Raleigh, Fayetteville shelters reduce adoption fees during coronavirus outbreak
County-run animal shelters are constantly struggling to find adopters for dogs and cats and clear space, but it's even more of a problem during the coronavirus outbreak.
At the Cumberland County Animal Center in Fayetteville, adoption fees have been lowered to $28 through the end of March to help increase adoptions.
At the Wake County Animal Center in southeast Raleigh, adoption fees for dogs are $25, and cats have no fee.
Director Elaine Smith said a donation to the Fayetteville shelter by PetSmart Charities covered the cost of spay and neuter surgeries, making the reduced fees possible.
"We are attempting to reduce the number of animals housed in our shelter in anticipation of staffing shortages," Smith said. "We especially need to have more large dogs adopted."
The Fayetteville shelter is located at 4704 Corporation Drive, and the Raleigh shelter is located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive.
To limit person-to-person contact, adoptions and visits to the Wake are by appointment only and will be scheduled between noon and 6 p.m. seven days a week. noon–6 p.m., seven days a week. Call 919-212-7387 if you are interested in a pet.
The SPCA of Wake County is closed but is offering a daily livestream of adoptable pets on its Facebook page. Interested adopters can contact the shelters for more information.
Fostering can also help the shelters clear kennels to make room for strays and animals that may be surrendered or abandoned during the coronavirus crisis.
