Friends of Wake County Animal Center

04/05/2025

88+ animals arrived at the Pets: Wake County Animal Center in the last week. The shelter is full and is just about out of room for more animals. That means the longest residents who have not been able to find a home could be at risk for euthanasia. When there is no room, and the shelter is required to accept new animals, then they face the horrible decision to find a way to make more room.
How can you help?
1- Reclaim your pet if they are at the shelter.
2- Find a place on your own to rehome your pet rather than dropping them at the shelter.
3- ADOPT if you are able. Even though long term animals are at the greatest risk, remember any adoption opens up space.
4- Fill out an application to foster animals in your home https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/foster-program. An animal in foster creates more space at the shelter.
5- Fill out an application to volunteer. https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/volunteer-program. Animals need interaction, walks and enrichment to keep their spirits healthy.
If you are interested in any of the animals shown in these pictures or in any of the animals, you can find more information at https://pets.wake.gov/gallery. Please use that site to find out more information about any animal. The pet gallery has all of the information you are looking for.
The Wake County Animal Center is open for adoptions from 12-6 every day. No appointments necessary. They are located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh.

To be very clear, this is not a problem created by the shelter staff, volunteers or fosters. This is a problem created by the community. This is created by a community that has seriously limited options for people with pets who rent, people who do not consider their animals part of the family and abandon them, a city/county/state that does not have spay/neuter laws, people who can barely feed themselves and find they cannot afford their pets vet/food needs, people who expect a perfect pet to arrive in their home on Day one so they return them, rescues who try hard but are as overwhelmed and out of space as the shelter, and so many more issues. Many issues are out of people's control and surrendering to the shelter is their absolutely last option. It is heartbreaking for the people, and it is heartbreaking for the staff, volunteers and fosters who love these animals.
Be Kind in your comments. Focus on solutions. We will not tolerate bashing and will immediately delete your comment and ban you from our page if you bash anyone.

04/04/2025

All these lovely dogs are available for adoption and cannot wait to see you!
Wake County Animal Center located at 820 beacon lake dr in Raleigh, NC, open for adoptions 12-6 every day.
You can search for more information on all animals at the shelter or in foster at https://pets.wake.gov/gallery. You can sort by cat, dog or little critter, age, date in shelter, breed, gender, and whether they are in foster or living at the shelter.

04/04/2025

🚨 Attention, dog lovers! 🚨

This SUNDAY, we’re bringing you something that’s paws-itively awesome! 🐾🐕 FOURTEEN adorable pups from WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center are ready to show you what they're REALLY like—no more cage drama, just pure, unfiltered joy at the Dog Swim Event! 🎉

🐶 Ever wonder what it's like to see a dog actually having fun instead of begging for your attention behind a kennel gate? Now's your chance! These dogs will be living their best life in the water, not the kennel! 💦

But WAIT, there’s more: 🍗 Food truck (because you can’t watch dogs swim on an empty stomach) 🎨 "Paint with a dog" (yep, your creativity will literally get a paw-sitive boost) 🍦 Pup cups (because dogs deserve ice cream too) 🤣 And, of course, LOTS of laughs!

So, get your tails in gear, mark your calendars, and come hang out with some of the cutest adoptable pups around! 🐾 You might just meet your new best friend! ❤️

04/03/2025

Mocha’s day-cation story with a fabulous volunteer is below.

She is available for adoption and can be visited any day from noon until 6pm at WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center - 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh, NC.

“Oh my MOCHA! I am truly baffled at how this girl is still at the shelter. I honestly don’t know why she keeps getting overlooked.

Mocha leaped right up into the car ready to go! She was a little unsure of what to do at first, but then settled down! She discovered that she loves to stick her head out of the window and feel the wind on her face!

We went to Shelley Lake and walked about 3 miles. This girl was a ROCKSTAR! There were a lot of people, kids, other dogs (all sizes), birds, squirrels, GEESE, lawn mowers, construction sounds and workers all throughout and Mocha was not reactive to ANY of this.

Mocha loved exploring and sniffing ALL the things. She even took a few steps into the water 👀

As you can see, she’s quite the model! She got back into the car nicely and allowed me to wipe her paws before jumping in! She laid down almost immediately and enjoyed feeling the AC on her face.

When she smelled that burger coming her way, she perked right up and LOVED it!

Of course we ended our morning with a pup cup. This girl knows how to take her time and truly savor special treats!

Yall, she truly is a sweet angel. Someone is missing out on an amazing dog!!

https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/255367

04/03/2025

One of the awesome volunteers put together this cute video during one of their volunteering shifts this week.

Come meet these pups and many, many more any day from noon until six at WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr. in Raleigh, North Carolina.

To find out more information about any of these dogs click https://pets.wake.gov/gallery and search by their name.

04/02/2025

Meet Bert, the adorable black-and-white bundle of joy who's ready to steal your heart (and probably your socks). At just five months old, Bert is a handsome little guy with a big personality. He's the perfect mix of sweet and wild - one minute he's zooming around at full speed, and the next he's melting into your lap for a cuddle. Bert is also a treat lover to the core. He's making stellar progress with potty and crate training, and he takes his treats like the good boy he is - very gently, thank you very much! Bert is an absolute social butterfly who loves all the attention he can get. Whether he's playing rough with his dog pals (male or female, he doesn't mind) or giving you endless kisses, this little guy is a fun-loving, energy-filled companion.

If you're looking for a playful, excitable, and sweet-hearted pup to add to your family, Bert is your guy!

