WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center

11/16/2025

A new study ranked the top 500 U.S. cities for dog owners, and three NC communities made the top 10!
🏆 Asheville came in at No. 2
🏆 Wilmington landed at No. 6
🏆 And Raleigh earned a solid No. 9 — but with so many lovable pups waiting for homes, we think we can climb even higher! 💙

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, now is a perfect time to adopt. Every wagging tail helps make Raleigh an even better place for dogs and dog lovers alike.

More: https://abc11.com/post/best-cities-dog-owners-3-north-carolina-including-raleigh-make-list/18153105/

11/15/2025

Despite the crisp fall mornings, falling leaves, and shorter days, Joanne Wetzel never misses a day at the Animal Center, taking photos of our pets and making sure they’re represented in the best possible light.

A dedicated long-time volunteer, Joanne is an essential part of our team. If you visit the Center, you’ll often spot her with a heavy backpack loaded with cameras and treats, patiently working with each pet, sometimes for hours, to get the perfect shot that showcases their unique character and personality. After all that hard work, she hopes her photos will touch hearts and inspire people to open their homes to another furry friend.

While Joanne runs Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer , she devotes the majority of her time to rescue photography. Check out the interview with Joanne, where she shares how she got started, the first dog she ever photographed, and why volunteering means so much to her. https://www.wake.gov/news/dogs-cameras-action-how-one-volunteer-helps-shelter-dogs-shine

11/15/2025

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! Click to watch the video! Three perfectly imperfect pets, one happy family Several months ago, Tyler Young and Kyro Howard didn’t have a sin

11/14/2025

Dogs, Cameras, Action!
Behind so many of our dogs’ beautiful photos is volunteer Joanne Wetzel. Even while running Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer, she dedicates most of her time to rescue photography helping each pup get noticed and find a home.

11/14/2025

Who can resist this face?! Bearclaw 264470 is showing off all his best moves to beg for treats for him and his canine friends.

‼️ We are critically low on all dog treats - we have only two boxes left in the building and over 200 dogs in our care! ‼️

Please consider buying a box of treats straight off our Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2F8CXCE3QIE3K?ref_=wl_share - or shopping local and dropping them off at the Animal Center or one of our designated drop off locations.

Wake County Animal Center
820 Beacon Lake Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610

Local Drop Off Locations - https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/animal-center-donations

These pups didn't ask to be homeless. Help us make their stay with us as enriching as possible until they find their forever family.

Adoptable Bearclaw 264470 - https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/264470
Photo Credit - Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

11/13/2025

Now through Nov. 16, adoption fees are waived for all pets at Wake County Animal Center, making it easier than ever to welcome a new furry friend into your home. Plus, it’s Senior Pet Month, highlighting the special joys of giving older pets a second chance. These gentle, loving animals often come with calm temperaments and a lot of heart, ready to share companionship with their new families. Visit the shelter, meet your new best friend, and make a life-changing difference today!

11/11/2025

The Wake County Animal Center will be closed today, November 11th, in observance of Veteran's Day.

To learn more about Wake County's holiday schedule and closures, visit wake.gov/holidays

11/10/2025

The Wake County Animal Center is extending their current adoption campaign! Through Sunday, November 16th, adoption fees are waived for the 103 dogs, four puppies, 25 cats and 27 kittens in-care in the building as well as the 49 dogs, 38 cats, and 25 kittens available for adoption in local foster homes.

When you adopt a pet from the Wake County Animal Center, they are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on their vaccines. This saves adoptive families hundreds of dollars in veterinary costs while giving a pet the gift of a home.

Ready to adopt? Check out our adoption gallery ate pets.wake.gov or come by and meet some pets in person. The shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week (excluding major holidays, like Veteran's Day). The Wake County Animal Center is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.

Featured Pet: adoptable Mortimer (263921)
https://pets.wake.gov/gallery/263921
Photo Credit: Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

11/07/2025

Don't let the number fool you-at 9 years young, Starburst 227654 is not slowing down. In fact, she might just have pogo sticks for legs. She was leaping so high in her kennel, we thought she was training for the circus (or the NBA). Once out in the yard, her spring-loaded zoomies and joyful hops had us all smiling-and ducking!

Starburst joined a playgroup of five younger dogs-both males and females-and kept up like she was leading the pack. Silly, social, and full of life, she's clearly unaware of her "senior" status... and we're not about to break the news to her.

Whether you're looking for a playful pal to brighten your days or a lively lady who brings instant joy to every room she enters, Starburst is a total treat. And yes-she might even qualify as a canine cougar (with a heart of gold).

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Starburst 227654".

Photos by Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

11/06/2025

Sunflower 260686 is a sweet and thoughtful girl who's still finding her confidence in a big, busy world. She may be shy at first, preferring to quietly observe rather than dive into the spotlight, but her gentle spirit shines through when she feels safe and cared for.

In doggie playgroup, Sunflower tends to steer clear of rowdy play and prefers a calm space. She's a bit more sensitive and can get easily overwhelmed-she's a little more "tippable" than most dogs. Recently, she got into a tussle; although she didn't start it, she was clearly ready to stand her ground when pushed.

Sunflower is food motivated, which helps build trust and shows she's open to learning and growing in the right environment. She needs a patient, understanding home where she can blossom at her own pace, with people who respect her boundaries and help her feel secure. During walks in unfamiliar areas, she "checks in" with her handler and with encouragement, she keeps pace.

If you're looking for a quiet, kind-hearted companion who will reward your patience with gentle love and loyalty, Sunflower might just be the perfect match. Come meet her and discover the quiet strength behind her soft glow.

If you're interested in learning more about her, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Sunflower 260686".

Photos by Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

11/05/2025

Angel 254459 is a 2-year-old female who lives up to her name! Volunteers say she is a smart and happy girl who is easy to take on walks, though she does pull moderately on leash. At 56 pounds, is she a large medium dog, or a small large dog? Who cares, she's the right size either way!

Angel recently spread her wings in play sessions with high energy male dogs and another time with a playful, female puppy - proving herself to be quick, outgoing, and eager to engage.

If you're interested in learning more about our lovely Angel, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Angel 254459."

Photos by Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer

11/03/2025

Halloween might be over, but our “Spooky Season, Sweet Snuggles” adoption special is still going! 🐾

Adopt any pet for $0 through Nov. 9, and consider giving Rowdy the loving home he’s been waiting for. 💛

Rowdy 257754 is the perfect mix of calm and charm. He’s crate trained, house trained, great with kids of all ages, and has wonderful manners. He walks well on a front-clip harness, enjoys quiet strolls, and has mastered the art of polite treat-taking.

He’s not into toys, he’s more about peace than playtime. Rowdy is looking for a home where he can be the only pet, soaking up all the love and attention he deserves. After all he’s been through, he’s earned a calm, happy life.

Interested in meeting Rowdy or learning more? Email [email protected] with the subject line “Rowdy 257754.

Photos Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer