The Wake County Animal Center will temporarily close Friday, Jan. 16, through March 2, 2026, for building repairs and maintenance. The Center will be closed for animal intake and adoptions during this time.
“We know this temporary closure may be difficult for the community and we truly understand the inconvenience it may cause,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “However, these repairs and maintenance are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in our care.”
To make space to get the repair work completed, since the Animal Center is at capacity, many dogs will be moved to off-site boarding facilities during the repairs and maintenance. Once the work is completed, the dogs will return to the Animal Center prior to re-opening.
Animal Control services will continue to operate; however, Animal Control will not be picking up animals, including stray animals, during this closure.
Animal Center staff will continue to answer phones and emails, but the building will be closed to the public.
After the maintenance is complete, the boarded animals will return, and the facility will reopen.
Lost and found pets
If you find or lose a pet during this time:
- Check the pet for identification tags. An NC rabies tag can be traced to the clinic that issued it.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip. Any veterinary clinic can do this.
- Check with your neighbors or local postal worker to see if they recognize the pet found and they know who may own the pet.
- Post on social media. The Wake County Animal Center has its own Facebook group dedicated to helping pets lost and found within Wake County: Wake County Lost & Found Pets | Facebook . You can also post on your local NextDoor group.
Foster pets and adoptions
Foster pets will still be available for adoption through the adoption gallery. Check the Wake County Animal Center gallery and select “In Foster” for the location.
Please note: Fosters may choose to wait until the Animal Center re-opens for potential adopters to meet their foster for safety reasons (not wanting to meet someone unknown at their home).
