WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center

09/22/2025

Bandit is a 3-year-old, 50-pound heart-stealer with a white coat, brown markings, and a strong opinion about sharing her space: she's not a fan. Simply put, Bandit prefers her humans all to herself. She's not looking for a doggy roommate-she's looking to be your one and only.

When Bandit joined a doggie playgroup, she made it pretty clear that group hangouts weren't her thing. After a couple of tense interactions (and some side-eye at other dogs), she let us know she's much happier flying solo. We listened-and we think she'll thrive in a home where she can soak up all the love without any competition. Also, best with older children and a home with a fenced in yard.

Bandit is bold, loyal, and full of personality. She knows a lot of commands. She's the kind of dog who bonds deeply and gives her whole heart to her people. With no other pets around, she'll shine like the star she is. Additionally, Bandit also knows sit and takes treats gently (though she seems a bit picky about her treats). She would make a great hiking buddy and enjoys getting plenty of exercise.

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Bandit 261976".

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

09/20/2025

Join us today at Bear Hands in Apex (305 South Salem Street, Apex NC 27502) from 10am-2pm for their Adopt a Familiar event.

Attention witchy vibe aficionados, romantasy book readers, and cottage core enthusiasts!

Join the Wake County Animal Center this Saturday, September 20th, from 10am-2pm for a special “Adopt a Familiar” event at Bear Hands Gift Shop and Studio in Downtown Apex. Meet cats, mellow dogs, and a bunny or two who are all looking for their happily ever after.

🐻 Bear Hands Gift Shop & Studio
🗺️ 305 South Salem Street, Apex NC 27502
🕙 10am-2pm

We hope to see you there!

09/18/2025

We love adoption updates!

Bonnie, now Connie, is living it up in her new home: "She was pretty shy and sleepy the first few days, but recently has come out of her shell and has shown us a lot of personality. She is very talkative and loves affection. Some of our favorite things about her is her eyes, personality and her love for hair ties (she will play with them all by herself for hours 😂)!! She has been settling in very well and are SO grateful for the Animal Shelter for being our new little family together!!"

09/18/2025

The road always leads to the WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center! 📍 🐾

Whether you're stopping by to meet your new best friend on the adoption floor or just looking for a fun way to give back by volunteering or fostering, there’s always something going on at the !

09/17/2025

Nothing makes our dogs happier than when they get to spend time outside their kennel, with our volunteers. To help facilitate all the training, enrichment, walking, and veterinary procedures, we go through 2-3 boxes of dog treats, every single day.

To help us keep our treat cabinets stocked (and continue to provide enrichment for the very good doggos in our care), please consider donating these much-needed treats. Chewy treats, crunchy treats, we can use them all!

For ease, here is a link to our Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2F8CXCE3QIE3K?ref_=wl_share (any/all other donations are welcome as well!).

Alternatively, you can mail/drop off any donations at the Animal Center, located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh NC 27610 OR at any of our local donation drop off locations - https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/animal-center-donations

Thank you for helping us to keep our pups enriched while they await their forever home!

Featured dog - adoptable Scooby (258138) - https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/258138
Photo credit - Emily, one of our fabulous volunteers.

🦴🐶🐾

09/17/2025

Remember Shadow from ‘Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey’? Loyal, wise and full of love? Well, Emily Stokes, a volunteer at the Wake County Animal Center, found her very own Shadow, right in our shelter!

When Emily took a sweet pup named Zero for a walk, she knew from the very first moment that he was something special.

“I gave him belly rubs and just saw how happy he was outside of his kennel,” Emily said. “I felt like he was a really special dog. I was very right about that!”

Just like the Shadow from the movie, this dog was meant to be her best friend. So, after adopting him, Emily gave him a new name, Shadow, after her favorite childhood character.

“We wanted him to have a fresh name and a fresh start with us. Zero just didn’t fit him. He’s much more than that.”

Now, Shadow is living his best life. He’s calm, loving and adores cuddles on the couch just as much as he loves going on walks or lying in the sun. And yes, he really, really loves food.

“He’s a couch potato with bursts of energy. But my favorite thing is how gentle and sweet he is. He’s the best snuggle buddy for movie nights!”

Emily, who’s helped many animals find homes through volunteering, knew that bringing a new dog home takes time and patience.

“Shadow had his own room for the first three days so he could decompress,” she said. “We just sat with him, gave him belly rubs and let him settle in.”

After a few days, it was time to meet his new furry sibling, MJ. Emily got a Sniff Spot so the dogs could meet on neutral ground, and it worked! The two became best friends, running and playing like they’d always known each other.

And then came the next big event: Emily’s wedding! Shadow may not have walked down the aisle, but he was there for the special day, relaxing in the house, getting belly rubs and of course, posing for photos with the bride and groom.

