Dogs in the Pines

Local adventures for you and your best friend.

Life in the Pines is better with a wagging tail! Discover dog-friendly events, places to explore, and local resources to help you and your pup enjoy our community together.

From walks and pet festivals to adoption events and outings that welcome four-legged friends, Dogs in the Pines brings the fun together in one place.

Find your next tail-wagging adventure:

• Dog-friendly events: Community gatherings, pet celebrations, fundraisers, and more.
• Places to explore: Dog parks, walking trails, and outdoor adventures.
• Dog-friendly patios: Local spots where you can relax with your pup.
• Local pet resources: Groomers, trainers, boarding, pet shops, and veterinary services.
• Rescues and adoption events: Opportunities to meet adoptable pets and support local animal organizations.

Check individual listings for pet policies, leash requirements, and registration details before heading out.

Hosting a dog-friendly event? Add it to The Pines Times community calendar for free and help local dog lovers find you!

Before heading out with your pup, check current pet policies, park rules, membership requirements, and hours directly with the location.

Parks and places to explore

Place	Location	What dog owners should know
Martin Park	350 Commerce Avenue, Southern Pines	A 50-acre off-leash park with wooded paths and open spaces. Only partially fenced. Open dawn to dusk; dogs must be vaccinated and under their owner’s control. (Southern Pines, NC – Official Website)
Pooch Park in the Pines	7920 Aviation Parkway, Southern Pines	Member-operated off-leash park with separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and agility equipment. Annual membership required. (Southern Pines Dog Park)
Reservoir Park	Southern Pines	An option for a walk with your dog. Dogs must remain leashed. (Reservoir Park)
Whitehall and Southern Pines Greenways	Southern Pines	Wooded trails and connected walking routes. Dogs are permitted on leashes. (Southern Pines, NC – Official Website)
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve	1024 Fort Bragg Road, Southern Pines	Explore longleaf pine forest trails. Pets must be on an attended leash no longer than six feet. (NC State Parks)
Lee County Dog Park at O.T. Sloan Park	Bragg Street, Sanford	Off-leash play with two fenced dog runs, a watering station, shade, and seating. (Visit Sanford NC)
San-Lee Park	572 Pumping Station Road, Sanford	Wooded hiking trails and lake views. Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. (leecountync.gov)
Kiwanis Family Park	Sanford	Another local walking option. Sanford welcomes leashed pets in its city parks; follow posted rules for individual areas. (City of Sanford, NC)

Dogs Making a Difference

Meet the dogs—and the people behind them—making a difference in our community. Explore organizations and programs supporting service dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs, and the powerful connection between people and pups

Organization	Area	Description for your page
MIRA USA	Southern Pines; national reach	MIRA USA helps blind children gain independence through guide dogs, training, and family support provided free of charge. This locally based nonprofit connects young people with canine partners who help them navigate everyday life with greater confidence. (Blind Children Guide Dog)
Moore County Therapy Dog Teams	Moore County	Qualified therapy dogs and their handlers provide visits in a variety of community settings through the Moore County Citizens’ Pet Responsibility Committee. The program also shares information for owners interested in becoming a therapy dog team. (mcprc.org)
Reading Tails	Moore County	A program within Moore County Therapy Dogs that helps children build confidence and interest in reading by sharing stories with a therapy dog. Scheduled reading sessions give children a welcoming canine audience. Include this as a featured program under the Therapy Dog Teams listing. (mcprc.org)
Rogue Duty Active Animal Rescue	Southern Pines, NC	A 501(c)3 non-profit bully breed rescue based in NC, operated by Active Duty military and veterans
Moore County Kennel Club	Moore County	The club supports dogs and their communities through contributions to working K-9 programs, protective equipment, veterinary education, responsible pet ownership, and disaster relief. (moorecountykennelclub.com)
JR Poe Therapy Dog Ministry	Lee County	A local therapy dog ministry recognized as a grant recipient by the Lee County Community Foundation. A promising listing, but confirm its current programs and public contact information before publishing. Foundation listing. (North Carolina Community Foundation)

Pet Stores and pet supplies

The table distinguishes shops listed as dog-friendly from pet-supply businesses whose in-store dog policy needs confirmation.

Store	Location	Information for your directory
Cared For Canine & Cat	Southern Pines	Pet food, treats, toys, and natural pet supplies. Also listed in a local dog-friendly shopping guide. Cared For Canine & Cat
Urban Pet Co.	Downtown Southern Pines	Pet accessories and supplies. urbanpetco.net
Waggy Butts Pet Emporium	West End	Locally owned shop carrying dog and cat food, treats, toys, and supplies. Confirm its visiting-dog policy directly. waggybutts.dog
PetSmart Southern Pines	Aberdeen	Local PetSmart location for pet supplies and services. Check current pet-entry requirements before visiting. Store #1392
Carolina Town & Country	Sanford	Feed and pet supplies; featured by Visit Sanford in its pet-friendly guide. Ask about bringing your own dog inside.
Petco Sanford	3070 S. Horner Boulevard, Sanford	Pet supplies, grooming, dog training, and vaccination clinics. 919-718-0688. Check current pet-entry requirements.

