N.C. Non-Profit Animal Rescue
Give a Freedom RideIn 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.
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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Stay up to date with current adoptable dogs, available fosters, events and more.
We had an AMAZING time on Sunday out in Durham. A great showing of dogs, volunteers, people, and lots of love!
🐩💙FRR Alum Linus (FKA Figgy) is a 100% Standard Poodle and one of the sweetest pups around!
🐶 Linus is a happy, easygoing boy who adores wrestling with his yellow lab sister, Annie. While toys aren’t really his thing, he does treasure his cozy blue blanket for snuggles. 🛏️💤
🌿 He loves being outdoors and has enjoyed hikes at William B. Umstead State Park, strolls around the North Carolina Museum of Art, and cheering on many soccer games. ⚽
💦🐕 This summer, Linus traveled to Valle Crucis, where he discovered that water is a little intimidating unless Annie jumps in first, then he’s right behind her!
💖 Above all, Linus is a cuddle bug and incredibly affectionate. He brings so much joy and love to his family, who feel beyond lucky to share life with this sweet boy. ✨
👀 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!
See us on Instagram
Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!
🐩💙FRR Alum Linus (FKA Figgy) is a 100% Standard Poodle and one of the sweetest pups around!
🐶 Linus is a happy, easygoing boy who adores wrestling with his yellow lab sister, Annie. While toys aren’t really his thing, he does treasure his cozy blue blanket for snuggles. 🛏️💤
🌿 He loves being outdoors and has enjoyed hikes at William B. Umstead State Park, strolls around the North Carolina Museum of Art, and cheering on many soccer games. ⚽
💦🐕 This summer, Linus traveled to Valle Crucis, where he discovered that water is a little intimidating unless Annie jumps in first, then he’s right behind her!
💖 Above all, Linus is a cuddle bug and incredibly affectionate. He brings so much joy and love to his family, who feel beyond lucky to share life with this sweet boy. ✨
👀 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!
With his gorgeous, fluffy white coat and the gentlest of souls, Bertram is one special pup. He’s still growing into those big paws (and that big personality!), but it’s clear he’s destined to be an amazing companion.
Bertram came from a situation where he spent most of his time outdoors, so everything about indoor life is brand new — and he’s soaking it all in! While he can be a little cautious at first, his curiosity and sweet spirit are shining through more each day. He’s starting to show off his playful side and is learning how wonderful it is to be loved. 🥰
🏡 Bertram would do best with:
A patient, loving family to help him continue building confidence
A friendly dog buddy to show him the ropes
People who can give him kindness and consistency as he grows into the best version of himself
Bertram has so much love to give, and he can’t wait to share it with his forever family. Could that be you?
👉 Apply to adopt Bertram today at www.freedom-ride.org
🍂✨ Double Event Weekend with Freedom Ride Rescue ✨🍂
🐾 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 🐾
Friday, October 3 | 7–9 pm
📍 Outside Morning Times, Downtown Raleigh (as part of First Friday)
Our black dogs (and friends in every shade of fur) are gathering around their “cauldron” of cuteness to welcome October at First Friday! Come say hi, soak in the vibes, and maybe meet your new forever pup.
🍁 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 🍁
Saturday, October 5 | 11 am–6 pm
📍 Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh
The crisp air and changing leaves are the perfect backdrop for a new beginning. Whether you’re searching for a hiking buddy, cuddle partner, or playful companion, your perfect match is waiting for you.
🐶 Two days. Two chances. Endless love waiting to be found.
Auction Alert! We`ve added this fun "Freedom Ride Rescue" swag for bid - it`s a hoodie and shirt is OPEN until Oct. 5 ... bid and keep checking back! We are adding new items daily!
https://auctions.signupgenius.com/bid/frrsilentauction2025/
All of the items were donated so 100 percent of winning bids help us support dogs like Rosalina, who is for adoption AND on the road to being heartworm free!
#pawsitforward #nopawsleftbehind #freedomriderescue #onlineauction
🚨🚨FOSTER NEEDED!!!🚨🚨Single 8 week old Freckle-Foot is in need of a foster. She’s a loving and gentle puppy. The shelter has zero space for her so a local boarding center is holding on to her to keep her safe. Please email jennifer@freedom-ride.org if you can open your home to this little one. Thanks!!!
This fluffy, floppy little goofball is as sweet as they come. Nugget may be timid at first, but once you earn his trust, he’ll become your loyal little shadow—always nearby and happy to keep you company.
✨ Some fun facts about Nugget:
🐶 Loves to hang out with his people and will happily nap in his crate with a toy or two when you’re away.
🎾 Enjoys gentle games of fetch or tug as he settles into his playful side.
🐕 Gets along well with other dogs (though he’s not much of a player yet) and completely ignores his cat foster siblings.
🌱 Timid with busy places—his ideal home has a fenced yard where he can safely relax and build confidence.
👨👩👧 Would do best in a calmer home, with no kids or older kids.
Nugget is still a young pup, learning potty training, leash walking, and building confidence with the world—but he’s already making big strides! With patience, love, and routine, Nugget is going to blossom into the most wonderful companion. We believe that Nugget is a Great Pyrenees mix, so he`ll be a big guy.
Could Nugget be the sweet sidekick you’ve been waiting for? Apply today at www.freedom-ride.org
TURKEY DAY TUESDAY!! We`ve got 58 days `til RUN TIME! Bianca`s story is one of patience and resilience, which we hope will inspire you to join us Thanksgiving morning for our annual Turkey Day 5K in Garner .... there`s a timed 5K, a casual 5K, a one mile walk/run OR register as a virtual runner (even if you don`t actually RUN, you`ll get a shirt!!)
Get more info - and register - here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Garner/FreedomRideRescueTurkeyDay5k
Dogs and chidren welcome: costumes encouraged ... and take note of the amazing sponors - please support the businesses supporting Freedom Ride!
#pawitforward #freedomriderescue #turkeyday5k #garner #garnernc
AUCTION ALERT: Lots of pet supplies available in our annual auction, but hurry: bidding closes Oct. 5!
See the full auction and bid here:
https://auctions.signupgenius.com/bid/frrsilentauction2025/
Winning bids help us support dogs like Christopher, who is available for adoption: want a running buddy? Look no further!
#pawsitforward #nopawsleftbehind #freedomriderescue #onlineauction
Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
~
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.
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.