I have been looking for a companion animal for my mom for a year now. She is very particular as she…read moreis allergic but loves poodles. I had received a notification that Black Dog had a poodle for adoption and so I let her know. We sent an inquiry to the rescue and were told when the operating hours were. Unfortunately, she didn't fill out an application and we couldn't get a hold of anyone at the rescue so the dog had been adopted by someone else. Wish someone would've answered the phone before we drove all the way out there! I will say this however, this is a place that truly loves animals. They have it all. They have the cutest chickens (some Polish mix which are my very favorites), cows, a few very very spoiled, and pampered cats (one who may break all Guinness records because he is 22) and of course the dogs. Each dog has it's own kennel. On the property they have a very long dog run as well as an agility course for exercise. These dogs were all actively trying to get our attention as a sort of 'Look at me!!' sense of excitement. When we pulled in, we saw the cutest little girl happily towing a newly adopted dog. The look on her face had you think that this would be a precious relationship for that very lucky dog. They were *extremely* helpful and provided my mom with a paper application for her to fill out so that the next time they get a Poodle, she will be already on their list for approval. I honestly hope that it works out this way. I can't imagine a nicer group of people that honestly care for animals providing my mom with her next Prince to spoil.

I adopted my lab here in Dec 2019. I love the way they are so thorough and loving with the animals…read morethere. Very happy with the whole process.

After losing my dog in March, I finally got the courage to adopt. I filled out the application, I…read morelisted my references, I called my vet to let them know someone may be calling you because I'm trying to adopt. I do all this and we're emailing back and forth. Everything from my point of view is going well. Then I scroll on facebook and they posted that the dog I wanted has been adopted and all communication stop. I wish they would have sent a follow up email letting me know he had been adopted.

Just adopted a beautiful puppy from F.O.R. Laura is a friendly and caring person who made the…read morewhole process easy and fast. She is quick to respond to emails and thorough in explaining the process and what to expect. The puppies I met were all very clean and obviously well cared for. All vet and shot records were provided at the time of the adoption. I highly recommend this rescue to anyone wanting to adopt. Our family is extremely happy with our new puppy!

MEEEE-OW!!!! These guys rock!!!…read more I am a traveling contractor who does not get the opportunity to be at home with my pets very often and the majority of that responsibility goes to my partner. With an ill pet, all you want to know is, "Is he going to be ok?" "Is she getting better?" Our pets are more than a part of our family, they ARE our family. When my pet, Sparky, became distant and annoyed, and began to eat less, he also had a growth on his chin that I could not help him with...because I am not a doctor. Ah-ha! I reached out to HOPE Animal Rescue and I can't be more grateful. They stepped in and helped get Sparky to a veterinarian within a few days, after the application process was completed, and Sparky is a HAPPY CAT. Laurel was especially helpful in that she made the process seem like there wasn't a process...even though we all know what it takes to get things done today. Feats like this are not marginal notes in life...they are magnificent, loving, caring moments in time that help us to remember, "Wow. I really don't feel so alone out here in the world." I cannot say enough about HOPE Animal Rescue. In a way, Hope Animal Rescue rescued my pet AND me, because I was so distraught over what was happening to him and the not knowing is what creates the fear. Thank you to Laurel and the entire VOLUNTEER staff and businesses that help to support Hope Animal Rescue. You rescued the best part of me today...and if you're doing that for me, I know that you're doing this for a lot of other people. THANK YOU for all of the hard work that you're doing out there for the animals that aren't a part of our health care system.

After seriously searching to adopt a dog for roughly 5 months, Hope Animal Rescue made the process…read morequick and easy. Not to mention, they gave me the absolute greatest gift and the most perfect dog. I am so grateful to them for their cooperation and haste with the adoption. They have a specific system where you submit an application, meet a dog at an event, and demonstrate considerable interest in a dog. After that, you have a home visit and you get to adopt! Our dogs foster parents came to the adoption as well. Our dog is everything I could have wanted and more. Obedient, friendly, quiet and outrageously adorable. Thanks so much Hope Animal Rescue!!!

I had adopted my puppy from iIAR recently. A big shout out to all the professional volunteers. They…read moreare careful placing their animals in a safe, loving environment.

Independent Animal Rescue (IAR) goes above and beyond to care for companion animals in the Durham…read moreand Chapel Hill communities. They are truly all-volunteer and every decision they make is made with the best interest of the dog or cat in mind. I started fostering kittens with IAR in 2014 and continued on as a foster for several more years before transitioning to other volunteer roles. I also am what is known as a foster fail, having adopted an adorable lanky kitten early on as a companion for our resident kitty. Due to personal health concerns, I sadly stepped down from my volunteer roles last year, but I have a deep love for IAR and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a dog, cat or pair of kittens, or to foster or volunteer! If you happen to be on one of the North Durham Nextdoor websites, on just about every post concerning community cats or dogs you'll see numerous individuals who have found help through IAR recommending them as a resource for guidance and support. I am sure the same is true throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. IAR is quick to step in when there is a need - whether it's saving kittens who are in storm drains, feeding and spaying and neutering feral colonies, or rescuing and caring for homeless dogs and cats until they find their forever homes.

