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.
FRR Alum Forrest was his family’s 8th foster pup with FRR in 2025, and he ended up exactly where he was meant to be! 🥰 Now about 9 months old, Forrest is a happy, growing pup with so much love to give.
🧬 After a DNA test, it turns out Forrest is a true hound mix through and through. 😆 His primary breeds include 30% Bluetick Coonhound, 21% American Foxhound, 13% Beagle, 9% Treeing Walker Coonhound, and 5% Redbone Coonhound—basically, a little bit of every hound you could imagine!
🌳 Forrest is an outdoor enthusiast at heart. He loves long scent walks in the woods, watching birds, and soaking up all the sights and smells nature has to offer. When he’s not exploring, he’s all about playtime with toys or stretching out for a cozy nap in the sunshine. ☀️
🐶 Living with two fur siblings, Forrest definitely leans into that “youngest child syndrome”—he loves to try and boss them around! He’s also a vocal boy and isn’t shy about expressing himself. That classic hound howl makes sure everyone knows exactly what he wants (and when he wants it)! 🎶
🎓🍻 Forrest recently completed his first round of “Drink With Your Dog” training through Social Pup Raleigh, helping him build confidence and calmness in dog-friendly public spaces. He’ll be starting Level 2 soon and already enjoys visiting local breweries and patios like a pro!
❤️ His family absolutely adores him and is so grateful to FRR for bringing him into their lives. Forrest is truly the perfect fit, and his story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the right dog just finds their way home.
👀 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!
Meet Floki—your future best friend with the softest fur and the sweetest soul. He had a rough start, but you’d never know it now. With a little time, patience, and love, he’s blossoming into the most affectionate, playful boy.
Floki’s favorite things? Snuggling up with his person, zooming around the yard with his doggy friends, chewing on his toys… and let’s not forget—this boy LOVES his snacks 🍖😄
He’s a smart cookie, too! Floki already knows commands like sit, stay, and come, and he’s doing great with potty training (almost there!). He’s still a bit unsure about leashes and crates, so he’ll need a patient adopter who can help him continue building confidence and show him the world isn’t so scary.
A home with another dog and a fenced yard would be his dream—he’d love a buddy to show him the ropes and a safe space to run and play while he learns.
Floki has come such a long way, and he’s ready to give his whole heart to a family who will love him right back 💕
Think this fluffy lovebug might be your perfect match? Apply to meet Floki today 🐶✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
TRIPLE EVENT WEEKEND with Freedom Ride Rescue! 🎉
We’ve got THREE chances this weekend to shop, sip, socialize, and meet some adorable adoptable dogs — and we’d love to see you at one (or all!) of them!
🛍️ SATURDAY MORNING: Historic Oakwood Neighborhood Yard Sale
📍 605 N Boundary Street, Raleigh
🕘 9am–1pm
It’s the annual Historic Oakwood Yard Sale and OUR HOUSE IS A FUNDRAISER! Come treasure hunt for amazing finds while supporting Freedom Ride Rescue — every dollar raised at our location goes directly to the dogs. Score something special and consider donating generously to help us keep saving lives! 🐶💛
🎶 SATURDAY AFTERNOON: ‘Cuegrass Festival
📍 Downtown Raleigh (Fayetteville Street)
🕛 12pm–6pm
Next, head downtown and join us (and some of our adoptable pups!) at the 16th annual ‘Cuegrass Festival! Enjoy great BBQ, local brews, and toe-tappin’ bluegrass music while supporting an incredible cause.
100% of funds raised at ‘Cuegrass benefit: Freedom Ride Rescue, SAFEchild, The Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America, Broughton Capital Foundation, and Arts Together. We’re honored to be part of this amazing day of community support!
🐾 SUNDAY: “Canned with Cuteness” Adoption Event
📍 Mason Jar Lager Company
🕑 2pm–4pm
We’re wrapping up the weekend with the sweetest batch yet! Join us for cold drinks, great company, and some adorable adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. Come sip, socialize, and maybe meet your new best friend. 🍻🐕
Check our event page closer to the weekend for maps and which adoptable dogs you can meet at each event!
