Local Resources
This page is always growing. We're committed to connecting our community with the best local pet services, rescues, and information we know. If there's a resource you'd like to see here, email us at info@unleashedmutt.com.
Adoption
The staff at Unleashed actively fosters dogs and cats for local rescues. Visit our Unleashed Adoptables Facebook page to meet our current foster animals. We also host meet-and-greet and adoption events at our stores most weekends — check our events calendar for what's coming up.
Unleashed is dedicated to finding good homes for the millions of pets that need them. We strongly advocate for adoption and do not sell puppies or kittens. Before you buy from a pet store or breeder, please read up on pet store puppies and why you should adopt instead. There are wonderful dogs and cats of every breed and mix waiting for homes right now.
Search adoptable pets near you by age, breed, size, and more:
Adopt from a Rescue Group
Rescue groups are one of the best ways to find your next pet — and they exist for just about every breed and species you can think of. Most are private, non-profit organizations that use foster homes rather than a facility, which means the animals are living in real homes while they wait for theirs.
Below are some of the local rescue groups we've partnered with. This list is always growing.
Raleigh
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Mia's Mafia (may have cats in the Cat Shack at Stonehenge)
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Velvet Acres Animal Rescue (may have cats in the Cat Shack at Stonehenge)
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SPCA of Wake County (non-profit with a public shelter location)
Wilmington/Southport
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New Hanover Humane Society (non-profit with a public shelter location)
We work with many more rescue groups and are always adding to this list.
Meet dozens of rescue groups, shelters, and animal non-profits at our annual fundraiser: k9SpringFling.com.
Read about, find links, and get lots of information about the dozens of rescue groups and animal non-profits that participate at Spring Fling: 2026 Rescues & Non-Profits
Adopt from your Local County Shelter
County shelters are open-admission, which means they must accept every animal that comes through their doors. That commitment to the community often means limited space — and for pets that have been there a while or face medical or behavioral challenges, it can mean euthanasia.
North Carolina consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for shelter euthanasia. Adopting, fostering, and volunteering all make a direct difference. These animals need you just as much as any rescue pet — often more.
Durham
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Animal Protection Society of Durham (also handles Durham animal control)
Wilmington / Southport
For a full searchable list of rescues and shelters in your area, search Petfinder.
Spay & Neuter
Affordable options for NC pet owners:
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Spay-Neuter Assistance Program of NC (SNAP) — mobile low-cost spay/neuter service
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SpayUSA.org — nationwide referral network for affordable services
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Saving Lives Spay Neuter Clinic — a program of the SPCA of Wake County
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Fix A Friend Spay Neuter Clinic — Wilmington area
Find more spay and neuter resources at our Spring Fling event and get details here: spay and neuter | springfling
Local Pet Services
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Dr. Emily Taylor Yunker, DVM — integrative, holistic veterinarian specializing in herbalism
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Dr. Shayne Zimmerman, DVM --- integrative, holistic mobile veterinarian, specializing in acupuncture, TCVM, & reiki
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True Companion Pet Care — pet sitting for dogs, cats, and small pets
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Raleigh Pawz Pet Sitting & Dog Walking — voted best pet sitting in the Triangle (2015)
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Paws Fur Joy Photography --- the Triangle's premier pet portrait experience
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Tara Lynn & Co Photography --- vibrant, love-filled photography for dog-loving families and brands
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Brad Wilser Pet Photography --- Photographing Adventurous Dogs in the Carolinas
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Mobile Paw Clips --- Stress free nail trims for all the furry family!
Training
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Paws in Training — dog training & behavior specialists
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All Dogs Allowed — group and private training
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Topline K9 Solutions — group, private, and specialized partner classes
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Project Paws Dog Training — some classes held at our Parkway Plaza location in Durham
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The Dabba Company- Dog Fitness!
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Paws 4 Peace USA --- Compassionate Training for dogs and their humans
Dog Parks Near Our Stores
Raleigh / Durham Area
Millbrook Dog Park — Millbrook Exchange Park, 1905 Spring Forest Road, North Raleigh
Oakwood Dog Park — next to Oakwood Cemetery, Historic Oakwood, Downtown Raleigh
Flaherty Dog Park — N. White Street, Wake Forest
Durham Dog Park — Piney Wood Park
Cary Dog Park — Godbold Park, 2050 Northwest Maynard Road (verify link)
Chapel Hill Dog Park — Homestead Park
Get Informed & Involved
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The Merck Veterinary Manual — comprehensive electronic reference for animal care
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Is It Too Hot for Your Dog? — quick tool to check before bringing your dog along
