Wake County Animal Center
Our Mission
The Wake County Animal Center is dedicated to building a humane community for the pets and people of our county. We are committed to making a meaningful difference for animals and citizens alike through professional care, community partnership, and education.
Who We Are
As the only facility in Wake County that always accepts animals found within our jurisdiction, we serve as a vital community resource. Working alongside our dedicated community partners, we strive to treat and re-home thousands of homeless animals every year, ensuring every pet in our care has a chance at a new beginning.
Our Care Model
We are deeply committed to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, which guide our daily work: freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, fear, and the freedom to express normal behavior. Our facility, located in Raleigh, offers a secure and supportive environment where our team provides medical care and enrichment while animals await their forever homes. Beyond our shelter, we also utilize a robust foster program to provide temporary care that helps pets prepare for adoption in a home setting.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We believe that adopting a pet is a joyful, lifelong commitment, and we are here to help you find the right companion. Because we want every placement to be a success, we encourage you to meet our wonderful dogs, cats, and small critters in person to ensure a great connection. Our staff and foster parents are here to support you throughout the process, providing resources to help your new family member settle in comfortably.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Ready to meet your new best friend? You can explore our current adoptable pets in our online gallery or visit our adoption floor, which is open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. every day. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, you are helping us continue our lifesaving work for the animals of Wake County.
- Affordable adoption fees
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Inconsistent record-keeping and data errors
8/3 - Wake County Animal Center joins Clear the Shelters with free pet adoptions
The Wake County Animal Center is waiving all pet adoption fees throughout August as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign to find homes for hundreds of dogs and cats and free up space for incoming animals.
7/17 - The story of a dog who learned it was safe to dream
Always ready for a walk, a car ride or a cozy afternoon nap, Jimmy has a way of making every day a little brighter. He's the kind of dog who wants to be wherever his people are, happily matching their energy. Adventure? He's in. Quiet evening on the couch? He'll be snoring right beside you. Gabriella Agnello and her partner adopted Jimmy from the Wake County Animal Center in March 2026.
7/13 - Wake County Animal Center asks for adopters as hundreds of animals fill shelter
Hundreds of pets go missing around the Fourth of July each year. The Wake County Animal Center says many could be waiting at the shelter.
4/24 - Wake County SPCA expands services to curb pet euthanasia
Overpopulation leads to pet euthanizations. Here’s how the nonprofit is expanding Wake County services to help.
4/23 - Splash into fun and find a furry friend!
Get ready for wagging tails, big splashes and plenty of smiles! Wake County Animal Center dogs are back for Shelter Dog Swim Day on April 25 from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sliding G Ranch in Chapel Hill.
4/21 - Longtime foster Kim Leon brings love and care to Wake County dogs
For Kim Leon, loving animals has always come naturally. Long before she ever walked through the doors of the Wake County Animal Center, she was the kind of person who noticed animals, worried about them and wanted to help.
4/16 - Wake County launches survey to assess pet care needs, animal services gaps
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Wake County officials are asking residents to weigh in on the needs of pet owners and animal services as part of a new community survey. The county recently launched a “…