See you this weekend, FRR friends! 💛
See us on Instagram
Browse our dogs in foster care and available for adoption!
FRR Alum Forrest was his family’s 8th foster pup with FRR in 2025, and he ended up exactly where he was meant to be! 🥰 Now about 9 months old, Forrest is a happy, growing pup with so much love to give.
🧬 After a DNA test, it turns out Forrest is a true hound mix through and through. 😆 His primary breeds include 30% Bluetick Coonhound, 21% American Foxhound, 13% Beagle, 9% Treeing Walker Coonhound, and 5% Redbone Coonhound—basically, a little bit of every hound you could imagine!
🌳 Forrest is an outdoor enthusiast at heart. He loves long scent walks in the woods, watching birds, and soaking up all the sights and smells nature has to offer. When he’s not exploring, he’s all about playtime with toys or stretching out for a cozy nap in the sunshine. ☀️
🐶 Living with two fur siblings, Forrest definitely leans into that “youngest child syndrome”—he loves to try and boss them around! He’s also a vocal boy and isn’t shy about expressing himself. That classic hound howl makes sure everyone knows exactly what he wants (and when he wants it)! 🎶
🎓🍻 Forrest recently completed his first round of “Drink With Your Dog” training through Social Pup Raleigh, helping him build confidence and calmness in dog-friendly public spaces. He’ll be starting Level 2 soon and already enjoys visiting local breweries and patios like a pro!
❤️ His family absolutely adores him and is so grateful to FRR for bringing him into their lives. Forrest is truly the perfect fit, and his story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the right dog just finds their way home.
👀 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!
Meet Floki—your future best friend with the softest fur and the sweetest soul. He had a rough start, but you’d never know it now. With a little time, patience, and love, he’s blossoming into the most affectionate, playful boy.
Floki’s favorite things? Snuggling up with his person, zooming around the yard with his doggy friends, chewing on his toys… and let’s not forget—this boy LOVES his snacks 🍖😄
He’s a smart cookie, too! Floki already knows commands like sit, stay, and come, and he’s doing great with potty training (almost there!). He’s still a bit unsure about leashes and crates, so he’ll need a patient adopter who can help him continue building confidence and show him the world isn’t so scary.
A home with another dog and a fenced yard would be his dream—he’d love a buddy to show him the ropes and a safe space to run and play while he learns.
Floki has come such a long way, and he’s ready to give his whole heart to a family who will love him right back 💕
Think this fluffy lovebug might be your perfect match? Apply to meet Floki today 🐶✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
TRIPLE EVENT WEEKEND with Freedom Ride Rescue! 🎉
We’ve got THREE chances this weekend to shop, sip, socialize, and meet some adorable adoptable dogs — and we’d love to see you at one (or all!) of them!
🛍️ SATURDAY MORNING: Historic Oakwood Neighborhood Yard Sale
📍 605 N Boundary Street, Raleigh
🕘 9am–1pm
It’s the annual Historic Oakwood Yard Sale and OUR HOUSE IS A FUNDRAISER! Come treasure hunt for amazing finds while supporting Freedom Ride Rescue — every dollar raised at our location goes directly to the dogs. Score something special and consider donating generously to help us keep saving lives! 🐶💛
🎶 SATURDAY AFTERNOON: ‘Cuegrass Festival
📍 Downtown Raleigh (Fayetteville Street)
🕛 12pm–6pm
Next, head downtown and join us (and some of our adoptable pups!) at the 16th annual ‘Cuegrass Festival! Enjoy great BBQ, local brews, and toe-tappin’ bluegrass music while supporting an incredible cause.
100% of funds raised at ‘Cuegrass benefit: Freedom Ride Rescue, SAFEchild, The Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America, Broughton Capital Foundation, and Arts Together. We’re honored to be part of this amazing day of community support!
🐾 SUNDAY: “Canned with Cuteness” Adoption Event
📍 Mason Jar Lager Company
🕑 2pm–4pm
We’re wrapping up the weekend with the sweetest batch yet! Join us for cold drinks, great company, and some adorable adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. Come sip, socialize, and maybe meet your new best friend. 🍻🐕
Check our event page closer to the weekend for maps and which adoptable dogs you can meet at each event!
