If there’s a squirrel nearby, you can bet Monty will be on the case, carefully stalking with great determination.
🚗❤️ This nosy boy notices everything new in his environment and makes sure his family knows whether he approves or not. Monty lives for adventure, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, running on the beach, or just hopping in the car for a daily ride with his people. Even his daily walks feel like the best adventure ever.
🎾🧸His human sister works at PetSmart, which is a dream come true for him, since Monty goes through squeaky toys at lightning speed.
🍅🥦🥕He also joined in the family garden this year, quickly discovering his love for tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. The garden didn’t fare quite as well thanks to him. 😂
🎉 Monty is about to turn 2 years old, and he has come such a long way. He’s grown into a wonderful, goofy, loving boy.
💕But Monty didn’t just get rescued… he rescued his mom too. Their bond is something truly special, and he fills her life with joy, laughter, and unconditional love every single day.
🐾✨ Monty is proof that sometimes the best adventures are the ones shared with your best friend!
👀 We absolutely love hearing about how our alumni are doing! Want to see your alum featured? Share their photos and stories on our alumni page—you could be our next spotlight!
Meet Rhubarb — the sweetest little shadow you’ll ever have! 🌸
This 2-year-old Dachshund mix has a heart as big as her personality. She’s the definition of loyal and loving, following her favorite humans everywhere just to stay close. Rhubarb adores pets, snuggles, and all the affection you can give 💕
She’s also a confident little socialite on her walks, totally unfazed by new sights and sounds — and she’s cat-approved, too! 🐾
If you’re looking for a cheerful, cuddly sidekick to make every day brighter, Rhubarb is your girl!
Apply to adopt this little sweetie: www.freedom-ride.org
🍂 Two Paw-some Events, One Amazing Weekend! 🍂
Saturday, October 25 — Clayton Harvest Festival (10–5)
Join us for a cozy, meaningful autumn day dedicated to giving our incredible rescue dogs the second chance they truly deserve.
Every pup has a story of resilience and hope — and each one is ready to leaf the uncertainty of their past behind and find true love.
From shy sweethearts to goofy, playful pups, our pack is ready to meet you. Come celebrate the spirit of rescue and help a dog begin their beautiful new chapter.
Sunday, October 26 — Clouds Brewing Taproom, Raleigh (3–7 PM)
Our FOURTH Annual Costume Contest is back! 🎃👻
Dress up your fur baby and join us for a spooktacular afternoon of adoptable dogs, costumes, brews, and fun.
Whether your pup’s a superhero, skeleton, or pumpkin, we can’t wait to see your creativity shine!
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.