Friends of Wake County Animal Center

10/15/2026

Happy Tail Update!

You might not catch on at first but this fella is a tripod. Trace formerly Pochaco, came into the shelter with a badly injured front leg and amputation was the best option. The shelter staff took good care of him, performed the surgery, and he went to foster to recover. His foster took fantastic care of him and found him a great home. His new mom sent his foster an update. Grab the tissues b/c you might get a little eye mist.

I know it’s been almost two years, but I wanted to give you a Trace update! He’s doing amazing, we’ve become the best of friends. After about two months together, he learned how to sense my blood pressure episodes, and is now a fully registered service dog. He has saved my life in so many ways, and I am incredibly grateful to you for fostering him and giving me my dog soulmate. He’s best friends with my parents dogs, and loves my cat more than anything. I just thought I’d reach out and thank you again for giving me the best dog. Thank you for everything!

❤️

10/14/2026

Sweet girls can be silly girls.....and snuggly girls....and beautiful girls! Meet Julia, a love bug in a pitty package that is waiting patiently for her forever home. In the time she has been in foster, we have learned that she is completely potty and crate trained (though she is very reliable being left out in the house without a crate), rides well in the car, is respectful to the resident cats, and is good on the leash. She can be bossy with other dogs and doesn't like rough play so she would love to be your only good girl, or with another more submissive dog. She knows "sit" and can catch a treat in mid-air so she will be fun to do some further training with because she loves her rewards!! Julia's portraits were donated by Five Freedoms Photography: Raleigh Pet Photographer and we are so grateful at how well they captured her unique personality!!

This pet is at the Wake County Animal Center adoption center and can be visited any day from noon to 6 PM.

10/13/2026

On a scale of one to ten, this guy really is an Eleven! Wiggly, bouncy, and full of life, Eleven is always ready for his next adventure. Balls are his absolute favorite, whether he's chasing the big orange ball, playing fetch, or chomping on tennis balls. He loves them so much that he'll need help learning when it's time for a timeout and a break. Eleven can get jumpy when excited or impatient, but he's incredibly smart and remembers what he learns-you may just need to wait him out! He's potty trained and loves walks, though his enthusiasm can sometimes mean pulling on the leash.

In playgroups, Eleven is a social butterfly, playing nicely with both male and female dogs and happily welcoming new friends. He simply loves life!

He is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be neutered prior to going home. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Eleven, 272096".

American Staffordshire Terrier
Male
Age: 3 Years and 1 Months
Weight: 49 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: No
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 9/1/2026

10/13/2026

Hi, I'm Roblox. Yes, I always look this serious. No, I'm not judging you-I'm simply a very important gentleman with things to consider. I'm a handsome, powerhouse low rider with perky ears, and apparently the visitors agree! I'm potty trained, quiet in my kennel, and low-to-medium energy. When I hear "walk," though, I'll perform a refined little front-paw tap dance. I may pull a bit, but I keep all four paws down like the dignified fellow I am. I'm an excellent sniffer, enjoy cuddling during my time-outs, and love keeping tabs on neighborhood happenings.

With other dogs, I'm still learning my manners, so respectful introductions are best. Naturally, I take my social calendar very seriously.

He is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be neutered prior to going home. If you have dogs or cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times.

If you're interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line "Roblox, 269130".

American Staffordshire Terrier
Male
Age: 7 Years and 4 Months
Weight: 57 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: Shelter
Date In Shelter: 9/1/2026

10/12/2026

Virginia Slim came to us underweight and is making up for lost time one meal at a time. Food is currently her favorite hobby, and she approaches every snack like she just won the lottery.

She's a classic Velcro dog who wants to be wherever her person is - kitchen, couch, bathroom, emotional support committee meeting... she's in. If you've ever wanted a loyal little shadow, Virginia Slim is ready to apply for the position.

She can be nervous meeting new people and does best with slow introductions, but she warms up quickly once she feels safe. Underneath that cautious start is a sweet, affectionate girl who really wants to trust and connect.

Virginia Slim is still learning house training and crate training, so she'll need patience, routine, and encouragement while she figures out this whole "spoiled house dog" lifestyle. She's already showing that she's eager to learn and very motivated by treats.

If you're looking for a loving companion with soulful eyes, a goofy appetite, and a heart ready for a fresh start, Virginia Slim may be your girl.

Email [email protected] for more information!

