Wake community pet days canceled by dog flu outbreak at shelter

Instead of opening for free and reduced price services on Sundays in October and November, the center is closed to the public indefinitely. At least three dogs have died of canine influenza and center staff are working to prevent new cases and protect the dogs currently being cared for at the shelter.

This is the second year in a row that the Wake County Animal Center has organized Community Pet Days both in spring and fall.

This past spring, the center assisted around 500 families and approximately 1000 animals at the events. The animal center provided over 700 rabies vaccines and 460 microchips.

"Hundreds more families join us for these events every year," said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Wake County Animal Center. "People are more than willing to stand in line waiting to receive these services for their pets. We want to ensure that we serve everyone we can, while supplies last. Please pack your patience. We have so many people struggling to keep their pets and families together and we want to help each and every one."

Community Pet Days are offered in collaboration with local veterinarian Dr. April Ward from Heal House Call Veterinarians, Friends of Wake County Animal Center, Dorcas Ministries and Wake County Health and Human Services.