Charlotte-Area Dog Adoption Events and Programs: Find Your New Furry Friend!

There’s no better feeling than welcoming a new fur baby to their forever home and making them part of the family. If you’re in the Charlotte area, you’ll be glad to know the region holds numerous adoption events throughout the year, and has organizations dedicated to fostering and adoption.

To help you on your adoption journey, the Pet Palace team has put together this handy resource, so give it a look to find some great options!

The Greater Charlotte SPCA Dog Adoption Events

As a branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Greater Charlotte SPCA is dedicated to caring for animals and helping place them in loving homes.

They hold many adoption events throughout the year on weekends, and often partner with area businesses for promotion and a change of location. For instance, in May of 2026 they are working with notable area businesses and communities like:

• Triple C Brewing Company
• Replay Brewing
• Downtown Matthews
• Hollywood Feed – Waverly

Along with these events, you can also fill out an adoption interest form on their site and read about their adoption process. Best of all? They say that the process usually takes no more than a few days to a week to complete, so you’ll be playing with your pup in no time!

The Humane Society of Charlotte

This organization is another great way to find your new pet, as they offer adoptable dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Like the Greater Charlotte SPCA, adoptions are available at all times, but special events also occur throughout the year, as listed on their event calendar.

The Humane Society’s site lists extensive information for prospective pet owners, but some key points to be aware of include:

• Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and valid payment (cash or credit card) are required for adoption
  
• Profiles of specific adoptable animals are listed online so you can learn all about the furry friends ready to meet you
• Adoption fees vary by age, size, breed, and temperament, and can include aspects like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, medical procedures, and more
• They are open every day of the week, with times ranging from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., so check their site for specific daily hours

City of Charlotte Pet Adoptions

Charlotte’s official website also offers pet adoption services, helping residents adopt dogs, cats, and small pets and farm animals.

Their office is located at 8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte NC 28217 and is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They welcome visitors and are ready to introduce you to plenty of lovely animals!

They also work with area pet stores to house adoptable cats, including PetSmart in Cornelius, PetSmart in Cotswold, and Pet Supplies Plus on East 7th Street. Along with this, they host events throughout the year, such as the Steps for Shelter Pets in May of 2026 to support animal care.

Hope for All Dogs

Hope for All Dogs is an all-breed, no kill rescue organization based in the Charlotte area. Their mission is to rescue stray and unwanted dogs – particularly senior dogs and those with special needs – from high-kill shelters before they are euthanized. They then work to pair these dogs with loving homes to give them the best lives possible.

The organization holds events on many weekends throughout the year, which you can sort through on their homepage. Many of these events are held on Saturdays in the late morning and early afternoon at PetSmart at Rivergate Shopping Center.

Animal Volunteering – Hiking Daycations for Sheltered Dogs Meetup Group

This Meetup group based out of Charlotte partners with CMPD Animal Control to give dogs that are being kept in kennels a chance to play, expend energy, and have a great time.

The group meets on Sundays at 11 a.m. at 8315 Bryum Drive, Charlotte, and lets members meet dogs, walk them, and play with them. If someone clicks with a furry friend, they can even begin the adoption process!

October Adoption Events

While the spring and summer months are very popular for adopting dogs, October is a standout as well. Here are some options to mark on your calendar:

• The Greater Charlotte SPCA/Triple C Brewing Company event – From 12 to 3 p.m. on October 17, plenty of adorable dogs will be on site looking for their forever homes.
• PetSmart National Adoption Week – Every year in later October, PetSmart holds their annual adoption week, connecting local rescue organizations with PetSmart franchises to help pet lovers find new bundles of joy.
• Paws of the Pines Rescue Events – This dog rescue outside of Charlotte hosts a variety of events throughout the year, with a considerable spike in October. Give their site a look for some great opportunities. 

Need Some Help with Your New Pet? We’re Ready to Assist!

Pet Palace offers two facilities in the area for Charlotte and Charlotte South, providing pet owners with the best pet boarding, doggy day care, grooming, and more. If your new pet needs some tender loving care, our pet experts are ready to deliver. Contact us today!

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