Adoption Fees
Dog & Cat Adoption Fees
All dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
- Dogs – $95
- Cats (under 5 years of age) – $45
- Cats (5 years of age and older) – $15
Long-Timers
If an adult dog or adult cat has been in care for more than two weeks, adoption fees are reduced.
- Dogs – $25
- Cats – Name Your Price
Adult Cats for Senior Laps
- Cats over 3 years of age adopted by individuals who are over 60 years of age – $10 adoption fee
Little Critter Adoption Fees
Birds (small) – $10
Birds (large) – $50
Chickens – $5
Chinchillas – $45
Ferrets – $45
Guinea Pigs – $15
Hedgehogs – $45
Rabbits – $20
Rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils) – $10
Farm Animal Adoption Fees
Please note: Per North Carolina General Statute 68-20, livestock must be posted for public auction and can be seen on WCSO Public Notices. If auction is unsuccessful, the adoption fees are as follows:
- Small Farm Animals (pig, goat, sheep) – $25
- Large Farm Animals (cow, llama, alpaca) – $100
- Horses – $500
Military Discount – Thank you for your service!
Individuals with official ID card proof of military service (active or inactive) will have a $10 discount applied to all adoption fees.
Reclaim Fees
Dogs & Cats (with PROOF of being spayed or neutered)
1st Reclaim – $55
2nd Reclaim – $80
3rd Reclaim – $155
(Please note that daily care fees will also be applied.)
Dogs & Cats (that are not spayed/neutered or don't have proof of being spayed or neutered)
1st Reclaim – $105
2nd Reclaim – $155
3rd Reclaim – $305
(Please note that daily care fees will also be applied.)
All other animals
Little Critters – $25
Small Farm Animals (goat, pig, sheep) – $25
Large Farm Animals (cow, llama, alpaca) – $50 + transportation cost incurred
Horses – $50 + transportation cost incurred
(Please note that daily care fees will also be applied.)
Earn Discounts as a Responsible Pet Owner!
- As a way to promote Responsible Pet Ownership, if your pet is unaltered at the time of reclaim AND you have your pet spayed or neutered within 30 days of reclaim, Wake County will REFUND you 50% of your reclaim fee (upon receipt of proof of spay or neuter by your veterinarian).
- If your pet is microchipped AND your contact information is up to date, the first reclaim will be discounted 50% – this applies to the first reclaim only.
Daily Care Fees
Information on Daily Care Fees
When animals are reclaimed by their owners after being held by the Wake County Animal Center, due to being stray, quarantined, under protective custody, or any other reason to be held, the owner will be responsible for the daily care fee for each day their pet is held.
Fees by Species
Dogs – $10/day
Cats – $10/day
Little Critters (ferret, rabbit, rodent, etc.) – $6/day
Farm Animals/Chickens boarded at WCAC – $10/day
**Farm animals that need to be cared for off site due to size or species requirements will be charged the daily care rate assessed by the off-site facility.**
Animal Control Running-At-Large Fines
Information on Fines
Fines are imposed when the Wake County Animal Control Ordinance is violated. An animal found at large is in violation of the Ordinance and may be picked up by an animal control officer. For those found running at large and, therefore, in violation of Wake County Animal Control Ordinance Section 91.07, a citation will be issued and fines charged.
Fines Per Offense
1st Offense (Running at Large) – $100
2nd Offense (Running at Large) – $150
3rd and subsequent offenses (Running at Large) – $200
Refund Guidelines
If you paid with cash or check, the refund will be mailed from the Wake County Finance Department and should be received within 30 days of the request. Credit card payments can be refunded in person or over the phone; you must have the same credit card that was used at payment.
Adoption Fee
The full adoption fee may be refunded if the pet is returned within 21 days for any reason.
- Wake County WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL BILLS. All adopted pets should be taken to a veterinarian within 7 days of adoption for a health check and follow-up to the initial vaccines and deworming started at the shelter, as well as to obtain heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventative.
- No refunds will be given if an animal runs away or is stolen.
Reclaim Fee
- If a pet has been spayed or neutered since reclaim and proof is provided, half of the reclaim fee can be refunded.
- Wake County WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL BILLS related to an animal that has been reclaimed.