“He stayed in the house with MJ while we celebrated outside, and we made sure to check on them all day. They both got special photos with me and now they’re part of our forever family.”

Emily is certain of one thing: rescue animals are the best animals.
“When you adopt, you’re not just saving a life, you’re changing your own,” she said. “You’re gaining a best friend who will love you completely and unconditionally. That’s the real gift.”

Shadow may have started his journey as Zero, but thanks to love, patience and a second chance, he found his forever family and a name that fits just right.

09/16/2025

Remember Shadow from ‘Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey’? Loyal, wise and full of love? Well, Emily Stokes, a volunteer at the Wake County Animal Center, found her very own Shadow, right in our shelter!

09/15/2025

Check out the latest edition of our newsletter, featuring updates, upcoming events and highlights you won’t want to miss.

Email from Wake County You don't want to miss our pet news! A second chance for Hera, a lifetime of love for Alyssa A healthy, joyful pup named Hera came racing over to greet us at Alyssa’s home, her

09/14/2025

Attention witchy vibe aficionados, romantasy book readers, and cottage core enthusiasts!

Join the Wake County Animal Center this Saturday, September 20th, from 10am-2pm for a special “Adopt a Familiar” event at Bear Hands Gift Shop and Studio in Downtown Apex. Meet cats, mellow dogs, and a bunny or two who are all looking for their happily ever after.

🐻 Bear Hands Gift Shop & Studio
🗺️ 305 South Salem Street, Apex NC 27502
🕙 10am-2pm

We hope to see you there!

09/12/2025

Meet Slinky Malinky - 9 Years Old, Quiet Soul, Future Cuddlebug

Slinky Malinky may have a silly name, but his journey is a tender one. At 9 years old, he's still figuring out how to be a dog. Likely missing out on love and care in his past, he's skinny, cautious, and incredibly curious-sniffing his way through new spaces as he learns to feel safe. He'll need a patient home with plenty of room to adjust at his own pace. But beneath the hesitation is a gentle heart waiting to trust. With time (and treats-his absolute favorite), Slinky Malinky is sure to blossom. He may not know it yet, but cuddles are definitely in his future. Are you the one to show him what love feels like?

Since he came in as a stray, we don't know much about his past, but we're getting to know just how wonderful he is. He already knows "sit," takes treats gently, and can even catch them in the air! He's easy to collar and walks past other dogs calmly, though he may pull a little at first-he's eager to get outside and do his business.

Don't let his age fool you-Slinky Malinky is youthful at heart and loves to sniff and explore the world around him. At 58 lbs, he's a great size for walks and outdoor adventures, and he'd make an excellent walking buddy for someone looking for a loyal companion.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Slinky Malinky 261102".

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

09/10/2025

Bobby is still very much a big, lovable puppy with a heart full of curiosity and a nose for adventure. He's got medium energy and gets excited for outings, so don't be surprised if he gets a little jumpy when the leash comes out. But once he's outside and away from the chaos of the shelter, Bobby's sweet and playful side really starts to shine.

Recently, Bobby has really come out of his shell. He's now played well with both male and female dogs-after a moment to warm up, he engages in bouncy, playful fun. His latest session with a young male ended in zoomies and tail wags, and he's had equally positive playtime with female pups, too.

Whether he's sniffing every inch of the yard like a true explorer or learning the ropes of polite doggy play, Bobby is eager to grow, learn and love. He'd thrive with a family ready to offer guidance, patience and maybe a backyard where he can put his nose to work.

If you're looking for a goofy, affectionate and trainable companion, Bobby's ready to be your best friend-and your most loyal adventure partner.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Bobby/panda 247480".

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

09/09/2025

Rey is a shy, reserved pup who's been through more than she lets on. She came to us with some unknown wounds-both inside and out-but with time, care and a lot of love, she's healing beautifully. She arrived along with a neutered, unwounded male, but so far, she prefers to coexist rather than engage in play with another male.

Though cautious at first, Rey has a quiet strength that shines through in the little moments: a soft glance, a slow tail wag, the way she leans in just a bit closer each day. She's not one for loud noises or busy places, but in a calm home with a patient heart, she'll flourish.

In playgroups, Rey is a bit of a timid gal. She's shy and can become shutdown, even in her kennel. However, she perked up around another shy male dog though he wasn't interested in interacting. We tried pairing her with a more playful dog, but it was a bit too much for her, and she became a little squawky. We'll need to find her the "Goldilocks" partner-someone gentle and dainty, who can bring out her quiet confidence without overwhelming her.

Rey is looking for someone who understands that healing takes time and that sometimes, the quietest dogs have the most to say. If you're someone who believes in second chances and finding beauty in the gentle ones, Rey is waiting to meet you.

More: https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/258644

Photos: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer