Wake County Animal Center urges families to join Community Pet Days

Community Pet days

The much-anticipated Community Pet Days are back, bringing free and low-cost wellness services to pet owners throughout March and April. The events will provide essential resources, such as free vaccines and microchipping, to help families keep their pets in their homes.

“Adopting a pet is a commitment for the life of that pet,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “This commitment also comes with financial obligations. We understand that it is not cheap to own a pet nowadays. That’s why we want to help by offering Community Pet Days.”

Spring Community Pet Days are scheduled on the following Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

The following services will be provided:

  • Rabies vaccination: a vaccine that protects against the rabies virus. Both 1-year and 3-year vaccines are offered. 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. 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.
     
  • 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.

Please note: no other vaccines, flea or veterinary services are being offered. Services will be provided while supplies last.

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 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.

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.

Department
Animal Services
Category
Press Release