Wake County Animal Center kicks off October with $25 dog adoptions

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and Pit Bull Appreciation Month, a time to encourage people to consider shelter dogs when looking for a new companion. In celebration, Wake County Animal Center is offering reduced adoption fees throughout October, when adult dogs can be adopted for $25.

Finding the right match starts with looking beyond a pet’s appearance or breed label. Pit bull-type dogs make up a significant portion of the dogs looking for homes in animal shelters, yet they can face misconceptions based on how they look or how they are labeled. At the Animal Center, staff focus on getting to know each animal as an individual and helping adopters find a companion who fits their lifestyle.

“You might have a picture in your mind of your perfect dog, but sometimes the dog who surprises you is the one who becomes your perfect match,” said Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. “Maybe you had a certain size or look in mind. Maybe you always imagined bringing home a puppy. Then you meet the dog who looks up at you from a kennel, leans into your hand or makes you laugh with a personality you didn’t expect.”

When you adopt from Wake County Animal Center, your dog or cat will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. These services can save adoptive families hundreds of dollars in veterinary costs while giving a shelter pet the gift of a home.

Ready to adopt? Check out our adoption gallery or come by and see the sweet faces for yourself! The shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week. It is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Ave. in Raleigh.

The missing piece

When Taylor and Rawley Hector moved from Texas to North Carolina in the fall of 2025, they were starting a new chapter together. Newly married and far from the place they had called home, they spent their first months in North Carolina settling into new routines, exploring their surroundings and building a life together.

“We knew we wanted a dog from the start, it was just a matter of finding the perfect one to add to our little family,” said Taylor.

The couple leads an active life. With Rawley working in baseball, travel is a regular part of their schedule, and when they are home, they enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. They weren't looking for just any dog. They hoped to find a companion who could be part of their adventures, whether that meant a long walk, a road trip or simply spending time together on an ordinary day. That search led them to Nelson.

“We were initially attracted to Nelson because of his beautiful coloring,” said Taylor. “He had been in the shelter for six months at that point and we knew we wanted to learn more. When we visited him for the first time, we found out he was such a lover and just wanted to be cuddled!”

Not long after that first meeting, the Hectors knew they had found the dog they had been waiting for. They officially adopted Nelson on May 10, 2026.

Since then, Nelson has embraced family life with enthusiasm. Like many adopted pets, he needed a little time to adjust to his new surroundings. One of his early challenges was overcoming a fear of stairs. These days, however, he navigates them without a second thought and has made himself completely at home. He enjoys long walks, playing fetch and greeting the dogs in the neighborhood. Most of all, he enjoys being wherever his people are.

“When you adopt a pet, you give them a chance at the beautiful life they're supposed to live,” Taylor said. “Every dog deserves a patient, supportive and caring human. The best things in life truly are rescued.”

For anyone considering adoption, Taylor offers simple advice: visit the shelter with an open mind.

“Believe nothing but the best in the pet you’re getting,” she said.

Today, Nelson is exactly where he belongs. The dog who once spent six months waiting for someone to choose him now spends his days surrounded by love, joining his family on new adventures and helping turn a new house into a home.

New online donation portal now available

Supporting the animals at the Wake County Animal Center is now easier than ever. Our new online donation portal offers multiple payment options, including most major credit and debit cards, as well as eCheck, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Donors can also create an account to track their giving history, save payment information and set up recurring donations.

Prefer to donate by mail? Send a check made out to "Wake County Government" directly to the Animal Center at:

Wake County Animal Adoption Center

820 Beacon Lake Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Set up a monthly payroll deduction if your company offers this option!

Every donation helps provide care, enrichment and medical support for animals in our shelter. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Donate Now!

A name that felt meant to be

Sometimes, a name is the first sign that a dog might be meant for you.

When Justine Henderson saw Anna Mae on the Wake County Animal Center adoption website, she had to smile. Anna Mae is also her older sister’s name, and it’s not a name she hears often.

When Justine visited the shelter, she found Anna Mae quietly sitting in her kennel. As soon as Justine stopped by, Anna Mae started wagging her tail.

“I knew it was meant to be,” Justine said.

Justine adopted Anna Mae, now called Mae, in July 2025. She was looking for a companion for her senior dog, Blue, who had lost his brother a few months earlier. It took Mae about a week to find her footing and about three months to fully settle into the household. Today, she’s thriving.

Mae is quirky, lovable and an expert at giving hugs, especially when someone needs one without realizing it. She loves walks and playtime and gets along with the family’s other pets and children. She and Blue have also become best friends.

Justine has adopted multiple pets over the years and says each one has been a wonderful addition to her family.

“No matter what you are looking for, shelter pets can be some of the best companions out there,” Justine said.

Sometimes, the right companion is waiting for you at the shelter.

Share your adoption story

Did you adopt a pet from the Wake County Animal Center?

We’d love to hear your story! Whether you adopted recently or many years ago, tell us how you and your pet are doing.

Your story could be featured on our website and social media and help inspire others to adopt.

Fill out the form and tell us your story!

Our Amazon wishlist

You can make a difference for the animals at the Wake County Animal Center by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wishlist. Our dedicated staff relies on continuous support to provide the best care possible for the animals. From food and toys to essential cleaning supplies, each item on the list helps improve the daily lives of our animals while easing the strain on resources. We are especially in dire need of treats right now.

Treats are used in every aspect of animal care; walking, training, veterinary exams, enrichment and more. They’re essential tools for helping our dogs feel safe, loved and mentally stimulated.

Please consider donating directly from our Amazon Wishlist OR mail/drop off donations at Wake County Animal Center, 820 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, directly supports the well-being of these pets as they wait for their forever homes. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

October holidays

October 18–24, 2026, will be celebrated as National Veterinary Technician Week, recognizing the dedicated veterinary technicians who provide essential care and support to animals every day. Their expertise, compassion and commitment play an important role in keeping animals healthy and helping them receive the care they need.
October 29 is National Cat Day! Whether they’re busy chasing imaginary mice, claiming every cozy spot in the house or purring their way into our hearts, cats make life a little more fun. Celebrate your favorite feline with extra cuddles, a few treats or a new toy. And if you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, consider adopting a cat from the Wake County Animal Center.