José G Cabañas, Deputy County Manager & Chief Medical Officer | Wake County Government
José G Cabañas, Deputy County Manager & Chief Medical Officer | Wake County Government
Starting March 3, the Wake County Animal Center will resume adoptions for dogs, cats, and small animals. These animals were quarantined since February 7 due to a Streptococcus zooepidemicus outbreak that resulted in the deaths of three dogs. All dogs available for adoption have completed treatment and are cleared.
The reopening marks Stage 1 of the center's return to operations, with pet adoptions being the only service resuming on this date. Future stages include stray animal intake (Stage 2) and owner surrenders (Stage 3), contingent on space availability. Updates will be posted on the Wake County Animal Center website and social media platforms.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our residents back after this temporary closure. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of every pet in our care, and now, we need your help more than ever,” said Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson. “The shelter is full, and we have so many loving animals waiting for their forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now is the time.”
There are currently 240 animals under the care of the Wake County Animal Center—142 at the center itself and others in foster care. The community can assist by adopting pets, helping locate owners of stray pets, rehoming pets without surrendering them to shelters, and sharing information about adoptable pets via social media.
“Now that we’ve reopened, our top priority is finding homes for the many dogs and cats still in our care,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Animal Center. “Overcrowding remains a serious challenge, and we desperately need the community’s help. Every adoption saves a life—so please, come visit us!”
Adopted pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines, which helps reduce future veterinary costs. Additionally, Friends of Wake County Animal Center offers $350 vouchers for heartworm-positive dogs through its Heal a Heart Program.
Those interested in adopting can visit the adoption gallery or stop by to meet available pets. The shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
The location is at 820 Beacon Lake Drive near I-440 and New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.
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