Dog Friendly Stores

Dog Friendly Stores in Aberdeen

Shop	Location
Flowland Counter-Culture Outlet	1200 N Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen
High Octane
Purple Thistle	103 W South St, Aberdeen, NC	Friendly and leashed dogs are always welcome.

Dog Friendly Stores in Southern Pines

Watch our video on Dog Friendly Stores in Southern Pines

Shop	Location
Against the Grain Shoppe	Downtown Southern Pines
Cared for Canine & Cat	160 Brucewood Road, Southern Pines
The Country Bookshop	Downtown Southern Pines
The Java Bean Roasting Co.	Downtown Southern Pines	Coffee Shop, bring cash
Berri Bowlful	Downtown Southern Pines	They have pup cups too
Manifest Boutique	Downtown Southern Pines
Marie & Marcele Boutique	Downtown Southern Pines	You will often find their dog there
Railhouse Brewery Penn Station	Downtown Southern Pines
Red’s Corner	Downtown Southern Pines
Southern Pines Growler	Downtown Southern Pines	You will often find their fur babies there
Urban Pet Co.	Downtown Southern Pines	They LOVE dogs

Dog Friendly Places worth the Stop!

Dewey’s Veggie Vibe	West End, NC	So Dog Friendly that the place is named after their fur baby. How cute is that? Rooted in faith and grown with purpose, Dewey’s Veggie Vibe is a local farm stand offering fresh, homegrown produce and fruits and vegetables from trusted local farmers—all with a heart for community.

Veterinary clinics

These are local care resources; contact each practice about appointments, new patients, and available services.

Clinic	Location	Resource
Pinehurst Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic	Southern Pines	Veterinary care, boarding, and daycare. Despite its name, the practice is in Southern Pines. pinehurstvet.com
West Pine Animal Hospital and Pet Resort	West End	Full-service veterinary hospital and pet resort serving Moore County. West Pine
Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic	5071 U.S. Highway 1 North, Vass	Low-cost spay/neuter services for pet owners, shelters, and rescues. Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic
All Animals Veterinary Hospital	101 Animal Avenue, Sanford	Veterinary care for dogs and cats, plus pocket and exotic pets. 919-775-4944. allanimalsveterinaryhospital.com
Sanford Animal Hospital	Sanford	Established veterinary practice serving Sanford and surrounding communities. sanfordah.com
Myres Animal Hospital	Sanford	Veterinary care, including medical and surgical services. Myres Animal Hospital
Carolina Veterinary Hospital	Sanford	Local veterinary practice that also supports care for stray animals brought in by Lee County animal agencies. Veterinary, Animal Care
Banfield Pet Hospital—Sanford	Inside PetSmart on Spring Lane, Sanford	Dog and cat care, diagnostics, testing, and surgery.

Emergency Pet Care

Urgent Vets for Pets	110 Commerce Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387 910-621-2667	Call ahead to confirm availability and receive arrival instructions. This location is referenced by local veterinary providers.
Small Animal Emergency Services	5091 U.S. Highway 1 North, Vass 910-246-0405	Call ahead to confirm availability and receive arrival instructions. This location is referenced by local veterinary providers.

Rescues, shelters, and adoption

Organization	Area	How people can connect
Moore Humane Society	Moore County	Private nonprofit rescue operating a privately funded, state-licensed no-kill shelter. Explore adoption and ways to support its work. Moore Humane Society
Moore County Animal Services	5235 Highway 15-501, Carthage	County shelter and animal services. For adoption information, call 910-947-2858. Moore County, NC
Caring Hearts for Canines	Moore County NC	Caring Hearts for Canines is a Moore County-based nonprofit dog rescue dedicated to saving dogs at high risk of euthanasia and giving them a second chance at a loving home. Founded in 2014, the organization provides veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, microchipping and socialization while helping dogs find their forever families. They also promote responsible pet ownership through education and community outreach.
Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption—CARA	Sanford	Dog and cat adoption, volunteer opportunities, and animal-care resources. CARA Animal Rescue & Adoption
Lending Paws A Hand	Lee County and surrounding communities	Volunteer-run, foster-based nonprofit rescue. Offers adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donation opportunities. Lending Paws A Hand
Lee County Animal Services	Sanford	County animal-services listings with adoptable animals and stray-pet searches. leecountync.animalshelternet.com
Paws of the Pines Rescue	Moore County, NC	Paws of the Pines Rescue is a small rescue focused on helping animals nearby Moore County, NC.
Solutions for Animals	Raeford	A nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue and adoption facility in Raeford, NC, dedicated to giving homeless animals a second chance. The organization rescues, rehabilitates and provides compassionate care for animals while working to match them with loving forever homes. Solutions for Animals is supported entirely by private donations and community volunteers.
Zoomies Funny Farm	Sanford	Zoomies Funny Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on animal welfare initiatives.

Helpful community resources

• Canine Cubby at Martin Park: A community-supported pantry for pet food, toys, and supplies. Residents can take needed items or donate appropriate supplies. Southern Pines, NC – Official Website
• Lending Paws A Hand’s assistance resources: Its Legacy Fund page provides information about help with veterinary care, spay/neuter, and essential needs, and directs those needing pet food to CUOC Food Bank, 2885 Lee Avenue, Sanford.

Popular Annual Dog Events