The First Urgent Adoption Plea for 2023

Three months into the new year and we are already nearing maximum capacity, issuing an urgent request to the community to consider adoption. The last time we risked having to euthanize for space was in December 2022.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve taken in more than 100 dogs. On top of that, appointments to surrender pets are fully booked through mid-April – that will mean 130 more dogs entering the shelter over the next six weeks. We have over 90 dogs and 21 cats available for adoption.

There are 75 kennels available for dogs at the shelter. These double-sided enclosures are preferred to allow the animals space to move around, especially since stays at the shelter can be long. Now, to accommodate the recent overflow of pets, staff are having to divide those kennels up into two smaller compartments. This results in a crowded adoption floor, with spacing that puts stress on the dogs’ physical and emotional health.

"We only have a few open kennels on our adoption floor," said Meagan Thomas, Community Outreach Manager. "The situation is dire and we are begging for help! We are the ONLY open intake animal organization in Wake County and the ONLY organization that works with Animal Services agencies to house stray, cruelty, bite quarantine, and other protective custody cases. If you are looking for a new pet, please adopt!"

Want to help? Adopt!

Adoption fees are $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under five years old, and $15 for cats that are greater than five years old. However, any dog or cat that’s been at the shelter for more than two weeks is available for just $25 for dogs and “name your price” for cats. Plus we are running St. Patrcik's Day adoption campaign! Details are below! The adoption fee includes the spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and updating required vaccinations.

Check out our adoption gallery or come by and see the sweet faces for yourself! The shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The Wake County Animal Center is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Ave. in Raleigh.

Find Your Lucky Charm at our Center this March

This month, do more than wear green or hunt for four-leaf clovers...celebrate the patron saint of Ireland by adopting a pet this St. Patrick’s Day!

Following the urgent adoption plea, we're launching a special adoption campaign allowing all the pet lovers to find their special charm at our shelter.

Until March 17, adoption fees are discounted for adult dogs and cats. It’s just $25 to take home a dog, and you can "name your price" for cats.

“Save some green this month by taking advantage of the St. Patrick’s markdowns,” said Vickie Adamson, Wake County Commissioner. “It’s so incredible that these low adoption fees include all the spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and the required vaccinations.”

Regular adoption fees at the center are usually $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under five years old, and $15 for cats that are greater than five years old.

“We’re lucky to have our community support,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “We hope our community will celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day by adopting a pet. Your family will be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for these homeless pets.”

In addition to reducing fees, the Animal Center staff and volunteers will help you find the best match. They ask potential adoptions for information that will help them make a match with the best pet. Everyone adores puppies and kittens, but staff will help show you how adult pets are sometimes an even better choice for adoption because these animals have already settled into their traits and personalities. That helps take the guesswork out of wondering how a pet will fit in with your family or lifestyle.

Community Pet Days Return to Help Hundreds of Families

Following the success of last fall’s Community Pet Days, Wake County Animal Center is launching Spring Community Pet Days. Starting this month families are invited to take advantage of free or low-cost veterinary care, including rabies shots, microchipping and additional vaccines, along with resources on how to find affordable pet food and supplies.

“Last fall, we served 301 families, provided 374 rabies vaccines, microchipped 255 pets and vaccinated 299 animals,” said Shinica Thomas, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “In total, that’s nearly 500 dogs and cats! We hope we can reach even more this year and do everything we can to keep them together with their current families. No one should have to give up a furry loved one because they can’t afford the care.”

The spring 2023 Community Pet Days are:

Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Wake County Northern Regional Center

350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest

Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Dorcas Ministries

187 High House Road, Cary

Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Wake County Eastern Regional Center

1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon

The following services will be provided:

Rabies vaccines: 1-year and 3-year vaccines are offered. Cost $5
Microchips: $10
DHPP (a combination vaccine that provides protection against five dog diseases) / FVRCP (a combination vaccination for cats) vaccines: No-cost
Rabies education and prevention materials
Wake County Health and Human Services program information

What you need to bring:

CASH: We can only accept cash at this time – for example, one pet receiving a rabies vaccine, a combo vaccine, and microchipping would cost $15 cash.
WATER: Lots of people come out for our Community Pet Days. You and your pets may have to wait in a line outside, possibly for more than an hour – so please bring water for yourself and your cat or dog. Dress for the weather. If you have an umbrella or chair, bring them for your possible wait!
RABIES PAPERWORK: Please bring proof of prior rabies vaccines, such as a vaccine certificate or paperwork from your veterinarian. (Rabies tags on collars are not sufficient.) If you have the paperwork from your pet’s last rabies shot, you can get the 3-year vaccine. If you do not have paperwork as proof of previous shots, your pet will only be able to get the 1-year vaccine.
PATIENCE: Please pack your patience; we have so many people struggling to keep their pet & families together, and we want to help each and every one. Be prepared to wait with your pet – we’ll serve everyone we can, while supplies last.

Community Pet Days are made possible thanks to the generosity and support of local veterinarian Dr. April Ward with Heal House Call Veterinarians, Friends of Wake County Animal Center and Dorcas Ministries.

March National Pet Days

As we celebrate National Animal Poison Prevention Week, take a moment to learn about what can poison your pet, how to spot the signs of poisoning and how to help pets if they exhibit such signs. Take a look around your home, both inside and out and identify any potential dangers for your pet. Awareness and education are your most powerful tools to keep your pet safe. Make sure your home is poison-free. And add the emergency phone numbers for your veterinarian, animal hospital and a 24/7 pet poison helpline to your contacts list, just in case.

National nonprofit organizations Petco Love and Bissell Pet Foundation are working to give pets their best shot for a healthy life by offering free vaccines during a month-long national initiative. Declaring March “National Pet Vaccination Month”, these organizations are encouraging pet parents to ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations by visiting their veterinarian or a local community clinic.