N.C. Non-Profit Animal Rescue

Give a Freedom Ride

In 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.

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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 “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!

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Meet Otis — your future ride-or-die snuggle buddy!

Hi there! I’m Otis — a simple guy with a big ol’ heart and a love for the good things in life: soft beds, belly rubs, and you. 💛

I’m already a pro at the important stuff:
🎓 Well-trained and smart (will work for treats!)
🎾 Lover of tug games and squeaky toys
🛌 Expert-level cuddler and nap enthusiast
🏡 Crate-trained and chill when you’re out

My dream home? One where I’m the only dog — I like having the spotlight to myself! A fenced-in yard would be a huge bonus so I can stretch my legs and live my best zoomie life.

I’m loyal, loving, and just waiting to meet the person who’ll see me for the good boy I am. Could that be you?

Apply to meet me at www.freedom-ride.org
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Hear ye, hear ye! This weekend, the Freedom Ride knights (and their noble pups) ride forth to Wake Forest in search of worthy adopters to join their noble cause.

At Fortnight (Wake Forest location), brave hearts will gather, tails will wag, and perhaps the greatest quest of all shall be fulfilled — finding forever homes.

Join us on our journey, noble friends — for these Tails of Glory await their champions!

⚔️ Saturday, August 29 (noon-3 pm)
⚔️Fortnight Brewing, Wake Forest (1894 S. Franklin Street)

Come see us!
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Franklin Needs You!

This sweet boy has had a tough few months. His original owner faced serious health issues and could no longer care for him, so he came to Freedom Ride to find a new home. Franklin was adopted — but only for 48 hours before being returned for seeming “stressed.” (Friendly reminder: Two days is not nearly enough for any dog to decompress in a new home. Patience and time are the key to helping your new friend adjust.)

Back in his foster home, we’ve learned something important: Franklin LOVES people and LOVES other dogs… but he is not a fan of cats. So now, our biggest wish is to find this sweet, handsome boy a cat-free foster or forever home where he can finally relax and be loved like he deserves.

Other than his dislike of cats, Franklin is the perfect houseguest!

👉 How you can help Franklin right now:
✔️ Apply to Adopt – give Franklin the forever home he’s dreaming of.
✔️ Apply to Foster – open your home and your heart while he waits to be adopted.
✔️ Foster to Adopt – give him a try, and if it’s not the right fit, continue fostering until his forever family comes along.
✔️ SHARE this post – help us reach the cat-free foster or adopter he’s waiting for.

Let’s get Franklin the safe, happy home he deserves.

Apply to foster or adopt Fabulous Franklin on our website: www.freedom-ride.org
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Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!

Meet Otis — your future ride-or-die snuggle buddy! 

Hi there! I’m Otis — a simple guy with a big ol’ heart and a love for the good things in life: soft beds, belly rubs, and you. 💛

I’m already a pro at the important stuff:
🎓 Well-trained and smart (will work for treats!)
🎾 Lover of tug games and squeaky toys
🛌 Expert-level cuddler and nap enthusiast
🏡 Crate-trained and chill when you’re out

My dream home? One where I’m the only dog — I like having the spotlight to myself! A fenced-in yard would be a huge bonus so I can stretch my legs and live my best zoomie life.

I’m loyal, loving, and just waiting to meet the person who’ll see me for the good boy I am. Could that be you?

Apply to meet me at www.freedom-ride.org
Hear ye, hear ye! This weekend, the Freedom Ride knights (and their noble pups) ride forth to Wake Forest in search of worthy adopters to join their noble cause.

At Fortnight (Wake Forest location), brave hearts will gather, tails will wag, and perhaps the greatest quest of all shall be fulfilled — finding forever homes.

Join us on our journey, noble friends — for these Tails of Glory await their champions! 

⚔️ Saturday, August 29 (noon-3 pm)
⚔️Fortnight Brewing, Wake Forest (1894 S. Franklin Street)

Come see us!
Franklin Needs You!

This sweet boy has had a tough few months. His original owner faced serious health issues and could no longer care for him, so he came to Freedom Ride to find a new home. Franklin was adopted — but only for 48 hours before being returned for seeming “stressed.” (Friendly reminder: Two days is not nearly enough for any dog to decompress in a new home. Patience and time are the key to helping your new friend adjust.)

Back in his foster home, we’ve learned something important: Franklin LOVES people and LOVES other dogs… but he is not a fan of cats. So now, our biggest wish is to find this sweet, handsome boy a cat-free foster or forever home where he can finally relax and be loved like he deserves.

Other than his dislike of cats, Franklin is the perfect houseguest! 

👉 How you can help Franklin right now:
✔️ Apply to Adopt – give Franklin the forever home he’s dreaming of.
✔️ Apply to Foster – open your home and your heart while he waits to be adopted.
✔️ Foster to Adopt – give him a try, and if it’s not the right fit, continue fostering until his forever family comes along.
✔️ SHARE this post – help us reach the cat-free foster or adopter he’s waiting for.

Let’s get Franklin the safe, happy home he deserves. 

