Wake County Animal Center has reached full capacity once again and urgently needs community support through pet adoptions. After taking in 141 animals over the last three days, there are only two cat kennels and five dog kennels left in the building. Without immediate intervention, the center will have to start euthanizing for space.
"The center has an eight-year record of not euthanizing animals for space, but the number of animals in our care has surged beyond our capacity," said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. "We are asking for the community's help to provide these wonderful animals with loving homes and help us keep our record. Every adoption can make a significant difference."
Currently, there are 635 animals at the center and in foster care taking up kennels and life-saving space, leaving no room for incoming animals. There are 65 cats, 100 kittens, 159 dogs, 11 puppies, 11 rabbits, nine birds and one goat at the Center. Another 18 cats, 195 kittens, 61 dogs, four puppies and one rabbit are in foster care.
The center has had to divide the kennels – small, enclosed spaces where animals are kept for care and shelter – to accommodate two pets, but even this option is no longer sufficient as the number of animals has increased. When the kennels are divided, there is a risk of spreading diseases, especially for young animals and those recently admitted.
“The situation is dire,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “Our community needs to find ways to keep pets at home or rehome them. With the current influx, we simply cannot keep up with the speed. Every day, more animals are coming in than leaving the center."
To encourage adoptions, the Wake County Animal Center will be waiving all adoption fees to $0 for dogs, cats and small animals from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, July 7, for all animals available for adoption.
When you adopt a pet from the Wake County Animal Center, they are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on their annual vaccines, which saves you on veterinary bills.
Ready to adopt? 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.
