Wake County Animal Center - Raleigh, North Carolina

Joy Holloway

We recently had to put my beloved dog of 10 years to sleep. It all happened so quickly. One day, he was perfectly fine, and literally the next day, he was fighting for his life. That day, we had an impending snow storm, and no one I called would come, and everyone else cost upwards of $500. I didn't want to have to have him suffer for possibly 3 more days. We took him to the Wake County Animal Center for humane euthanasia and they were able to help us even though they were also closing early. I was also surprised to learn the service was free for Wake County residents. Everyone there was so kind to us on the worst day of my life. I just wish it would've been allowed for me to be there with him when it happened. They asked if we wanted to get his body back or if we would like information on the pet cremation services offered by the 3rd parties they work with. We had already chosen a cremation service, so we requested his body back, but it was nice to know they had options if needed.

Katrina Litsas

I adopted our handsome Husky Mika from Wake County Animal Shelter over a year ago, and he has been an absolute joy and wonderful addition to our family! The love and happiness he brings are beyond words. I highly recommend visiting this shelter and giving one of their beautiful animals a second chance at a loving home — the unconditional love they give you in return is endless.

The staff at the shelter are amazing. They were so kind, helpful, and supportive throughout the entire adoption process, making it an unforgettable experience.

If you’re able, please consider giving back by donating a bag of food or some treats to support the other wonderful animals still waiting for their forever homes. This shelter does incredible work, and I can’t thank them enough for bringing such a special companion into my life!

Chelsea Kiefer

Went here yesterday to look at a few dogs. Its sad how many homeless animals are there and a little overwhelming..please adopt!! Very very nice staff and volunteers. I am going to look into volunteering there in a few months to help out. They made it easy to meet dogs we wanted to meet and to adopt one. They all get fixed before going home so her surgery was scheduled for Wednesday (we started adoption process on Sunday, so just a few days later) and can pick her up Wednesday evening and finish the process. Highly recommend visiting. Great animals that just need a family.

Edit: we brought cinnamon peaches (now Laika) home today. Our hearts are bursting with love. Thank you, wake county shelter!

She was spayed, dewormed, had her shots, microchipped, they gave us a bag of dog food, and she has a $400 voucher toward heartworm treatment. We also got a bunch of coupons. All for a $25 adoption fee. (If you can afford it, leave more cash in the tin in the lobby. They need it! I'm also going to buy supplies from their Amazon wishlist)

Brittani Sabourin

I’ve had two great experiences with this shelter. The front desk staff are so sweet, and every volunteer is beyond incredible. We adopted Charlotte (shelter name was Luna) in April 2019. She has been such a blessing to our family. I got her “on sale” when the shelter was over crowded. We adopted Denver (shelter name was Poppi) on my birthday in May of this year. He has settled in nicely with our pack, and has been the best birthday present ever! Adopt don’t shop is by far the BEST!

John King

These are some of the most dedicated, caring people you will ever meet, doing an amazing, at times heartbreaking job. We are partner fosters, helping them do everything they can to save these wonderful animals. Do your part! Spay and neuter, adopt, don't shop!

Raegan Sirbaugh

Very friendly staff and the cats seemed content considering the circumstances. The adoption rate is very high, which is good. My family adopted our Nora last week and she is perfect!

Feng Jin

A wonderful place for these lovely animals. I just adopted a cat from there, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The staff is caring, and it’s clear they genuinely want the best for every animal. I hope every animal here finds a loving new home soon.

Erica Parker-Baiocco

I’ve been volunteering at the center for a few weeks and I can just say that the people at this center are 100% committed to helping the animals in their care find good homes and have a pleasant experience while they are in the shelter. The staff work very hard to keep them entertained, fed, walked, comfortable, clean, and cozy until they find their forever homes. I’m proud to say I volunteer here and give animals the second chance they deserve.