Dogs at Orange County animal shelter need homes

Adopters are needed for all animals at the shelter, including cats and guinea pigs, but the dogs especially need homes. Dogs are staying at the shelter longer, and more dogs are coming in, officials said.

“It is a little unusual for us to see a reduction in dog adoptions for an extended period of time,” said Dr. Sandra Strong, Orange County Animal Services Director. “The longer animals stay in our shelter, the more likely that they experience stress and anxiety. We do everything we can to provide enrichment and keep them comfortable, but dogs really need to be with families that can help them establish routines in a loving home environment. The home environment is where dogs can be social, thrive and settle into happy lives.”

The adoption fee for each dog includes a health screening, standard vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, heartworm preventative, spay or neuter surgery, a microchip and broad-spectrum deworming.

County animal shelters like OCAS are required to take in all abandoned, stray, sick or injured animals. Shelters across the state, including the Wake County Animal Center, have seen a decrease in adoptions, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wake County animal shelter offers St. Patrick's Day adoption discount