4 dogs dead in flu outbreak; Wake animal shelter to stay closed through November

The Wake County Animal Shelter, closed since Oct. 6 to prevent the spread of canine influenza (dog flu), will remain closed through November.

Through Oct. 31:

• 4 dogs died of the flu at the center
• 4 dogs were being treated for the flu
• 30 dogs are sick
• 77 dogs have recovered.

To provide the best possible care, the center is reaching out to rescue organizations – both local and from outside North Carolina. The center is requesting their assistance in relocating dogs from the shelter and helping with strays from animal control partners.

"We have dogs in our care that have not been exposed, those that have recovered and asymptomatic dogs," said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. "We need additional help from rescue organizations to make a difference in the lives of these dogs and offer them a chance for a fresh start."

Since the closure Oct. 6:

• Nine dogs were reunited with their owners
• Three dogs have been adopted
• 12 dogs have left with transfer partners
  • Arcadia Animal Rescue – two dogs
  • Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue – one dog
  • Charley’s K9 Rescue – two dogs
  • Doxie by Proxy Inc. – one dog
  • Jesse’s Place – one dog
  • Neshama Animal Rescue – five dogs

"We've received so many calls from the public asking how to help, and it means the world to us," said Jennifer Federico, the director of the Wake County Animal Center. "If you want to help, join us in stopping the spread of the virus. We will get through this; it is just going to take time.”

To keep your pets safe:

• Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure what they need.
• Even if your dog shows no symptoms, please refrain from taking them to dog parks, doggie daycare or any public places where unknown dogs gather.
• If you must board your dog, ensure that the facility is taking all precautions to prevent disease spread, which includes requiring vaccinations to board at the facility.
• Asymptomatic animals can still transmit the virus, if infected, and we urge all pet owners to take precautions to protect their furry friends and minimize community spread.

"In addition to ensuring your pets are safe, you can help us by taking in strays, trying to find their owners, helping neighbors rehome their pets if needed and stepping up to offer services that we normally provide and just can’t because of the dog flue at the center," Federico said.

Due to the closure, the following services are affected:

Adoptions at Animal Center: All adoptions of pets, including dogs, cats and other small animals are temporarily paused.

Surrenders: Owners are not able to surrender any animals during this closure.

Animal Control: All five Animal Control agencies across the county (Wake County, Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Holly Springs) continue to respond to emergency animal calls. However, they are not picking up strays or owner surrenders in the field.

Bite Animals: The Animal Center often holds pets on quarantine following bite incidents. However, at this time, those animals should be quarantined in veterinary offices or private homes.

Services that are being offered:

Adoption of Foster Pets: All foster pets are now available for adoption and showcased on the Wake County adoption website, ready to join their forever families. We have 22 cats, 16 dogs, two guinea pigs and 69 kittens available for adoption.

Lost Pets: If you believe your pet is currently at the Animal Center, please call at 919-212-PETS (7387) for instructions on providing proof of ownership and the process to reclaim your pet. Please note that lost pet walk-throughs inside the building are not offered during the quarantine period.

Owner-Requested Euthanasia: If you need to euthanize your pet due to health or behavioral issues, you can call and request an appointment for euthanasia. Owners are asked to provide veterinary notes detailing the animal's medical condition or specific behavioral issues. Euthanasia requested by owners is carried out immediately upon surrender to the Animal Center. Staff reserves the right to refuse this service if the animal does not appear to be in need of euthanasia. Owners will then be referred to a private veterinarian for assistance.

Phone Support for Rehoming: If you need to rehome your pet and adopted it from a local organization, we recommend reaching out to them for assistance in finding a new home for your pet or returning it to their programs. We strongly encourage pet owners to work on rehoming their pet by using these tips.

Phone Support for Stray Pets: If you've found a stray pet and are looking to locate its owner, we provide phone support and guidance on how to reunite the pet with its owner.

For updates about the outbreak and the shelter, go to wake.gov.