Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont is all about making life better for dogs who are left tethered, outside, or neglected. Through strong community connections, they devote their time and resources to give these dogs a happier life. Education is another key focus, helping people to better understand how to improve animal welfare.
In 2019, after witnessing countless tethered dogs in underserved communities in need of help, a group of compassionate, dog-loving volunteers came together to form the NC Chapter of Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont. Initially, their focus was on untethering chained dogs in the area, but it quickly became clear that the need extended far beyond that. In addition to freeing dogs from their chains, the group began facilitating spay and neuter procedures, arranging urgent veterinary care, and finding other ways to improve the lives of neglected dogs in their community.
"We work to ensure the lives of the outdoor dogs are just a bit better any way we can."
In mid-2024, the organization took a significant step forward by transitioning from a chapter into an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) with its own EIN (99-3535120). This shift opened new opportunities that were previously unavailable, allowing them to better serve dogs in Wake, Granville, and surrounding counties. Their reach now extends to Durham, Person, Vance, Franklin, and sometimes even farther! With the establishment of their own Board of Directors, dedicated exclusively to the dogs in the local area, they gained the flexibility to make decisions tailored to the specific needs of the community. The new EIN also streamlined processes for employer-matched funds and introduced additional donation options, including vehicle donations, stock contributions, and estate planning gifts.
When working with dogs, they assess each animal's needs and do whatever they can to help. This includes untethering dogs, encouraging families to bring them indoors, and spending quality time with them. They actively promote spaying and neutering, strongly recommending it to prevent overpopulation and improve the dogs' well-being. If pets are sick or injured, they step in to prevent suffering, arranging veterinary care and assisting with costs whenever possible.
They also support underserved families by providing essentials such as dog houses and elevated beds for comfort. During winter, they supply straw to keep dogs warm, and in the spring, they offer flea and tick preventatives. If a family needs assistance with pet food, they are ready to help. They also perform follow-up visits that allow them to check in on the dogs, offer treats and toys, and ensure the pets have everything they need.
In 2025, Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont helped 390 pets (323 dogs and 67 cats) and 251 families, many receiving assistance multiple times throughout the year. Their work this year includes:
• 172 pets were spayed/neutered
• Provided veterinary care to 308 pets (sick, injured, life-saving surgery, vaccinations)
• Unchained 79 dogs
• Delivered countless basic supplies, (dog houses, food, straw, bowls, and more)
Seeing families care deeply for their pets and strive to provide the best possible life is truly heartwarming for this group. They remain committed to supporting both the dogs and their families in any way they can. You can learn more about their mission on their website!
Visit Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont at
Unleashed's 13th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser
Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 12-6pm
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:
2026 FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1TntG29de2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k9springfling
