South Raleigh News

Following the success of last fall’s Community Pet Days, Wake County Animal Center is launching Spring Community Pet Days. Starting this month families are invited to take advantage of free or low-cost veterinary care, including rabies shots, microchipping and additional vaccines, along with resources on how to find affordable pet food and supplies.

“Last fall, we served 301 families, provided 374 rabies vaccines, microchipped 255 pets and vaccinated 299 animals,” said Shinica Thomas, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “In total, that’s nearly 500 dogs and cats! We hope we can reach even more this year and do everything we can to keep them together with their current families. No one should have to give up a furry loved one because they can’t afford the care.”

The spring 2023 Community Pet Days are: 

• Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Wake County Southern Regional Center
  130 N Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
   
• Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Wake County Northern Regional Center
  350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
   
• Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Dorcas Ministries187 High House Road, Cary 
• Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  Wake County Eastern Regional Center
  1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon

The following services will be provided: 

• Rabies vaccines: 1-year and 3-year vaccines are offered. Cost $5
• Microchips: $10
• DHPP (a combination vaccine that provides protection against five dog diseases) / FVRCP (a combination vaccination for cats) vaccines: No-cost
• Rabies education and prevention materials
• Wake County Health and Human Services program information

What you need to bring: 

• CASH: We can only accept cash at this time – for example, one pet receiving a rabies vaccine, a combo vaccine, and microchipping would cost $15 cash.
• WATER: Lots of people come out for our Community Pet Days. You and your pets may have to wait in a line outside, possibly for more than an hour – so please bring water for yourself and your cat or dog. Dress for the weather. If you have an umbrella or chair, bring them for your possible wait!
• RABIES PAPERWORK: Please bring proof of prior rabies vaccines, such as a vaccine certificate or paperwork from your veterinarian. (Rabies tags on collars are not sufficient.) If you have the paperwork from your pet’s last rabies shot, you can get the 3-year vaccine. If you do not have paperwork as proof of previous shots, your pet will only be able to get the 1-year vaccine.
• PATIENCE: Please pack your patience; we have so many people struggling to keep their pet & families together, and we want to help each and every one. Be prepared to wait with your pet – we’ll serve everyone we can, while supplies last.

Community Pet Days are made possible thanks to the generosity and support of local veterinarian Dr. April Ward with Heal House Call Veterinarians, Friends of Wake County Animal Center and Dorcas Ministries.

Original source can be found here.