Shelters in North Carolina are in crisis, especially those in rural counties. Here's how you can help.

Thousands of animals killed in NC shelters each year

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North Carolina animal shelters had the second highest kill rate in the country in 2021. In 2022, nearly 14,400 animals were euthanized in our state's shelters, and more than 30,000 pets were surrendered by North Carolinians. The data was collected from Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit and national database.

Elaine Smith, director of Cumberland County Animal Control, previosuly told WRAL News pet owners surrender their animals to the shelter frequently, while other owners let their animals run loose, which increases the likelihood of them mating with other animals or getting lost and being picked up by animal control officers.

According to Smith, the Cumberland County shelter takes in more animals than almost any other North Carolina shelter – around 11,000 animals each year. It can only hold several hundred animals at a time. Even with the help of fosters, volunteers and rescue groups, there is not enough space to house all stray animals.

How to help

There are many ways to help North Carolina's animal shelter crisis.

Adopt, don't shop

It's simple -- when you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, you clear a cage for another homeless animal. You also save a lot of money.

Breeders sell dogs for thousands of dollars, but animal shelters and rescues offer adoption fees at a fraction of that cost, ranging anywhere from $0 to $300. Many shelters and rescues include the cost of spay and neuter surgery in that price or deliver a refund once a new owner has proved their animal had the surgery.

Many shelter pets have already been seen by a veterinarian and vaccinated. Adult dogs are often potty-trained and ready to go home with a loving family.

You can even save the lives of small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs by adopting them from shelters instead of buying them from retail stores.

Spay and neuter

The cost of this surgery is often covered by rescues or shelters, an effort to reduce overpopulation. If it's not, the SPCA of Wake County can help families afford the surgery.

In addition to reducing overpopulation, spaying and neutering pets has been linked to behavioral improvements, a lower cancer risk and a longer lifespan.

Don't let your pet get lost

Pet owners should keep animals leashed or in fences while outdoors. Ask your veterinarian or adoption location about a microchip, which can help find your pet if they ever get lost.

If you have to give up a pet

Surrendering a pet should be a last resort. Before taking a pet to a shelter, reach out to friends, family and acquaintances to see if anyone can help.

If you don't know where to start, check out these websites:

Help animal shelters

  • Pet lovers can contact their county shelter or local rescue groups to foster animals or volunteer. Many shelters just need someone to spend time with animals so they can experience human interaction.
    • Share photos and videos of your rescue pets on social media, or tell people about them by word-of-mouth. There are so many stereotypes about shelter dogs that are just not true.
      • Donate time, money or resources, like towels, pet beds, food, flea and tick medications, shampoo, newspapers and more. Contact your local shelter to determine its specific needs. Find a list of needed items here.