Community Pet Days

community pet days

Community Pet Days are events that offer pet owners much-needed vaccinations, microchips and resources for their pets. Community Pet Days are offered due to a collaboration between local veterinarian Dr. April Ward with Heal House Call Veterinarians, Wake County Animal Center, Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Dorcas Ministries, Wake County Health and Human Services and Wake County Regional Centers.

Fall Community Pet Days

All events are scheduled from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

Community Pet Day Services:

  • Low-cost vaccinations:
    • Rabies vaccination: a vaccine that protects against the rabies virus. Both 1-year and 3-year vaccines are offered*. Cost $5.
    • DHPP: a combination vaccine that protects against five dog diseases - distemper, canine hepatitis, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Free.
    • FVRCP: a combination vaccine that protects against three cat diseases – feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline panleukopenia (FPV or feline distemper). Free.
  • Microchipping services:
    • Microchip: a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder (about the size of a grain of rice), implanted under the skin and used to identify pets. The microchip is read by a scanner and shows an identification number that corresponds to the owner’s contact information. Free.
  • Information on affordable spay/neuter resources
  • Basic Pet Care Guides for travel or emergency situations – Dog Care Plan and Cat Care Plan
  • Information on how to find affordable pet food and supplies
  • Information about Wake County Health and Human Services resources
  • Information about keeping pets and people healthy
     

What you need to know or bring:

  • BRING CASH:
    We only accept cash. Exact change is appreciated.
  • PET DOGS AND CATS ONLY:
    These events are open to owned dogs and cats only, please do not bring any other pets. Additionally, these events are not for community, feral, or TNVR cats or for rescue-owned pets. Please reach out to community cat organizations or the animal rescue you are fostering with for additional resources.
  • WAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY:
    Due to a limited number of vaccines and microchips, these events are only open to residents of Wake County.
  • MAXIMUM OF FOUR (4) PETS:
    Plan to attend an additional event if you have more than four pets who need services.
  • PETS MUST BE SAFELY CONTAINED/CONTROLLED:
    Pet owners who do not follow our safety guidelines may be asked to leave.
    • USE A REAL LEASH:
      Flexi leashes do not allow adequate control of dogs. Those using flexi leashes will be asked to use a slip lead if they cannot control their dog. Out-of-control dogs will be asked to wait in the car with a trusted adult.
    • CATS MUST BE IN CARRIERS:
      Harnesses are not adequate to keep a cat safe at an outdoor event attended by many dogs. If you do not have a carrier, you must leave your cat in the car with a trusted adult.
    • HAVE AN ADULT HANDLER:
      Children cannot be responsible for any pets.
    • KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE:
      Not all pets or people wish to interact with others. This measure is also to help reduce stress and the spread of disease.
  • WATER AND WEATHER:
    Wait times frequently exceed an hour. Please check the weather, dress appropriately, and bring water for you and your pet(s). If you have an umbrella to provide shade or a chair you’d like to use while you wait, we encourage you to bring it! In the event of a cancelation due to inclement weather, please make sure to check our website in the morning of the event for any updates.
  • *RABIES PAPERWORK:
    Bring proof of prior rabies vaccination (this must be a certificate or vet paperwork; a rabies tag is not sufficient). If you have the paperwork from your pet’s last rabies shot, your pet could get the 3-year vaccine. If you do not have paperwork, your pet can still get the 1-year vaccine.

Resources

Want to learn more about living with your cat or dog? How to understand your dog’s body language and they play? How to train your dog?

Check out these pet care resources offered by Wake County Animal Center and Wake County Public Libraries.

PLEASE NOTE: Services are subject to change depending on the availability of vaccines, microchips and veterinary help.

Community Pet Day Flyer (English)

Community Pet Day Flyer (Spanish)