Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption

Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption Open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 3pm-7pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA)
Located in Sanford, NC 🐾
(299)

Our Mission Statement:

To promote responsible pet ownership through humane education, and to provide shelter and care to domestic companion animals until a loving, responsible home can be found, or lost pets are reunited with their guardians. At Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) we are dedicated to finding permanent and loving families for the homeless dogs and cats of North Carolina. CA

RA began rescuing homeless animals from across N.C. in April 2003, and we have placed countless animals in wonderful homes across the country. CARA is dedicated to providing the best service possible to the animals in our care and the families who adopt from us. We take pride in adopting healthy animals and go to great lengths to pair each pet with the perfect family. CARA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer organization that operates on individual and corporate donations and fundraising proceeds. We do not receive any funding from government agencies or national animal welfare agencies. We are very fortunate to have a caring and dedicated team of volunteers, board members, and supporters. We are a legitimate animal rescue that only adopts out healthy animals and is fully licensed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Teddy Graham is growing up at the rescue… and we really, really hope he doesn’t have to spend much more of his puppyhood...
09/05/2026

Teddy Graham is growing up at the rescue… and we really, really hope he doesn’t have to spend much more of his puppyhood here. 🥺❤️

At just 6 months old, Teddy has already watched both his mom and his sister get adopted while he continues to wait for someone to choose him. And we think one of the very things that makes him such a fun, happy puppy may also be causing people to overlook him.

Teddy has puppy energy. Lots of it. 😂🐾 He loves to play and he is SO excited about getting attention from people. Add in the fact that he spends the majority of his day cooped up in a kennel, and when it's finally his turn to get outside and meet someone in our fenced yard, his excitement tends to come out at full volume. ❤️

And unfortunately, that exuberance can make it harder for potential adopters to see past those first few minutes and imagine what Teddy could be like in a home.

That's why we want to share an important reminder when you're meeting shelter dogs: the excited dog you meet in our yard after they've spent hours in a kennel isn't necessarily a reflection of how that dog will behave once they're living in a home.

For Teddy, getting outside means freedom, fresh air, PEOPLE and playtime—all at once! Of course he's excited! 😂 He doesn't currently have the luxury of being able to run around whenever he wants, play when he wants or simply hang out with his people throughout the day.

Give him a little time to get those initial wiggles out, and you'll start seeing the sweet, playful, seriously adorable puppy underneath all that excitement. 🥰

Teddy is also very food and treat motivated, which can be a huge plus when it comes to training and helping this smart little guy learn all the things he'll need to know as he grows up. And can we please talk about that face?! Those forehead wrinkles, those mismatched ears and that little smile are almost too much. 😭❤️

Teddy Graham is 6 months old, neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines. What he doesn't have yet is the one thing we want most for him: a family and a home where he can finish growing up.

His mom found her family. His sister found hers. Now we're hoping it's finally Teddy's turn. ❤️🏡

Apply to adopt Teddy via the link in the comments or come meet him during our open hours.

And if you meet him, remember: don't judge this sweet boy by his first burst of excitement. Give him a chance to show you everything underneath those puppy wiggles. 🐾❤️

Open Hours:
Wed-Fri 3-7pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm

Location:
42 Deep River Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330

Introducing… Ginger!!!! 🫚 Ginger is a 2 year old possible retriever mix in a perfect pocket size! She is about 33 pounds...
09/04/2026

Introducing… Ginger!!!! 🫚

Ginger is a 2 year old possible retriever mix in a perfect pocket size! She is about 33 pounds, so she would love for a lap to curl up to! 🙂 she is cuddly, in dire need of attention, and loves to be your number 1. She is the type to follow you around outside as you are doing yard work… stays glued to your side!

What she NEEDS: an active family as she has some energy and stamina! She LOVES to play ball in true retriever fashion.. loves to play with other dogs.. and go for long walks! She’d be a great jogging partner.

She wants to chase and play with kitties, so no cats for her.

She is still adjusting how to behave in a home setting, so she will need structure and clear boundaries.

We cannot wait to find Ginger the most amazing home! 🏠

Location: Sanford, NC

🐾 There’s just something extra sweet about watching two kittens who love each other get to grow up together. 🥹❤️Eris and...
09/04/2026

🐾 There’s just something extra sweet about watching two kittens who love each other get to grow up together. 🥹❤️

Eris and Emerie are brother and sister, best buddies, partners in kitten mischief…and they’re looking for a family who has room in their heart and home for both of them.

Eris is the handsome little tabby boy and Emerie is his adorable black sister. They’re about 12 weeks old now and are such a fun pair. They’re playful, hilarious, sweet, and always seem to be doing something that makes their foster family laugh. 😂

They’re also a bonded pair, so they’re looking for a home together. Honestly, when it comes to kittens, two can be even easier (and definitely more entertaining!) than one. They have someone to wrestle with, chase around the house, curl up beside for naps and generally keep company when their humans are busy. ❤️

These two have also done wonderfully with cats, dogs and children, so they’re pretty well-rounded little roommates already. They’re both microchipped and up to date on their vaccines too.