Medium Terrier Cross
Female
Age: 1 Years and 10 Months
Weight: 35 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: In Foster
Date In Shelter: 6/26/2026

10/12/2026

Talk about the total package:

✅ potty trained
✅ Crate trained
✅ Did well with young kids
✅ Dog friendly
✅ Likely cat friendly with slow introductions

I'm Venus and I am looking for my forever family, who will love me and take great care of me. My life has not been the greatest, but being with my foster family has taught me a lot about being loved and cared for. I'm a good girl. I love to go on walks (would make a great hiking buddy). Sleep well in my kennel at night. I am potty trained, love to cuddle. I'm know sit and learning more things. Everything takes time and patience. I do well riding in the car. I like most dogs if they are friendly and ok with cats if introduced slowly, but always introduce me slowly to any new things or animals just to be sure. I'm a little shy meeting new people but I warm up quickly. I'm up to date on vaccines and am microchipped and spayed. I am really a good girl and will love you forever. If you would like to learn more about me contact my foster mom at [email protected]

American Staffordshire Terrier
Female
Age: 3 Years and 1 Months
Weight: 41 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: In Foster
Date In Shelter: 8/31/2026

10/12/2026

You helped our 1st Senior Sunday Pet (Tank) get adopted today. Let's see if we can get Phyllis, our 2nd Senior Sunday Pet from WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center, adopted just as quickly.

Phyllis is estimated to be about 8 years old.

She is a friendly, easygoing girl with a playful spirit and a serious love for snacks! She enjoys playing fetch, de-squeaking squeaky toys, and happily entertaining herself with her favorite play yard treasures. After a walk, she's always ready for a cuddle break and plenty of pets.

Phyllis weighs 72 # and probably should not. She would benefit from a family committed to helping her slim down through healthy meals and regular exercise, so she can enjoy her senior years feeling her very best! Ready to trade a few snacks for extra walks and a lifetime of love, Phyllis is waiting to meet her perfect match!

Phyllis has not made it to playgroups yet so we can't say how she is with other dogs. The shelter is unable to test with cats.

The WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center is open for adoptions from 12-6 every day of the week. Located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.

10/11/2026

UPDATE: Tank was ADOPTED today 10/11/26

Tank is our WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center Senior Sunday Pet. Tank is 8 years, 9 months old and weighs 77. He is already neutered so that means when you meet him today and fall in love, he can be snoring on your couch tonight.

Tank is a low-energy, independent soul who enjoys life at his own pace. When it's time for a walk, he's eager to leave the building as quickly-and noisily-as possible! Once outside, though, he settles in nicely and stops pulling on the leash. When he spots other dogs, though, Tank can get excited and vocal, sometimes pulling toward them because he'd clearly like to say hello. He's friendly and relaxed when meeting new people and enjoys investigating his surroundings. Back at the kennel, he's happy to hang out with everyone and may occasionally invite you in for a cuddle. If you're looking for an easygoing companion who enjoys both his space and your company, Tank could be your guy!

Tank has not been at the shelter long enough for the playgroups team to get him out with other dogs and the shelter has no way to test for cats unless he lands in a foster home.

The WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center is open for adoptions 12-6 every day of the week. Located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.

Let's help Tank find his home before his 9th birthday.

More pictures of Tank can be found in the Pet Gallery (link in comments). Depending on the light, his fur shimmers in brown or grey but his eyes are always on you in every picture.

10/10/2026

Our friends at the The Dog Aging Project ask our help to spread the word about a Test of Rapamycin in Aging Dogs (TRIAD), a clinical trial to evaluate the impact of the drug, rapamycin, on the healthspan and lifespan of aging dogs.

TRIAD has specific eligibility criteria including that a dog must be 7 years or older, weigh between 44 and 120 pounds, be spayed or neutered, and in overall good health. Participants are required to bring their dog to a clinical trial site for an exam seven times over three years. Clinical trial sites are located throughout the U.S. including Knightdale, NC.
Clinical trials are critical to determine what works to improve the life of our best friends.
If you’re interested contact them directly or Share to find more participants.

Help ! We are still recruiting dogs of all ages, all breeds, all sizes, all across the United States (one per household)... but we would especially love to meet more big dogs in these areas:
🐶We need older dogs, age 7+
🐕Weigh between 44 and 120 lbs
🐾Dogs from key regions

! Have a friend in one of the purple areas on the map? Does your play with an older doggo?
➡Post about the Dog Aging Project on your social media with a link to dogagingproject.org/triad
➡Share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
➡Join the Dog Aging Pack if you haven’t already!

10/10/2026

50 animals who arrived at the WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center in the last week are still waiting to be reclaimed or adopted. They join their 200 other friends waiting for a new home.
The WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center is open for adoptions 12-6 every day. Located at 820 Beacon Lake Dr in Raleigh NC.
All animals will be spay/neutered before leaving the shelter but many are already and can go home with you today.
Check in comments for the link where you can search all animals in the shelter. REMEMBER - we are not the shelter. Posting here that you are interested will not get you the animal you want. You must go to the shelter and meet the animal and then you can adopt.
Please check the Pet Gallery link (in Comments) first to find out what you want to know about the animals. You can sort it by name, date in shelter, breed, gender, age, weight and more. There is even a Tab (Lost and Found) where you can find where the animal was found if they were a stray.
If it says In Foster they reside off-site.
If it says Pending Adoption someone has adopted them if their owner does not reclaim them or after they are spay/neutered.
You can meet animals on Stray Hold and place a Pending Adoption.