Could you be the one to give this lovable puppy the home he deserves? You're welcome to submit the request through the website for more info & schedule to meet Bert or message his foster mom directly by emailing [email protected]

https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/258113

04/02/2025

Meet Polly - Your New Best Friend!
Polly is a sweet and affectionate 2-year-old pup looking for a forever home where she can soak up the love she truly deserves. This lovable girl had a rough start in life, but you'd never know it from how she wags her tail and looks at you with adoration when she wakes up in the morning. She absolutely adores my resident male dog and would love to have another furry sibling to play with! When she's not romping around with her canine friends, you'll find her sunbathing during the day or curled up next to you on her favorite place- the couch!
Polly has plenty of playful energy and would thrive in a home where she can play with another younger dog and have companionship. Because she's still a bit of a bouncy pup, she'd do best in a home without young children (under 12). She'd also love an adopter who is home often so she doesn't have to spend too much time in her crate-she just wants to be part of the family!
If you're looking for a sweet, fun-loving, and loyal companion, Polly might be the perfect match. She's ready to fill your home with love, joy, and lots of tail wags. Could you be the one to give Polly the forever home she's been waiting for?
🐾 Interested in meeting Polly? Reach out to me at [email protected]! 🐾

https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/253410

04/01/2025

04/01/2025

Are you looking for a dog that is super sweet? Likes to play? Is amazingly adorable? Mr Mom is the pup for you!! He is currently in a foster home and doing amazing! He is looking for his forever home. Click on the link below for more info! He is such a sweetheart!

https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/253255

04/01/2025

Tonight is Barks and Bond. It's is a fun low key drop in style event where you can come learn about being a foster or volunteer at the Wake County Animal Center. You can also meet adoptable dogs from the Wake County Animal Center.This event happens on the first Tuesday of every month from 6-8pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/28927484056897932

03/31/2025

Meet Pumpkin Patrick! This 2-year-old, 71-pound dog has a big personality and an even bigger heart. He’s a quick learner, already knowing commands like "sit" and "down" and taking treats gently. While he’s medium energy, he can get excited during walks and may react to other dogs.

Pumpkin Patrick prefers to be the only dog in the home or with a playful female. He’d be a great match for an active family or a jogging buddy who can help him burn off his energy.

Although he's heartworm positive, treatment is available, and Friends of Wake County Animal Center has generously provided a $600 sponsorship to help cover the cost.

Interested in learning more about this lovable guy? Email our Volunteer Matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Pumpkin Patrick 254798."

03/31/2025

Meet Priscilla, a high-energy, fun-loving girl who's ready to play! From the moment she stepped into the playgroup, she jumped right into the action, full of excitement and enthusiasm. While her eager, in-your-face style might be a bit much for some dogs, Priscilla's intentions are always friendly and never malicious. She's just a little intense as she figures out how to channel all her energy in the right way. With some more practice and time to settle in, Priscilla will find her groove. She's looking for a patient home where her playful spirit can shine!

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Priscilla 256256".

03/31/2025

Regina is okay with cats!! We get asked that a lot and usually cannot answer. But Regina was in a foster home for a while and got along with their cats.
But, she is not good with dogs.

Regina is very sweet and balances calm moments with bursts of playful energy. Regina loves a gentle car ride, interactive enrichment sessions with lick mats and bones, and even a little dress-up fun. A quick learner, she's already mastered commands like "sit" and "paw" and is eager to learn more.

Regina would thrive in a home that offers both plenty of quality indoor time and safe opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Ideally, her new family provides a secure outdoor area where she can explore, relax, and even sunbathe to her heart's content.

If you're interested in learning more about her, take a look at her bio and more pictures at https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/246643.
You can also reach out to our Volunteer Matchmakers at https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/246643 [email protected] with the subject line "Regina 246643."

Even better, come meet her at WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center. They are open for adoptions from 12-6 every day. 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.

03/30/2025

Louis V is looking to the future and a home of his own. He is our Senior Sunday pet at WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center.
At 11 years old, he quickly became a volunteer and staff favorite with his gentle soul and loving nature. He likes to lounge around and take life as it comes. He loves his walks and will mosey along at your side during his outdoor adventures.
He has been in a home before and he has been able to maintain his potty training since he has been here. He sits politely for treats and enjoys snuggling up and receiving belly rubs.
He will do best in a home where he is an only pet. He is in the stage of his life where he will thrive in a relaxed and nurturing environment. If you love old souls, please come by the shelter and meet this special boy.

If you're interested in learning more about Louis V, please reach out to our Volunteer Matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Louis V 242386."
You can see more pictures at https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/242386

The shelter is open for adoptions 12-6 every day. Located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.

03/29/2025

This little dynamo, Star, will steal your heart with her big personality! Confident and full of energy, she knows how to hold her own during doggy playgroups and isn't afraid to dish out the right corrections when needed. She loves to run at full speed, especially during a good game of chase with her doggy friends. Star has no trouble keeping up with dogs much larger than her, proving she's got plenty of s***k and spirit! If you're looking for an energetic and confident companion, Star could be the perfect match for you.

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Star 256538".

Even better, come meet Star at the WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center. They are open for adoptions 12-6 every day. 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.

Photo Credit: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

03/29/2025

72+ animals arrived at the WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center. Some are strays hoping that their owners will find them and take them back home. Some have been surrendered and are hoping to find a forever home through adoption.
The shelter opens at noon today and is open for adoptions from 12-6 every day.
If you see your pet, go and reclaim them.
If you can adopt, please go visit with these wonderful animals.

To look at any individual animal, go to https://pets.wake.gov/gallery and search by their name.
If they don't show up they may have been reclaimed, gone to a rescue, or been adopted.
Not Yet Available means they are on Stray Hold waiting, hopefully, to be reclaimed.
You can visit and place a Pending Adoption which means once off stray hold, if no owner picks them up, they can go home with you.
If they show as In Foster, they are not at the shelter, they are in a foster home. Click on their individual page, click on View More, then the Additional Info tab to see ways to contact.

The shelter is located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.