Eris and Emerie are currently living in a foster home, but if you’ve been thinking you might need a little double dose of kitten happiness in your life, you have a chance to meet them! 🥰

They’ll be at the rescue tonight from 5–7 PM and tomorrow from 10 AM–2 PM. Come hang out with them for a bit and see if these two silly little sweethearts feel like they belong with you.

Apply to adopt Eris & Emerie through the link in the comments.

And as always, a share helps too. Somewhere out there is a family looking for two kittens to love—we just need to help Eris and Emerie find them. 🐾❤️

Meet them tonight from 5-7pm or tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-2pm

Location:
42 Deep River Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330

Just some Barndoor cuteness to brighten your day! He is such a mushy mushy marshmallow.....we can't stand it! 🐶🐾🤍🤍Barndo...
09/03/2026

Just some Barndoor cuteness to brighten your day!

He is such a mushy mushy marshmallow.....we can't stand it!
🐶🐾🤍🤍

Barndoor is an adult male dog, who loves loves loves to snuggle. Most of our volunteers like sitting in his kennel with him for some extra love. BD is laid back, housetrained, crate trained, rides decent in the car, and walks well on leash. He needs a home without other animals, as he gets a tiny bit jealous of other animals. He does walk well with other dogs outside of home setting, and he loves kids! Visit him today! We are open until 7pm!

(This is how he sleeps most nights)

42 Deep River Road Sanford NC 27330

561 days. That’s how long sweet Beso has been waiting for someone to finally make him theirs. 😭❤️And the hardest part? T...
09/03/2026

561 days. That’s how long sweet Beso has been waiting for someone to finally make him theirs. 😭❤️

And the hardest part? There have been moments when we thought his wait was finally over. Beso has received adoption applications, and each time we get excited thinking, “Maybe this is it. Maybe this is his person.” But unfortunately, the applicants haven’t followed through, and once again, Beso is left waiting. 💔

We truly don’t understand how such a wonderful cat keeps getting overlooked. Beso is super sweet, affectionate and full of personality. He’s great with kids, dog friendly, and would happily share his future home with a canine sibling. 🐶❤️ He does, however, want to be the only cat in the home so he can have the feline spotlight all to himself. 😉

His favorite pastimes include bird watching from the windows, chasing crinkly toys and, perhaps most importantly, enjoying his favorite snack…
Mini marshmallows. 😂🤍

Yes, this handsome guy is a marshmallow connoisseur, and we think that makes him even more lovable.

Beso has a foster family who loves him dearly, but after 561 DAYS of waiting, we desperately want to see his next application be the one that actually leads to forever. He deserves a family who sees his face, falls in love and follows through. A family who will give him his own windows for bird watching, plenty of crinkly toys, a lifetime supply of snuggles and maybe the occasional marshmallow. 🥹🏡

❤️ Please apply to adopt Beso through the link in the comments. Since Beso is currently in a foster home, an approved adoption application is required to meet him.

And if you can’t adopt, please SHARE to help us find Beso his furever home. 🙏

We have currently raised $1,500 of our $25,000 goal! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. 🙏❤Your donati...
09/02/2026

We have currently raised $1,500 of our $25,000 goal! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. 🙏❤

Your donation to CARA is worth twice as much right now!

Thanks to a generous $25,000 matching gift from The Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, every dollar donated to CARA will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the full $25,000 match is claimed.

For decades, our shelter has helped house thousands of dogs and cats while they wait for their forever homes. Now, our facility needs repairs and upgrades so we can continue that work for thousands more.

$25 becomes $50.
$100 becomes $200.
$500 becomes $1,000.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 from our community and unlock the entire match, putting $50,000 toward shelter repairs and upgrades to make life better for the animals in our care.

The match is limited, so don’t wait. Help us unlock every dollar.

Donate now via the link in the comments. 🙏

🧬🐾 THE RESULTS ARE IN! Slim Jim’s DNA mystery has officially been solved! 🔎A couple weeks ago, we asked all of our DNA d...
09/02/2026

🧬🐾 THE RESULTS ARE IN! Slim Jim’s DNA mystery has officially been solved! 🔎

A couple weeks ago, we asked all of our DNA detectives to take their best guess at what breeds make up our handsome boy Slim Jim. You studied those gorgeous eyes, his unique coloring and of course, that adorable mismatched-ear situation. 😂 Now it’s finally time for the big reveal!

🥁 Drumroll, please…

🧬 Slim Jim’s DNA breakdown:

🐾 38.7% American Pit Bull Terrier
🐾 29.5% Bulldog
🐾 13.8% Supermutt
🐾 9.4% Boxer
🐾 8.6% Labrador Retriever

Were any of you right?! 👀 Let us know how many you guessed correctly in the comments!

