Here’s how you can help overcrowding at the Wake County Animal Center
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wake County Animal Shelter reaches overcapacity with 498 animals in care
- Adoption fees waived through June 8 for pets housed more than 15 days
- Public support needed via adoptions, fostering, volunteering, and donations
The Wake County Animal Center is facing overcapacity.
As of Tuesday, June 4, the Raleigh shelter is holding 236 dogs, two puppies, 59 cats, 197 kittens, two rabbits and two rats.
To help ease the overcrowding, the animal shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs and cats that have been sheltered for more than 15 days. The special runs until Sunday, June 8.
The shelter indicated it needs the community’s help. Here’s what you can do.
How can I rescue a sheltered pet?
If you’re longing for companionship, the Wake County Animal Center encourages those wanting a pet to consider adopting a furry friend.
The adoption center is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh. It is open each day from noon to 6 p.m.
Here are the steps needed to complete the adoption process:
Check out the guide Before Adopting a Pet on the shelter’s website so you can ensure you’re ready for the commitment.
View the Adoptable Pets through the Wake County Animal Center Adoption Gallery.
To start the adoption process, bring a valid photo ID and pay your adoption fee (if applicable), then get ready to take your new friend home.
Meet your furry friend: Come to the animal shelter to meet your desired pet in person.
Does the animal shelter have a foster program?
The shelter offers a foster program for families to temporarily take care of the animals until they are ready for adoption.
Foster parents offer care for the pets while the shelter makes room for others.
Here are the requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Have proof of medical, auto and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Be able to isolate foster from family pets for a short period, depending on the foster.
Live and house a foster pet within Wake County.
Current pets must be up to date on vaccinations and be spayed or neutered.
What about volunteering at the animal shelter?
The animal shelter’s volunteer program is a crucial part of the center and helps make a difference in the lives of so many animals each year.
According to the Wake County Animal Shelter website, volunteering offers the opportunity to work in so many different aspects of the shelter, including:
Walking, grooming, cleaning and more.
Working with patrons: Guiding visitors, showcasing the animals, marketing, and attending off-site events.
Assist with data entry work, housekeeping and laundry.
To volunteer, you must meet the necessary “Essential Capabilities,” according to the shelter.
You must be 18 or older and able to commit to at least six hours per month for six months.
The public can also help by purchasing items from the shelter’s Amazon wish list, reuniting pets with their owners, and re-homing pets independently when possible.