WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center

06/18/2026

Wake County Animal Center will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

06/18/2026

Just like the rest of your household, your pets need an too! is the perfect time to build one.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office therapy dog handlers have their bags packed. Do you? 🤔

Visit www.wake.gov/petprep for a list of items and more tips! 🐕🐈

06/18/2026

What if Buck from The Call of the Wild by Jack London traded the Alaskan wilderness for belly rubs, squeaky toys and a cozy couch? You'd get Dinero (261508).

Like Buck, Dinero is a strong, impressive dog with a big spirit. But unlike Buck's rugged adventures in the wilderness, Dinero has already decided his favorite place is right next to his people. At more than 90 pounds, he's convinced he's the perfect lap dog and never misses a chance to lean in for cuddles or claim a belly rub.

Dinero enjoys leisurely walks, carrying his favorite toy around the yard and showing off his goofy, clumsy charm. He's a squeaky toy enthusiast, a treat connoisseur and a professional napper who believes every day should include plenty of snacks, naps and love.

In The Call of the Wild, Buck discovers where he truly belongs. Dinero is hoping his own journey leads him to a forever family that will love him for the gentle giant he is. He's crate trained, potty trained and would do best in a home with older children because of his size. He gets along well with female dogs and is ready to become someone's big baby.

This feature is part of "BOOKed for Adoption," a partnership campaign between Wake County Animal Center and Wake County Public Libraries. Visit your local library to discover Jack London's timeless adventure, then visit the shelter to meet a loyal companion who's ready to write his next chapter with you.

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

06/16/2026

Meet Chia (267562), a gentle girl with a wrinkly forehead and a perpetual look of worry that melts once she's loved. She's easy to walk, though she may tug a bit if she's excited to get somewhere. She adores giving kisses and will happily curl up as your devoted lap companion. Low energy and sweet, she mostly just wants attention, reassurance, and a cozy place to belong. With care and patience, this "Chia Pet" will blossom into a truly loyal, loving best friend.

While attending doggie playgroups, Chia is a dainty gal who can be a bit clumsy in her coordination, but it only adds to her charm. She enjoyed romping around the yard and soaking up attention from her biggest admirers, Sunday and Donovan. She has been known to match the playstyle of her playmates - whether it's rough and tumble play or just a good game of chase she is one to go with the flow.

Chia is spayed and ready to go home today! She is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and is microchipped. If you have cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Chia, 267562".

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

06/15/2026

Check out the new edition of our Animal Center newsletter and dive into the latest stories, happy tails and behind-the-scenes updates.

Email from Wake County You don't want to miss our pet news! The ultimate Hurricanes superfan at Wake County Animal Center has a day job saving pets If you walk into Joanne Duda's office at the Wake Co

06/12/2026

If Homer (265966) were a book character, he'd be Clifford from Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell.

Just like Clifford, Homer is a dog with a big heart and a love for fun. He enjoys chasing balls, going on walks and making friends wherever he goes. And when the adventure is over, he's happy to curl up nearby for some quiet time with his favorite people.

Homer has wonderful manners, rides calmly in the car and takes treats as gently as can be. His favorite reward? A little attention and a good butt scritch.

In Clifford's story, love helped a little puppy grow into a very special dog. Homer is already pretty special, now he's just looking for a family to love him and help him live happily ever after.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Homer, 265966".

This feature is part of “BOOKed for Adoption,” a partnership campaign between Wake County Animal Center and Wake County Public Libraries. Visit your local library to discover this timeless story, then visit the shelter to meet your own Toto-inspired companion.

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

06/11/2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all about goals, competition and championship dreams. The Wake County Animal Center is joining the fun with a tournament of its own: Team Dog versus Team Cat.

Inspired by the world's biggest sporting event, the Wake County Animal Center’s Adoption Cup campaign will run from June 11–July 19, with Team Dog and Team Cat competing to see which side can score the most adoptions. The stakes? Bragging rights. The prize? A forever home.

Every adoption counts as a goal. Weekly score updates will be posted on the Animal Center's social media channels so fans can track which team is leading, rally their side and cheer their favorite players to victory. The team with the most adoptions at the final whistle wins, and every animal that crosses the finish line takes home the only trophy that matters: a forever family.

To make it easier than ever to get in the game, any dog or cat that’s been at the shelter for more than two weeks is available for just $25 for dogs and $5 for cats. The regular adoption fees are $95 for dogs, $45 for cats under five years old, and $15 for cats that are greater than five years old.

The final whistle blows on July 19. Will Team Dog or Team Cat lift the trophy? Visit the adoption gallery or come by and see the pets’ sweet faces for yourself. Follow the Animal Center on social media to track the score and cheer your team to victory. Because in this tournament, every goal changes a life.

06/10/2026

Cadbury (229361) is wondering why he's back here after being adopted as a puppy, and his high-energy kennel antics-barking and jumping-likely come from confusion. Outside, he's cool as a cucumber. Cadbury loves meeting people and dreams of hikes and big adventures with an active family. He thrives on routine, guidance, and daily exercise.

In playgroups, Cadbury dashed in eager to play, showing a perky, playful personality while doing well with two different female dogs in separate sessions. He's medium energy, highly likable, and loves meeting new people.

He is already neutered and up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, is microchipped and ready to go home. If you have cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Cadbury, 229361".

This pet is at the adoption center and can be visited any day from noon to 6 p.m.. Adoptions are first-come, first-served; you must meet with a pet in-person before the adoption process can be started.

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer