With as pet-friendly as Charlotte is, pet adoption is always on the minds of residents—especially if you’ve bought a house with a yard. Who can say no to puppy dog eyes (we can’t)? If you’re looking to expand your family into the four-legged category, there are plenty of resources for pet adoption in Charlotte. 

Most agencies that work to get pets adopted will waive fees when shelters are running out of space. Recently, City of Charlotte Animal Care and Control announced it would not charge adoption fees as they were low on space, and instead collected donations for its programs. For those looking for feline friends, all cat adoptions are free. Animal Care and Control also has some chickens, rabbits, and other small animals available for adoption. See what pets are available for adoption through this organization here.

There are several organizations in Charlotte that offer pet adoptions: 

If you’re not ready to adopt, most organizations are also in need of fosters. 

You can also support these organizations and meet some of the adoptable pets through events hosted around town. Look for adoption events at a variety of pet supply stores including PetSmart, Pet People, and Pet Supplies Plus. For something on the fancier end of the spectrum, look into the Humane Society’s Ties and Tails Gala. The best part: well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend.