Wake County Animal Center may have to restart euthanasia for space. How you can help.
For the last six years, the Wake County Animal Center has not had to euthanize any adoptable animals because it ran out of space.
That could be about to end.
The number of animals at the shelter continues to climb, and for the third time this year, the center is calling on the community to help house the influx of animals being surrendered to the shelter system.
Currently, 148 dogs are at the shelter, and the Wake County Animal Center is hoping to find permanent homes for as many as possible this holiday season.
“We are putting these pets at risk and our adoptions and transfers to rescue partners simply are not keeping up with the continual pace of incoming animals,” Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center, said in a news release.
“Appointments for families who want to give up their animals are booked full for the next month,” she added. “Allergies, new babies and moving are amongst some of the common reasons that force families to give up their pets, but we really need families to try to plan and re-home their pets themselves. Shelters are full across the country, please don’t enter your pet into this already overwhelmed system.”
Pet adoption discounts
To increase adoptions, the center is running a “Home for the Holidays” promotion. Dogs over 6 months old are $25 and cats are available for a “name your price” discount.
That special ends Sunday, but the shelter announced Thursday it will continue to offer discounts in hopes of avoiding euthanizing for space.
Starting Monday and running as long as needed, any dog or cat that’s been at the shelter for more than two weeks will be available for $25 for dogs and “name your price” for cats.
The regular adoption fees are $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under 5 years old, and $15 for cats that are greater than 5 years old.
Wake County Animal Center frequently updates its adoption gallery so pet lovers have the chance to see their prospective pets before arriving at the shelter.
The shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of Interstate 440 and New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.
This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 9:58 AM with the headline "Wake County Animal Center may have to restart euthanasia for space. How you can help.."