N.C. Non-Profit Animal Rescue

Give a Freedom Ride

In the rescue world, a ā€œFreedom Rideā€ 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.

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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 ā€œFreedom Rideā€ 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 areĀ 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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Sunshine, snuggles, and SO many kisses ā˜€ļøšŸ¾

Meet Saydie—your future little shadow and professional cuddle bug šŸ’•

She may be a tiny bit shy at first, but give her just a few minutes and she’ll be following you from room to room, hopping into your lap, and covering you in sweet kisses. At night? Her favorite place is curled up in your arms, soaking up all the love and closeness she can get 🄹

Saydie has been through a lot—she came to us in rough shape and had to be shaved down due to severe matting—but her gentle, loving spirit never wavered. She’s healing beautifully and showing everyone just how resilient (and sweet!) she truly is šŸ’›

This girl is a sun worshipper through and through. Her perfect day? Lounging outside in the sunshine or perched by a window like a little cat, just watching the world go by 🌿✨

She does great with kids and cats, and while she’s still figuring out her comfort level with other dogs, she’d likely be happiest as your one-and-only or with a calm, respectful canine companion.

Saydie is still working on house training and building confidence, and she’ll do best with a patient, loving family who can give her consistency and help her feel safe and secure. In return, you’ll get a deeply devoted, affectionate companion who will love you with her whole heart.

If you’re looking for a sweet, snuggly sunshine girl to share your days (and your couch), Saydie is ready to be your perfect match ā˜€ļøšŸ¶šŸ’–

www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
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Sweet like candy… with just the right amount of sass šŸ¬šŸ¾

Meet Candy—a petite little lovebug who’s equal parts playful and devoted. She’s all about toy time, zoomies with her dog friends, and then VIP snuggle sessions with her person (sharing optional šŸ˜‰).

Candy is house-trained, sleeps like a dream in her crate, and loves her daily walks. She’d do best with someone who’s home often—because being near her people is her favorite thing in the world šŸ’›

She’s smart, spunky, a little chatty (so no apartment life for this girl!), and full of personality. Basically… she’s the whole package ✨

Looking for a loyal little sidekick with a sprinkle of sass? Candy might be your perfect match šŸ¶šŸ’•

www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
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Sweet as her name… meet Caramel šŸÆšŸ¾

This petite, fluffy girl is basically a walking dose of happiness—complete with the cutest curly tail and a heart full of love. At around 1 year old and ~30 lbs, she’s the perfect ā€œjust rightā€ size for couch snuggles and tagging along on all your adventures šŸ’›

Caramel may not have had the sweetest start, but you’d never know it. She’s gentle, affectionate, and all about the cozy life—think belly rubs, snuggles, and rolling around in the grass like it’s her own personal spa day 🌿✨

Like any young pup, she’s still working on house training, but with a little patience and consistency, she’s going to absolutely shine.

If you’re looking for a loving, loyal companion who will melt right into your heart (and your couch), Caramel is your girl šŸ’•

Apply to meet her today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
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Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!

Sunshine, snuggles, and SO many kisses ā˜€ļøšŸ¾

Meet Saydie—your future little shadow and professional cuddle bug šŸ’•

She may be a tiny bit shy at first, but give her just a few minutes and she’ll be following you from room to room, hopping into your lap, and covering you in sweet kisses. At night? Her favorite place is curled up in your arms, soaking up all the love and closeness she can get 🄹

Saydie has been through a lot—she came to us in rough shape and had to be shaved down due to severe matting—but her gentle, loving spirit never wavered. She’s healing beautifully and showing everyone just how resilient (and sweet!) she truly is šŸ’›

This girl is a sun worshipper through and through. Her perfect day? Lounging outside in the sunshine or perched by a window like a little cat, just watching the world go by 🌿✨

She does great with kids and cats, and while she’s still figuring out her comfort level with other dogs, she’d likely be happiest as your one-and-only or with a calm, respectful canine companion.

Saydie is still working on house training and building confidence, and she’ll do best with a patient, loving family who can give her consistency and help her feel safe and secure. In return, you’ll get a deeply devoted, affectionate companion who will love you with her whole heart.

