Dogs and cats are filling up Wake County's shelter. Here's what you can do to help.
The Wake County Animal Center is nearing capacity and needs help finding homes for adoptable pets.
There are about 500 dogs and cats at the Wake County shelter or in foster care. More than 200 of them are ready to be adopted.
Although the county hasn't had to euthanize pets for space in the past few years, that could happen if the shelter fills up.
"We do everything we can to avoid euthanasia for space, but that is a possibility," said Jennifer Heiss, Wake County communications specialist.
The shelter, at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh, is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. and the list of adoptable pets can be viewed online at pets.wakegov.com.
Animal shelters usually see an increase in surrendered animals during the summer months, especially for cats and kittens.
Here's what Wake County is recommending people do to keep the shelter from hitting capacity:
If you've been debating getting a pet, consider adopting one from the shelter. Or consider fostering pets from the shelter.
- Make sure your pets are spayed or neutered, even if they are indoor pets. This will prevent more animals from coming to the shelter in the future.
- Do not bring in "abandoned" litters of kittens to the shelter unless they are actually abandoned or in danger. Most litters of kittens are not abandoned and the mothers are out getting food for themselves and likely will return.
- If you're missing a pet, search through the county's online photo gallery (pets.wakegov.com) to see whether you can find your pet. Try to reclaim your pet as soon as possible.
- If you're debating surrendering your pet to the shelter, try to hold on to them a little longer or ask whether they can stay with a friend or family member until there is more room at the shelter.
- If you are a pet owner and are moving, make sure the new residence is pet friendly and allows your type of pet.
More information about the shelter and the animals up for adoption can be found www.wakegov.com/pets or call 919-212-7387.
Anna Johnson; 919-829-4807; @anna_m_johnson
This story was originally published July 2, 2018 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Dogs and cats are filling up Wake County's shelter. Here's what you can do to help.."