Wake County Animal Center calls for help as shelter reaches capacity

The Wake County Animal Center is facing a critical situation as it has reached full capacity, with more animals arriving daily and fewer spaces available for those in need. Despite hundreds of pets finding homes this summer, the influx of new animals continues, leading to a pressing need for adopters and fosters.

Cheryl Stallings, a Wake County Commissioner, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, 'The more pets we can place into homes, the more animals we'll be able to help.' The center is currently caring for 653 animals, including a significant number of kittens in foster care who are not yet ready for adoption due to their young age or weight.

Of the 653 animals, 232 are available for adoption, including 124 dogs, one puppy, 27 cats, 74 kittens, five rabbits, and one bird. The Wake County Animal Center is the sole facility that accepts every stray, lost, and abandoned pet in Wake County, highlighting the importance of community support, especially after the Independence Day holiday, which traditionally sees a high number of animal intakes.

To assist the center in making space, residents can participate in the Adoption Cup promotion, which offers reduced adoption fees of $25 for dogs and $5 for cats until July 19. This promotion, inspired by the World Cup, encourages adoptions by having Team Dog and Team Cat compete for the most pets placed into loving homes. Since the promotion began on June 11, Team Cat has led with 218 adoptions, while Team Dog has achieved 129 adoptions. All adopted pets are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before leaving the shelter.

Interested individuals can visit the adoption gallery or the shelter, located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh, to meet the animals in person. The shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week.