Wake County Animal Center

During the Animal Center's business hours, we have staff available to answer questions regarding finding a lost pet, adopting a pet, if you found a stray and ways to rehome your pet. During the Animal Center's adoption floor hours, the Animal Center welcomes visitors to come and look at the pets on our adoption floor!

Two dogs playing with a toy

Our Services

Pet Adoption

The Wake County Animal Center adopts out over 3,000 animals every year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! Check out our adoption page for more information on the process and to view adoptable pets.

Animal Control

Wake County is home to five Animal Control agencies. Each agency covers different jurisdictions and offers different services. For more information, see our Animal Control page.

​​​​​​​Community Pet Days

Free microchips and low-cost or free vaccinations are offered at these dog and cat events held across Wake County in the Spring and Fall. We typically see at least 100 families and their pets at each clinic! For more information, see our Community Pet Days page.

Lost and Found Animals

​​​​​​The Wake County Animal Center is the only facility in Wake County that will always accept animals found within Wake County. For more information about what to do if you’ve lost or found a pet, check out our Lost & Found Pets page.

Community Cats

Most municipalities within Wake County support community cats, which saves lives while reducing the overall outdoor cat population. For more information about community cats in general and our Wake County Working Cats program, check out Community Cats & TNVR | Wake County Government.

Pet Euthanasia

​​​​​​Euthanasia is the most difficult decision a pet owner has to make. We offer pet euthanasia as a free service to pet owners residing in Wake County. For more information, call 919-212-7387 during business hours.

Pet Surrender

Wake County Animal Center will accept owned pets from residents of Wake County by appointment. Appointments are based on space available to house pets. For more information, go to Rehoming Your Pet.

Contact Us

The Wake County Animal Center is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Ave. in Raleigh. You must travel down Commerce Park Dr. to Beacon Lake Dr. where the main entrance and parking area are located. Please look for the large blue Wake County Animal Services sign.

The Animal Center Adoption Floor is open from noon–6 p.m., seven days a week. Animal Services business hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

You can reach the Wake County Animal Center by phone: 919-212-7387 or email: animalcenter@wake.gov.

See holiday and closings on the main Wake County government holiday schedule.

 

Location