Wake County Animal Center's "New Year, New Pet" Campaign

Wake County Animal Center is kicking off 2025 in a major way with its “New Year, New Pet!” campaign.

As reported by WRAL, the shelter is offering special adoption fees until January 17 to clear the shelter and give deserving pets a new home. Adoption fees are only $25 for dogs and $5 for cats. However, pets who have been in the shelter for more than two weeks can be adopted for free.

“This year, consider a resolution that will have a real impact: adopting a pet,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “A new furry friend can help you stick to your goals by keeping you active with daily walks, reducing stress with their unconditional love, and spreading joy through their companionship.”

The new campaign comes as the shelter is already at capacity. Wake County currently has 97 dogs and 14 cats waiting for their forever homes in the shelter. Another 28 dogs and 16 cats are in foster care, waiting for adoption.

11 dogs have been in the shelter for more than 90 days, 12 dogs for more than 60 days, and 13 dogs for more than 30 days. The longest-staying resident is Kino (pictured above), an American Staffordshire Terrier who has been with the shelter for 232 days.

The shelter says that long stays bring stress and loneliness to the pets as they wait for a loving home.

The process to adopt is simple. More from WRAL:

Staff share lots of information about each pet’s unique personality and work to match pets with potential adopters. Adult pets are a great choice because their personalities are already set, making it easier to see how they’ll fit into your family or lifestyle. Before going to their new homes, all pets receive spay or neuter surgery, microchipping and required vaccinations.

The shelter is open for pet adoptions daily from noon to 6 PM. The Wake County Animal Center is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, near the intersection of I-440 and New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.