The Wake County Animal Center is joining the viral #BettyWhiteChallenge on social media. To honor the Hollywood icon on what would have been her 100th birthday on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, her fans are calling on animal lovers across the nation to donate $5 in her name to their local shelters. The late cultural icon was an animal rights activist and friend to countless animals throughout her legendary life.
As the only open admission shelter in Wake County that takes in all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets, the Wake County Animal Center is able to treat and re-home thousands of homeless animals every year.
In 2021, Wake County Animal Center took in more than 8,000 animals, adopted out nearly 3,500 and found foster families for another 1,700 pets. More than 1,000 pets were reunited with their owners and over 2000 animals were placed with our partner organizations, which is a network of 501(c)(3) animal rescues both within North Carolina and outside of North Carolina.
Donations and community support make a huge difference in the work that the Wake County Animal Center does for pets in our community. As the county’s only Animal Center, the staff are dedicated to ensuring the humane care and welfare of the pets at the Animal Center and ultimately, finding homes for as many animals as possible.
“There are so many ways to help – from monetary donations to sponsoring a pet, from volunteering to dedicating your time and resources. Wake County Animal Center continually improves the lives of the animals through the hard work of the staff, volunteers, fosters, partners and the community,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson.
Monetary donations will only be used to directly impact the animals in the care of the Wake County Animal Center. This includes animal enrichment programs and services, advanced medical care and general animal care. You may also sponsor one of the animals to help them find their forever homes by pre-paying a portion of the adoption fee.
“We have used donations to purchase toys for the cats and dogs to ensure that they have enrichment in their kennels. Recently, we used donations to cover extensive medical care for a shelter dog that we had in foster care who developed a tick-borne disease and required multiple blood transfusions. He has been able to make a full recovery and is doing well in foster care!” said Jennifer Federico, Animal Services Director. “We have created a wishlist and outlined the items that can be donated to make sure that the donations will help and support our animals’ needs. Our community has always been generous and responsive, and we feel very blessed.”
Click here to learn more about how you can pay tribute to Betty White while also helping animals in need.
