Almost one third of the pets that come to the Wake County Animal Center are surrendered by their owners because they can’t afford to keep them. That’s why the Wake County Animal Center is partnering to host a series of Community Pet Days to offer low-cost veterinary care, like rabies shots, microchipping and wellness services, along with resources on how to find affordable pet food and supplies.
“We know most people don’t want to give up their pets,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “It is more cost effective, humane and efficient to keep animals in their homes, rather than have them being cycled through the shelter system. We hope Community Pet Days will provide owners the help they need to keep the family together.”
Community Pet Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following four Sundays:
- Sept. 18: Wake County Northern Regional Center at 350 E Holding Ave. in Wake Forest
- Sept. 25: Eastern Regional Center at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon
- Oct. 30: Southern Regional Center at 130 N Judd Parkway NE in Fuquay-Varina
- Nov. 6: Dorcas Ministries at 187 High House Road in Cary
- Rabies shots for $5;
- Microchips for $10;
- Wellness exams, including DHPP (a combination vaccine that provides protection against five dog diseases) / FVRCP (a combination vaccination for cats) vaccines for $10;
- Spay/neuter voucher information;
- Rabies education and prevention materials; and
- Wake County Health and Human Services program information.
Not being able to afford these basic health needs can result in more strays, unwanted litters, sick animals and subsequently higher healthcare costs to treat them. Ultimately, it means a lot of heartbreak when lost pets can’t be found or pets have to be given up.
“One of our goals is to support our community to keep their pets. Bringing them to our center should be the last option,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “We work hard to find new homes for the animals in our care. Owner surrendered animals have a difficult time adjusting to life in a shelter environment, especially if they aren’t rehomed quickly. Some don’t find a new home for months.”
Families and pets are happiest when they can stay together. Providing pet owners with help, resources and education is one of the steps to prevent the hundreds of animals that are surrendered to the shelter every year.
The Wake County Animal Center is the only open admission shelter in Wake County that never turns away animals including stray, abandoned and surrendered pets from Wake County communities. The shelter treats and re-homes thousands of homeless animals every year.
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