See you this weekend, FRR friends! 💛
Thank you to the folks at South Line Brewing Company in Cary for hosting us this past weekend. It was a lovely afternoon and we had a great time meeting new people and hanging out with pups!
Warning: may cause instant heart-eyes 😍🐾
Meet Meander—blue-eyed heartthrob, professional goofball, and your future adventure buddy all in one BIG, lovable package 💙
This bouncy boy has major Tigger energy—he’s playful, curious, and always ready to turn everyday moments into fun. Whether he’s exploring the world, entertaining himself (and you), or handing out top-tier puppy kisses, Meander is living life to the fullest.
And did we mention… he’s going to be a BIG boy? We’re talking 80+ lbs of love, laughter, and loyal companionship. With his cattle dog/hound roots, he’s going to thrive with an active family ready for adventures, playtime, and helping him grow into the amazing dog he’s meant to be.
Potty training is still a work in progress, but this smart, eager pup is ready to learn with a little guidance (and maybe a few treats along the way 😉).
If you’re looking for a fun-loving, handsome pup with a heart of gold—and eyes you’ll absolutely get lost in—Meander is ready to meander right into your life 💛🐶
Apply to meet him today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
He’s not just charming… he’s Charm ✨🐾
This happy-go-lucky pup is all tail wags, bright eyes, and “what are we doing next?!” energy. Charm greets life with a cheerful spirit and a whole lot of love to give—he’s the kind of dog who makes every day feel a little more fun 💛
Charm is still learning the ropes of home life—things like leash manners, routines, and exploring the world outside—but he’s making great progress and soaking it all in one step at a time. This smart, poodle-mix pup is eager to learn and thrives when he’s given structure, guidance, and plenty of positive reinforcement (and maybe a treat or two 😉).
Because he’s so people-focused, Charm loves being near his humans and may need a little extra support as he builds confidence being on his own. With patience, consistency, and lots of reassurance, he’s well on his way to becoming the amazing companion we know he’ll be.
Charm will do best with an active family ready to keep his mind and body busy—think walks, playtime, training, and plenty of adventures together.
If you’re looking for a fun, loving pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart, Charm is ready to live up to his name in your home 🐶✨
Apply to meet him today 💕
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
We will never stop advocating for our pittie pups. We want the world to see how great pit bull TYPE dogs can really be!
Meet Lolly —professional snuggler, part-time toy pouncer, and full-time believer that she belongs in your lap… forever (we won’t tell her she’s growing 😌).
This sweet girl is the total package: playful, loving, and just a little bit thoughtful as she takes in the world around her. She may be a tiny bit shy at first, but give her a treat (or three) and you’ll see her confidence bloom in no time—this girl is SMART and very food motivated 🍪✨
Lolly loves to chase toys, perfect her pounce, and is already figuring out fetch like a pro. But her true passion? Being as close to her humans as physically possible. If you’re looking for a shadow with a heartbeat, Lolly is your girl 💛
Ready to meet your new best friend? Apply today ✨
www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption
You can see more pics and videos of this cutie on her foster mom`s IG: @hill_houseofpups
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month ❤️🐾
Heartworm disease is preventable—but unfortunately, it’s incredibly common, especially here in the South where warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive. And all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to put your dog at risk.
Treatment is long, expensive, and hard on dogs—but prevention is simple, safe, and so much easier on everyone involved. Keeping your pup on monthly prevention truly saves lives.
Dogs like Wendy came to us already heartworm-positive. We’re committed to getting her the treatment she needs to become healthy again, but we’d much rather be able to use those resources to save even more dogs instead of treating a disease that could have been prevented.
If you have a dog, please talk to your vet about heartworm prevention and make sure they’re protected year-round. And if you’re able to support rescues like ours, every donation helps cover the cost of lifesaving treatments for dogs who need it most.
Let’s work together to keep more tails wagging and fewer dogs facing heartworm disease
You can help us care for Wendy and our other heartworm-positive dogs by donating to our funds. https://www.freedom-ride.org/donate/
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.