I can't say enough about this shelter the entire staff is absolutely amazing I adopted a dog almost…read more8 months ago ran into some medical problems and they were willing to care for her while I was in the hospital and treated her with the utmost care thank you guys so much and keep doing what you're doing you make a difference ! Thank you once again so much !

Amazing shelter!!! They are thoughtful with their interactions and take great care of their pets…read more Helped me with any questions I had

Pet friendly place. Gives a furry friend a temporary home while at the same time finding a forever…read morehome for these pets. Associating with Paws on death Row, I dropped off food, toys, leashes and beddings for these pets to live comfortably.

We adopted from these folks recently. Unlike another rescue, the cages are bigger, two level…read more"condos" or entire rooms with only 4 cats. Their cats did NOT all have health conditions unlike another rescue we visited. We expressed interest in two cats in October but were traveling. So they said they can't promise anything but if still available we could apply to adopt. Our adoption application was approved in less than a week. When we finally went there in January, they were very helpful with the process. And we adopted the two cats we've been watching since October!

I adopted Nellie a week ago from the Wake County Animal Center. Very little has changed since I…read morelast adopted a cat from the WCAC, 15 years ago. Now, though, you can't open any cat compartment on your own. Compartments are kept locked, and an employee must unlock and stay with you. Although it's less convenient, it's a lot safer. Also, make sure you sign in and get a sticker from the front desk, so everyone knows you have the right to be there. The adoption process was quick and smooth, and employees were friendly and helpful. The fee for adopting a kitten is always $45, and adult cats like Nellie are $5 (right now). This includes altering, microchipping, appropriate vaccinations, vet records, and a small bag of cat food. Wow! To me, Nellie is special, but all the animals are deserving of love, and the shelter is always in danger of overcrowding in the summer. Maybe you'll find your new best friend there!

Reasonable price for the dogs etc and they get there shot and microchip etc so it is not high cost…read moreto purchase your fur baby like others place be affordable and reasonable prices anybody can afford .

Filled out an application and never heard back. We live right down the road and USED to donated…read morestuff here all the time. We are animal lovers and have 10 acres just begging for a dog to replace our baby girl who passed last fall. Oh well, I guess we're not good enough for this place. A feel bad for the animals, they deserve better.

Sometimes you think you're going to walk into a place that will have you cringing or running back…read moreout the door. Sometimes you're so overwhelmed by the number of animals in a shelter you want to cringe or run back out. You might be tempted to do so here at CARA, but you'll be missing out. CARA is small brick building housing some of the nicest volunteers you'll meet anywhere. And they know how to have fun with all their animal residents, dressing them up in festive attire for their holiday pictures on the website, for example. It doesn't matter whether the volunteer is a dog person or a cat person, he or she will spend time with you visiting and interacting with the animals, answering questions and helping you find the perfect friend. On Thursdays, Cara stays open a little later so there's time for you to stop by after work to pick up your new friend, or visit or meet with the cats or dogs. When you stop in, you won't be required to complete paperwork or answer a million questions to get past the front door: the staff will take you right in to meet your (hopefully) future pet companion. The paperwork comes later, but it's a no pressure, stay as long as you like, environment.

This was such an awesome experience, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Keep in mind these…read morepeople are volunteers this establishment runs off of people like you and me visiting and donations. This is not a zoo it's a sanctuary and rescue and I highly respect what they do here. it takes a lot, more that I can probably fathom to rescue and care for all the animals they have here (they do have a lot) from a variety of turtles, tons of different birds that were beautiful, monkeys, horses, donkeys, a camel, cats, dogs, raccoons, fox, bunnies, reptiles, ant eater, bats, pigs, the list goes on. You can tell these animals are well cared for as well, just keep in mind that they are rescues and we don't know what they have been through before they arrived. the entrance fee is more than reasonable for the experience.

The 5 stars is for the overall experience. It's an animal rescue on a personal property, it is not…read morea "zoo" that being said we saw some things we have never seen in a typical zoo. You also get up close to the animals but they are still in enclosures. For $15 a person it's more than reasonable and you know your money goes to helping the animals. If you are traveling on I-95 this is 12 minutes off the Benson exit. A great break on your long drive on I-95. Walking surfaces are natural, not paved or concrete, please consider this when choosing your footwear!