Thanks to extensive efforts made by animal shelters across the nation, adopting pets is more popular than ever. More and more people who are looking for furry friends are turning to adoption instead of breeding. If you’ve been wanting to add a pet to your family, the Comfort Hounds highly recommend visiting some of the animal shelters in Wake or Johnston county. You’re bound to find a dog or cat that pulls at your heart right away. To get you started on your search, here are a few places to adopt pets in North Carolina’s Triangle.

Safe Haven for Cats
Safe Haven is one of the oldest independent cat shelters in North Carolina. It recently celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary! Safe Haven regularly updates their website with the cats they currently have so you can take a look before booking an adoption appointment. If you want to adopt a cat and you live in Raleigh, Safe Haven should definitely be at the top of your list of shelters to visit.
Independent Animal Rescue
Independent Animal Rescue is an animal shelter for both dogs and cats in Durham, NC. The nonprofit boasts a top-notch adoption process that ensures each and every one of its animals goes to the best home possible. IAR has a list of all the pets that are up for adoption on their website and they frequently host adoption events. They also have an FAQ on their website that explains some of the big questions surrounding pet adoption.
Wake County Animal Shelter
The Wake County Animal Shelter is probably the largest shelter on our list. They have a huge selection of dogs, cats, little critters, and sometimes even farm animals. They also offer fostering options if you have the time and space to take care of a furry friend for a little while. Take a look at their extensive adoption and fostering gallery here.

Cause for Paws
Cause for Paws is an amazing shelter/thrift store combo based out of Raleigh. They use the funds they raise in their thrift stores to take care of cats and dogs in need. To see the cats they have up for adoption, just visit one of their two storefronts in Raleigh. All their adoptable dogs are in foster care (for their own comfort). Click here to read more about their dog adoption process.
Finding Your Furever Friend
Deciding to adopt a pet is a big decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. Before adopting, make sure you, your home, and your finances are up to the task. If you’re ready, we encourage you to take the first step in the adoption process: visiting the shelter. Book an adoption appointment and get excited! At Comfort Hounds, we believe there are few things in life that are better than adding a furry friend to the family!