Two months into the new year and the Wake County Animal Center is already nearing maximum capacity, issuing an urgent request to the community to consider adoption. The last time the center risked having to euthanize for space was in December 2022.
In roughly the last seven days, the center has taken in about 90 dogs. That’s brings the total number of dogs waiting for permanent homes to 135 as of Sunday, March 5. Another 20 dogs are with foster families also waiting for adoption. 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’re disappointed we have to keep asking the community to come to the rescue, but the number of people adopting is just not keeping up with the numbers of pets coming into our shelter,” said Vickie Adamson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “We’re so thankful for everyone who’s stepped up over the last seven years and helped us avoid having to euthanize animals for lack of space, but 2023 is already off to a tough start.”
There are 75 kennels available for dogs at the shelter off New Bern Avenue in north Raleigh. 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.
“Double-sided enclosures are very important to prevent the spread of disease, especially for young animals and those recently admitted to shelters,” Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Animal Center. “We are putting these pets at risk, but we do not have any other option. We’re the only shelter in Wake County that does NOT turn any animals away, so our hope is that our community will respond to our plea and find homes for our pets.”
Animals that are brought in as strays for protective custody or for bite quarantines must legally be held by the shelter. When pet owners make an appointment to give up their pet, shelter staff are fully transparent and explain that if the center runs out of space, it is animals on the adoption floor who will be euthanized first.
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. 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
Other Ways to Help
- Please try to rehome your own pets. YOU are your pet’s best advocate, and you can help make sure their new family is a good match. Re-homing sites, such as rehome.adoptapet.com can help you find potential adopters for your pets.
- If you’re able to cancel your surrender appointment with us, please do so. Your pet will be at high risk for euthanasia. We are advocating for your pet by pleading for you to do this.
- Before your surrender appointment, reach out to local rescues for assistance. Rescue groups can be found online, and some may be able to help with re-homing.
- Do you need help with pet food or veterinary care so that you can afford to keep your pet? We have Pet Community Days going on RIGHT NOW. Does your pet have behavioral issues you want to fix? Email us at animalcenter@wakegov.com and we’ll help you find resources.
- If you find a lost or stray dog, try to find the owners. Vet offices can scan the dog for a microchip. Post on neighborhood social media like NextDoor or your Ring app, on lost & found pet Facebook pages, or Triangle Lost Pets.