Apply to foster or adopt Fabulous Franklin on our website: www.freedom-ride.org
This little tiny queen may be a senior, but she’s still full of zoomies, toy time, and snuggles. When she’s not wrestling and chasing her doggy friends, you’ll find her cozied up under a blanket, snoozing like the royalty she is. 👑

Peggy’s wishlist for her forever home:
🐶 A canine bestie to wrestle, snuggle, and share adventures with (strongly preferred!)
🏡 Someone who works from home — she loves her people and doesn’t like being left alone.
🚫 No apartments/shared walls — Peggy has a voice and isn’t afraid to use it when you’re gone.
🚸 Older kids or no kids (younger ones make her a little nervous).

She’s house-trained, leash-loving, and sunshine-approved for lounging outdoors. While she’s small, her personality is BIG — equal parts love and sass. 

If you and your dog are ready for a new partner in fun (and naps), Peggy is ready to steal your heart.

📩 Apply to adopt at www.freedom-ride.org
🎵 FRR Alum Bandit’s life started out like a country song. He was lost out in the middle of nowhere 🌾, in bad shape 💔, and with more than his fair share of hard luck. When he was found as a stray 🐾, he was dehydrated 💧, anemic, malnourished 🥺, and had a shattered jaw 💥. The first vet thought the kindest choice might be to let him go 😢, but Freedom Ride Rescue had other plans 🚐💨!

🚗 One road trip and a skilled surgery later 🩺, Bandit had part of his jaw removed (with such beautiful work ✨ that you’d hardly notice!). These days, he only struggles with certain foods 🍽️, never drools, and only lets his tongue peek out 👅 when he’s really tired 😴.

😎 Bandit is a low-key kind of guy. He’s not into toys 🎾, doesn’t like being wet 💦, and has zero interest in hanging outside for long 🌤️. But mention the word “walk” 🚶‍♂️, and he transforms into an excited, barking machine 🐕💬. He’s a world-class cuddler 🥰 (possibly the best his humans have ever met) and a devoted Velcro dog 🩵 who follows his people everywhere.

🤝 While he’s generally friendly, Bandit isn’t a fan of strange men coming to the house to fix things. 🔧🚫 He’s content to live a cozy, safe life 🏡, which is exactly what he deserves after everything he’s been through 💕. He shares his home with his Freedom Ride Rescue sister, Harley 🐶, and together they make an inseparable, heartwarming duo 🐾❤️🐾.

👀 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!
At 9 years young, this gorgeous gal has the perfect balance of gentle affection and joyful energy. Zuzu weighs in at a comfy 55 lbs, and her favorite things in life include:
💖 Belly rubs (the more, the better)
🍪 Tasty treats
👩‍❤️‍👩 Time with her people

Don’t let her age fool you — Zuzu still loves a good game of catch, a long walk, or a burst of zoomies in the yard with her foster sister. She’s fully house trained, crate trained, and an all-around well-mannered houseguest (though she might try to convince you the couch is where she really belongs).

If you work from home, Zuzu could be your dream coworker — happy to nap quietly by your side while you work, then ready for a little playtime when you take a break.

Loving, loyal, and full of life, Zuzu is ready to shower her forever family with affection and make every day a little brighter.

📩 Apply to adopt at www.freedom-ride.org
At just 8 months old, Christopher is the perfect mix of puppy charm and gentle soul. He’s an incredibly sweet boy who loves everyone he meets and thrives with other dogs by his side. Having a canine buddy helps him feel secure and confident — and playtime with a friend is one of his favorite things. 

Christopher is working on his crate skills and would love a family willing to help him keep building confidence when it’s time to settle in. He’s already proving himself to be a quick learner, and with patience and love, he’ll blossom even more.

His ideal home:
🐕 A friendly dog companion
🏡 People who are often home and ready to guide him as he grows
💖 A family that will cherish his sweet nature and goofy puppy moments
🐾 A home with a tall fenced-in yard perfect for zoomies and sniffies

📩 Apply to adopt or foster at www.freedom-ride.org
At 5 years old, this stunning mixed-breed lady (possibly Doberman/Blue Heeler mix) has a big personality and an even bigger heart. Nairobi is a social butterfly… on her own schedule. She’ll greet you like a celebrity, let you admire her fabulousness, and then strut off to her next big adventure (play session pending)

Her highlight reel:
💃 True to Heeler traits, she keeps a watchful eye on her “flock” – humans and dog friends included.
🎾 Loves playing with other pups.
🗣 Uses her voice to make sure you know when it’s dinner time, belly rub o’clock, or when she simply deserves more attention.
🎭 Master of the “dramatic sigh” when things don’t go her way.
🏡 Housebroken & crate-loving – her crate is her personal backstage retreat.

If you’re ready for a playful, quirky, slightly theatrical best friend who will keep you laughing and love you endlessly, Nairobi is ready to take center stage in your life.

📩 Apply to adopt at www.freedom-ride.org

Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”

~ 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 “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.

Upcoming Events

 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. 

Report Lost Pet