For the third year in a row, the Wake County Animal Center is organizing its Fall Community Pet Days, a series of events designed to help pet owners keep their furry friends healthy and out of the shelter. From Oct. 13 to Nov. 24, Community Pet Days will visit four different locations across the county, offering free and low-cost wellness services to pet owners.
“We are committed to ensuring that all pets in our community have access to essential health services,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “These Community Pet Days are a great way for pet owners to get the care they need for their animals, whether it’s vaccinations, microchipping or other resources.”
Community Pet Days Schedule
All events are scheduled from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
- Sunday, Oct. 13 – Southern Regional Center in Fuquay-Varina
- Sunday, Oct. 27 – Dorcas Ministries in Cary
- Sunday, Nov. 10 – Northern Regional Center in Wake Forest
- Sunday, Nov. 24 – Eastern Regional Center in Zebulon
Community Pet Days 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 , feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia. 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
Important Information for Participants
- BRING CASH: The events accept cash only. Exact change is appreciated.
- PET DOGS AND CATS ONLY: The events are open to owned dogs and cats. Please do not bring other types of pets, community cats, feral cats or pets owned by rescue organizations.
- WAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY: Due to limited supplies, the events are open only to residents of Wake County.
- Vaccinations and microchips will be available while supplies last.
"Community Pet Days play an important role in keeping pets healthy and in their homes, where they belong," said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Animal Center. "By providing essential wellness services at little to no cost, we're helping families care for their beloved animals and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners."
Since launching in September 2022, Community Pet Days have helped thousands of families and pets. This spring alone, the Wake County Animal Center served 999 dogs and 276 cats, providing 1,000 rabies vaccines, 1,169 combination vaccines and 652 microchips.
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.
