Animal Shelter
Place for housing and caring for homeless animals
Latest stories
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Wake County Animal Center reaches capacity
While hundreds of pets have found pets this summer, Wake County said new animals arriving everyday create an immediate need to adopters and fosters.
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Clear the Shelters: last push to get animals adopted, SAFE Haven Spirit Week
Each summer, WRAL, NBC and your local animal shelters partner for a nationwide pet adoption drive that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 703,048 pets have found their forever homes since 2015.
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Petition demands accountability at Harnett County Animal Shelter
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition demanding accountability after a state investigation found 42 dogs were improperly euthanized at the Harnett County Animal Shelter, resulting in fines and the shelter manager being placed on administrative leave.
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42 dogs improperly euthanized at Harnett animal shelter, state says
The Harnett County Animal Shelter was fined thousands of dollars after a state report claimed dozens of animals were euthanized inhumanely.
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National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: Finding furry friends a forever home
Today is all about celebrating the joy that shelter animals bring into our lives and encouraging everyone to consider adoption when looking for a new family member.
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SPCA of Wake County enters new era with Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center
SPCA Wake's new facility will allow them to double the number of spay/neuter surgeries.
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SPCA of Wake County enters new era with Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center
SPCA Wake's new facility will allow them to double the number of spay/neuter surgeries.
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Wake County officials: Design for new animal center approved
The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the new design to help increase capacity for dogs and cats by more than 50%.
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NC animal groups push for spay-and-neuter law, low-cost services amid rising euthanasia rates
Shelters are full, which means more animals are being euthanized. WRAL News investigated the changes in state law that some animal advocates are seeking.
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Disciplinary actions against NC animal shelters tripled in 2025 compared to previous year. Why?
Data from the State Department of Agriculture reveals that disciplinary actions against registered animal shelters rose from seven in 2024 to 22 in 2025, largely due to lack of resources and staff experience.
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State suspends license of Pittsboro cat refuge after repeat violations: What happens to the cats?
A popular no-kill cat shelter is racing against the clock to keep its license. The futures of more than 100 cats are now up in the air.
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State fines Wake County Animal Center; report says conditions led to dog’s euthanasia
The State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a $1,400 fine to the Wake County Animal Center on Wednesday, citing multiple violations found at the facility.
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Orange County attributes community support to low euthanasia rates in animal shelter
Orange County has some of the lowest euthanasia rates in North Carolina. WRAL Investigates went to the animal shelter in Chapel Hill to find out what is behind the success.
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NC animal shelters' statewide euthanasia rate is trending higher. Why?
WRAL Investigates delves into the factors driving a rise in euthanasia at North Carolina animal shelters. Discover the challenges faced by shelters, including overcrowding and funding issues and learn about potential solutions to save more lives.
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WRAL Investigates: Animal euthanasia rates at North Carolina shelters
One in four animals in North Carolina shelters will never leave. WRAL Investigates animal euthanasia rates in several Triangle-area counties.
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New staff and policies: Nash County Animal Shelter reopens after closure
Nash County officials said they've made improvements to the animal shelter after a failed inspection forced a temporary closure in late July.
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Clear the Shelters: SPCA of Wake County waives adoption fees, open until midnight
From Aug. 1 through Aug. 25, 2025, shelters are reducing or waiving fees to help you bring home a new family member. Consider taking time on that day to adopt a new pet or donate to help pets find their fur-ever homes. For a full list of participating shelters and special adoption events, visit jshu.net/shelters.
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Nash County to add staff after failed animal shelter inspection
Nash County officials are addressing alarming conditions noted during a failed inspection of its animal shelter.
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State fines Nash County animal shelter for violations
Nash County is facing a $6,700 fine following an investigation by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services into the county animal shelter, revealing multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
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Former sheriff takes over troubled animal services in Franklin County
A former sheriff took over day-to-day operation of the Franklin County Animal Shelter, the latest shakeup for an agency that has been subject of investigations about its use of euthanasia.
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Franklin County Animal Shelter fined for euthanasia practices
The Franklin County Animal Shelter has been fined $1,000 for violating state law and its own policies on euthanizing animals.
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'You have to give them a chance': Dog abandoned in dumpster now thriving in her forever home, rescue group says
The shelter said a rescue group was her only option for survival. Luckily, Sydney is now safe and sound, thanks to Dochas N Gra Animal Rescue in South Carolina.
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Dead animals, broken legs and lack of vet care: WRAL Investigates taxpayer-run animal shelters
Many North Carolina animal shelters are struggling to provide proper care, with 13 taxpayer-run shelters or their employees in the state being fined or warned since the start of 2023.
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Dirty cages & injured dogs left untreated. Alarming conditions at local animal shelters
Dirty cages, injured dogs left untreated and over 1,000 animals euthanized by an unlicensed facility. WRAL Investigates a recent surge in fines and the alarming conditions at local animal shelters.
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Pet owners can drop off animals at Wake shelter again under strict process
People can once again drop off unwanted pets at the Wake County Animal Center -- but under a strict application policy -- less than a month after the shelter announced it would permanently stop all owner surrenders.
