Despite ongoing efforts to find homes for the animals in its care, the Wake County Animal Center is at maximum capacity again, with every available space occupied. The Center is now urging local residents to consider adopting a pet in need of a loving home as soon as possible.
"We are experiencing a significant increase in the number of animals coming into our facility," said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. "While our dedicated staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide care for each animal, we’re out of space and need the community to act to protect these pets from possible euthanasia."
There are 144 dogs, three puppies, five cats and one kitten at the Animal Center. Additionally, another 39 dogs and four cats are in foster care, ready for adoption. In February, 258 dogs came to the shelter, while only 197 left it.
To make the adoption process easier, the Wake County Animal Center is reducing the adoption cost for 36 long timers. All the dogs that have been on the adoption floor for 15 days or longer can be adopted at for only $25. All adopted pets are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped before they go home. The regular adoption fees are $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under five years old and $15 for older cats.
“For the past eight years, the Animal Center has never euthanized pets from the adoption floor due to lack of space,” Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Animal Center. “However, due to ongoing capacity issues, this record is in danger every single time the Center reaches its maximum capacity. To avoid euthanizing, the community needs to step in and give a home to these pets who desperately want a loving owner.”
Animals that are brought in for stray hold, protective custody, bite quarantine or court case holds must legally be held at the shelter for specific lengths of time. If the Animal Center runs out of space, and there is a legally required intake of an animal, once all available options are exhausted, animals that are available on the adoption floor will unfortunately be prioritized for euthanasia to create the necessary space.
Ready to adopt? Check out our adoption gallery or come by and see the pets’ 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 Avenue in Raleigh.