If you’re looking for a sweet, snuggly sunshine girl to share your days (and your couch), Saydie is ready to be your perfect match ā˜€ļøšŸ¶šŸ’–

www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
Sweet like candy… with just the right amount of sass šŸ¬šŸ¾

Meet Candy—a petite little lovebug who’s equal parts playful and devoted. She’s all about toy time, zoomies with her dog friends, and then VIP snuggle sessions with her person (sharing optional šŸ˜‰).

Candy is house-trained, sleeps like a dream in her crate, and loves her daily walks. She’d do best with someone who’s home often—because being near her people is her favorite thing in the world šŸ’›

She’s smart, spunky, a little chatty (so no apartment life for this girl!), and full of personality. Basically… she’s the whole package ✨

Looking for a loyal little sidekick with a sprinkle of sass? Candy might be your perfect match šŸ¶šŸ’•

www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
Sweet as her name… meet Caramel šŸÆšŸ¾

This petite, fluffy girl is basically a walking dose of happiness—complete with the cutest curly tail and a heart full of love. At around 1 year old and ~30 lbs, she’s the perfect ā€œjust rightā€ size for couch snuggles and tagging along on all your adventures šŸ’›

Caramel may not have had the sweetest start, but you’d never know it. She’s gentle, affectionate, and all about the cozy life—think belly rubs, snuggles, and rolling around in the grass like it’s her own personal spa day 🌿✨

Like any young pup, she’s still working on house training, but with a little patience and consistency, she’s going to absolutely shine.

If you’re looking for a loving, loyal companion who will melt right into your heart (and your couch), Caramel is your girl šŸ’•

Apply to meet her today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
FRR Alum Forrest was his family’s 8th foster pup with FRR in 2025, and he ended up exactly where he was meant to be! 🄰 Now about 9 months old, Forrest is a happy, growing pup with so much love to give.

🧬 After a DNA test, it turns out Forrest is a true hound mix through and through. šŸ˜† His primary breeds include 30% Bluetick Coonhound, 21% American Foxhound, 13% Beagle, 9% Treeing Walker Coonhound, and 5% Redbone Coonhound—basically, a little bit of every hound you could imagine!

🌳 Forrest is an outdoor enthusiast at heart. He loves long scent walks in the woods, watching birds, and soaking up all the sights and smells nature has to offer. When he’s not exploring, he’s all about playtime with toys or stretching out for a cozy nap in the sunshine. ā˜€ļø

🐶 Living with two fur siblings, Forrest definitely leans into that ā€œyoungest child syndromeā€ā€”he loves to try and boss them around! He’s also a vocal boy and isn’t shy about expressing himself. That classic hound howl makes sure everyone knows exactly what he wants (and when he wants it)! šŸŽ¶

šŸŽ“šŸ» Forrest recently completed his first round of ā€œDrink With Your Dogā€ training through Social Pup Raleigh, helping him build confidence and calmness in dog-friendly public spaces. He’ll be starting Level 2 soon and already enjoys visiting local breweries and patios like a pro!

ā¤ļø His family absolutely adores him and is so grateful to FRR for bringing him into their lives. Forrest is truly the perfect fit, and his story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the right dog just finds their way home.

šŸ‘€ 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 Floki—your future best friend with the softest fur and the sweetest soul. He had a rough start, but you’d never know it now. With a little time, patience, and love, he’s blossoming into the most affectionate, playful boy.

Floki’s favorite things? Snuggling up with his person, zooming around the yard with his doggy friends, chewing on his toys… and let’s not forget—this boy LOVES his snacks šŸ–šŸ˜„

He’s a smart cookie, too! Floki already knows commands like sit, stay, and come, and he’s doing great with potty training (almost there!). He’s still a bit unsure about leashes and crates, so he’ll need a patient adopter who can help him continue building confidence and show him the world isn’t so scary.

A home with another dog and a fenced yard would be his dream—he’d love a buddy to show him the ropes and a safe space to run and play while he learns.

Floki has come such a long way, and he’s ready to give his whole heart to a family who will love him right back šŸ’•

Think this fluffy lovebug might be your perfect match? Apply to meet Floki today 🐶✨

www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
Warning: may cause instant heart-eyes šŸ˜šŸ¾

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

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 šŸ˜‰).

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 šŸ’›šŸ¶

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

Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.ā€

~ 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 ā€œFreedom Rideā€ 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 personĀ as they start their most life’s wonderful chapter: the one as a cherished pet.

Upcoming Events

Ā 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.Ā 

Report Lost Pet