SPCA of Wake County provides assistance to keep pets with their families and out of shelters

The SPCA of Wake County offers more than simply shelter for pets awaiting adoption. Programs that help support pets and their people include food delivery and discounts on pricey veterinary care.

The SPCA’s Community Initiatives Department strives to keep pets and families together. Many pets locally are already loved and in homes, so it's best to keep them there whenever possible, rather than placing the pet at risk in the shelter system and causing emotional strain on the families. Recent spikes in the costs of pet food and care have made it more difficult for local families to keep their pets, but the department is working hard to help pet parents navigate these challenging times.

One of the most critical parts of the SPCA's work is its pet food assistance program. They help stock other pet food pantries in the area and have a strong relationship with Meals on Wheels. This partnership ensures that those who receive Meals on Wheels also have access to pet food for dogs, cats, birds and more. Many older adults, who treat their pets as part of the family, will often feed their pets before themselves or make other sacrifices so their animals can go to the vet. Providing pet food eases those worries and allows those families – people and pets – to stay together.

The goal of the SPCA is to support pet owners so that no one has to face their challenges alone. Programs like the SPCA of Wake County Pet Helpline allow individuals to connect online with a real, experienced person who can help individuals find a wide range of resources and assistance with pet behavior problems, pet retention, rehoming resources. They can also help those who find a pet in need and are unsure of what to do.

According to a recent national study, 28% of households with pets worry about the cost of veterinary care. SPCA of Wake County aims to relieve some of this burden by providing vaccine services multiple times a year, giving hundreds of pets access to vaccines and microchips. They also offer community cats and their caretakers access to affordable surgeries and medical care to keep these cats healthy.