pets

As summer activities heat up and North Carolinians flock to recreational waters to beat the higher temperatures, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to prioritize safety and adopt best practices for enjoying water activities with their pets. When swimming in lakes and rivers, it is crucial to ensure the well-being of both humans and their pets.

RALEIGH — Public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are advising North Carolinians take precautions to protect themselves, their children and their pets from heat-related illness as temperatures across the state rise and remain high throughout the summer.

Looking for a Valentine you can’t live without? The Wake County Animal Center is launching a special Valentine’s adoption campaign to help you “pawsibly” find the best Valentine’s gift! From Feb. 11 to 17, adoption fees for pets six months and older will be just $25 for dogs and name-your-price for cats.

For six years, the Wake County Animal Center has avoided having to euthanize any animals because of lack of space. Now, another flood of stray and surrendered pets is pushing the shelter over capacity and putting that record in jeopardy. As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of dogs in the facility is 87 on the adoption floor and 61 in the non-public room. That's more than the number double-sided runs available and it's forced the center to revert to single runs.

The Wake County Animal Center needs your help to free up space in our kennels, or we could have to put down dogs. "We don't want to euthanize for space and this plea is to make our community aware of the urgent need," Animal Services Director Dr. Jennifer Federico said. "There are only so many kennels and we need YOUR help!"