The Wake County Animal Center has temporarily closed to the public after a recent outbreak of canine illness.
The center reported that a recent outbreak of Streptococcus
zooepidemicus, a contagious respiratory infection, killed three dogs.
In response, the shelter will close beginning Friday, Feb. 7, for at least 30
days to help contain the outbreak.
The closure means they will not be accepting any animals to prevent new cases. All adoptions are also being paused. There are currently 287 animals at the shelter now.
“The
health and safety of the animals in our care is our top priority. While closing
the Wake County Animal Center is a difficult decision, it is a necessary step
to contain this outbreak and prevent further loss of life,” said Wake County
Commissioner Tara Waters. “We appreciate the community’s understanding and
patience as our dedicated staff work tirelessly to treat the affected animals
and ensure this illness is fully eradicated.”
This is the second time in a little over a year that illness forced the shelter to close. In the fall of 2023 the shelter closed for about eight weeks to control a canine influenza virus (CIV) outbreak.
The pause will also affect rabies and microchip clinics. The center will also not be holding animals on quarantine following bite incidents. Those animals will need to be quarantined instead at veterinary offices or in private homes.
Wake Animal Center services suspended
- Adoptions: Adoptions of all pets, including dogs, cats and other small animals, are being paused.
- Rabies and Microchip Clinic: The Rabies and Microchip Clinic on March 2 at the Southern Regional Center is cancelled.
- Surrenders: The Wake County Animal Center will NOT allow owners to surrender any animals during this closure. Anyone with an existing appointment to surrender a pet will be notified of their cancellation. Stray animals from the public will not be accepted during this time.
- Animal Control: All five Animal Control agencies across county (Wake County, Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Holly Springs) will continue responding to emergency animal calls, however, they will not be picking up strays or owner surrenders in the field.
- Bite Animals: The Animal Center often holds pets on quarantine following bite incidents, however, at this time, those animals will need to be quarantined instead at veterinary offices or in private homes.
Wake Animal Center services available while shelter is closed
Lost Pets: If you believe your pet is currently at the Animal Center, please call 919-212-PETS (7387) for instructions on providing proof of ownership and the process to reclaim your pet. Please note that lost pet walk-throughs inside the building are by appointment only during the quarantine period.
Owner-Requested Euthanasia: If you need to euthanize your pet due to health or behavioral issues, you can call the shelter and request an appointment for euthanasia. Staff reserves the right to refuse this service if the animal does not appear to be in need of euthanasia. Owners will then be referred to a private veterinarian for assistance.
Phone Support for Rehoming: If you need to rehome your pet and adopted it from a local organization, the first step in finding a new home for your pet should be to reach out to the organization where you got it.
Phone Support for Stray Pets: If you’ve found a stray pet and are looking to locate its owner, call Wake County Animal Center for guidance on how to reunite the pet with its owner.
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