Adoption Gallery Guide

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Info on Special Groups of Animals

Kittens

Some kittens are not available for adoption since he/she is too young for spay/neuter surgery.  Only animals that are available for surgery (meaning that they are old enough and weigh enough) are available for adoption.  Some kittens are only on the website since he/she came in as a stray and we must show them during stray hold.  We do not accept deposits or make lists of interested adopters on underage kittens. Please come to the Animal Center to view available kittens on our adoption floor.  If you are interested in becoming a long term kitten foster, please visit our page on the Foster Program to see what is involved and for the application process.

Puppies

Some puppies are not available for adoption since he/she is too young for spay/neuter surgery.  Only animals that are available for surgery (meaning that they are old enough and weigh enough) are available for adoption.  Some puppies are only on the website since he/she came in as a stray and we must show them during stray hold.  We do not accept deposits or make lists of interested adopters on underage puppies.  Please come to the Animal Center to view available puppies on our adoption floor. 

Farm Animals (except poultry)

Farm animals that came in as strays will be on stray hold for three days for their owner to reclaim with proof of ownership.  If the animal is not reclaimed within three days, a notice will be posted on the Wake County Sheriff’s Public Notice website with the animal's information and date/time of the public auction. Livestock that come in as strays must be auctioned off according to NC General Statutes.

Adoption Gallery Terminology

"Not Yet Available"

This pet is on stray hold in case an owner is looking for him or her.  If a pet is friendly, healthy and the appropriate size for surgery, they will be available for adoption after the stray hold. If not, they will be taken off the website at the end of the stray hold and reappear if or when they are available. Pets that will be adoptable after stray hold may have a deposit placed while they are on stray hold. 

"Featured"

This pet came into the shelter more than three weeks ago.

"New"

This pet became available for adoption within the last three days. 

"Adoption Pending"

This pet already has a deposit and will be going home as soon as possible. We do not keep a list of back-up adopters. Please monitor the website in case this pet becomes available again. 

"In Foster"

This pet is not being housed at the Animal Center. Pets that are available in foster can receive inquiries and be adopted.