Wake County Community Pet Days Aim to Keep Pets and Families Together

Community Pet Days: Let's keep pets and families together, with Kitty and Pitty illustrations

Almost one third of the pets that come to the Wake County Animal Center are surrendered by their owners because they can’t afford to keep them. That’s why the Wake County Animal Center is partnering to host a series of Community Pet Days to offer low-cost veterinary care, like rabies shots, microchipping and additional vaccines, along with resources on how to find affordable pet food and supplies.

“We know most people don’t want to give up their pets,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “It is more cost effective, humane and efficient to keep animals in their homes, rather than have them being cycled through the shelter system. We hope Community Pet Days will provide owners the help they need to keep the family together.”

Community Pet Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following four Sundays:

The Animal Center is proud to be partnering with local veterinarian Dr. April Ward, the Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Dorcas Ministries and Wake County Health and Human Services. Dorcas Ministries and Wake County Health and Human Services will be providing resources to keep the humans in the family healthy as well. Families are encouraged to take advantage of discounted services and resources for their dogs and cats, including:

  • Rabies shots for $5;
  • Microchips for $10;
  • DHPP (a combination vaccine that provides protection against five dog diseases) / FVRCP (a combination vaccination for cats) vaccines at no-cost;
  • Spay/neuter voucher information;
  • Rabies education and prevention materials; and
  • Wake County Health and Human Services program information.
     

WHAT TO BRING:

  • CASH: While we’re working on a way to allow credit card payments, we can only accept cash at this time – each pet that receives a rabies and microchipping would be a total of $15.
  • WATER: It’s still hot and we’ve had a lot of people coming out for these events, so you and your pets may have to wait for more than an hour – please bring water for yourself and your cat or dog. If you have an umbrella or chair you’d like to bring while you wait, we encourage you to bring it!
  • RABIES PAPERWORK: We’re offering $5 rabies shots – both 1-year doses and 3-year doses, but we NEED pet owners to PLEASE bring your vet paperwork with proof of prior doses (a rabies tag on a collar is not sufficient). If you have the paperwork from your last rabies shot, you can get the 3-year vaccine for just $5. But if you do not have proof, your pet will only be able to get the rabies shot that lasts one year.
  • PATIENCE: Please pack your patience, we have so many people struggling to keep their pet families together and we want to help each and every one. Be prepared to wait with your pet – we’ll serve everyone we can while supplies last.

 

Not being able to afford these basic health needs can result in more strays, unwanted litters, sick animals and subsequently higher healthcare costs to treat them. Ultimately, it means a lot of heartbreak when lost pets can’t be found or pets have to be given up.

“One of our goals is to support our community to keep their pets. Bringing them to our center should be the last option,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “We work hard to find new homes for the animals in our care.  Owner surrendered animals have a difficult time adjusting to life in a shelter environment, especially if they aren’t rehomed quickly.  Some don’t find a new home for months.”

Families and pets are happiest when they can stay together. Providing pet owners with help, resources and education is one of the steps to prevent the hundreds of animals that are surrendered to the shelter every year.

The Wake County Animal Center is the only open admission shelter in Wake County that never turns away animals including stray, abandoned and surrendered pets from Wake County communities. The shelter treats and re-homes thousands of homeless animals every year.

Want to learn more about the Wake County Animal Shelter? Check out our webpage.

Department
Animal Services
Category
Press Release