We also want to give a HUGE thank you to our wonderful volunteer, Jennifer, who generously donated Slim Jim’s DNA test. ❤️

His DNA may tell us what breeds went into making Slim Jim, but there are a few percentages we didn’t need a test to figure out: he’s 100% adorable, 100% fun and 100% ready to find a home of his own. ❤️

Slim Jim is 1 year old and weighs 45 lbs. He’s a playful, active guy who loves a good game of fetch and is a great hiking or running buddy for someone looking for an adventure partner. 🥾🏃🐾 He already knows Sit, and his treat-catching skills are seriously impressive—toss one his way and this boy can catch it right out of the air! 😂

He’s neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines. Slim Jim can be dog selective, so any potential canine sibling would simply need to be the right match. He has not yet been cat tested.

🏡 Apply to adopt Slim Jim through the link in the comments, or come meet him during our open hours!

Open Hours:
Wed-Fri 3-7pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm

Location:
42 Deep River Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330

And if you’re not able to adopt him please SHARE his post to help us find him a home. 🙏

🩶🤍 We’re going to need someone to explain how a kitten this perfect is still waiting for a home. Seriously… have you SEE...
09/02/2026

🩶🤍 We’re going to need someone to explain how a kitten this perfect is still waiting for a home. Seriously… have you SEEN Shao Khan?! 🥹

At just 3 months old, this adorable gray and white boy has already mastered the art of being pretty much everything you could want in a kitten. He’s sweet, snuggly, playful, ridiculously cute…and did we mention that he comes over to you when he wants to be picked up and held like a baby?! 😭❤️

Yep. Shao Khan actually requests his snuggles. Pick him up, cradle him baby-style, and this little lovebug is perfectly happy soaking up the attention. He’s also an expert biscuit maker 🐾, so you can expect plenty of tiny-kitten kneading to go along with all those cuddles.

And when he’s not busy being an absolute snuggle muffin? He’s a playful little guy who is always ready for some kitten fun. Basically, you get the whole package with Shao Khan. ❤️

His brother has already found his forever home, and now Shao Khan has been patiently waiting for someone to come along and choose him, too. Considering just how wonderful this little guy is, we’re honestly shocked he hasn’t been scooped up yet!

Shao Khan is:

😻 3 months old
😻Neutered
😻 Microchipped
😻 Up to date on vaccines
😻 Professional biscuit maker
😻Baby-style snuggle enthusiast
😻Equal parts cuddly & playful

If you’re looking for a kitten who will actually come ask you to pick him up and love on him, we’re not sure how you could possibly do better than this guy. 🥹

🏡 Apply to adopt Shao Khan through the link in the comments, or come meet him in our cat room during open hours!

Open Hours:
Wed-Fri 3-7pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm

Location:
42 Deep River Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330

💘 Cupid has spent most of his puppyhood waiting for someone to choose him. We really don’t want him to spend the holiday...
09/01/2026

💘 Cupid has spent most of his puppyhood waiting for someone to choose him. We really don’t want him to spend the holidays waiting, too.

Our handsome boy is now 8 months old, and somehow, this sweet, playful pup has become one of our longest residents. He came to us all the way back on Valentine’s Day, when he and his siblings were dropped off in a crate. One by one, Cupid watched his brothers and sisters leave with their new families…and still, he waits for one of his own. 🥺

He’s gone from a little puppy to this handsome young guy right before our eyes. While we love him dearly, the rescue shouldn’t be where Cupid grows up. He deserves to know what it feels like to belong to someone. To have a family who loves him, a home to call his own and a cozy place to curl up at the end of the day. ❤️🏡

And with fall right around the corner, we can’t help but think about all of those “firsts” ahead. We desperately want Cupid’s first Halloween, first Thanksgiving and first Christmas to be spent in a HOME—not at the rescue. 🎃🦃🎄

Cupid is a happy, playful boy who still has some of that puppy energy you’d expect from an 8-month-old. He loves to have fun, and as you can see, give this guy a toy and he’s pretty content! 😂 He’s also neutered, microchipped and up to date on his vaccines.

Cupid has been waiting since the holiday named for LOVE. Maybe it’s finally time for him to find the kind of love that lasts forever. 💘

Apply to adopt Cupid through the link in the comments, or come meet him during our open hours!

Open Hours:
Wed-Fri 3-7pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm

Location:
42 Deep River Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330

And if you can’t adopt, you can still do something incredibly important for Cupid: PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.🙏 Every share puts his face in front of more people, and somewhere out there could be the person who has been waiting for him, too.

Let’s get this boy HOME before the holidays. ❤️🐾🏡

Address

42 Deep River Road
Sanford, NC
27330

Opening Hours

Wednesday 3pm - 7pm
Thursday 3pm - 7pm
Friday 3pm - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+19197749433

Website

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