Stay up to date with WRAL’s Animal shelter news and reporting coverage
Orange County has some of the lowest euthanasia rates in North Carolina. WRAL Investigates went to the animal shelter in Chapel Hill to find out what is behind the success.
WRAL Investigates delves into the factors driving a rise in euthanasia at North Carolina animal shelters. Discover the challenges faced by shelters, including overcrowding and funding issues and learn about potential solutions to save more lives.
One in four animals in North Carolina shelters will never leave. WRAL Investigates animal euthanasia rates in several Triangle-area counties.
Animals at Nash County shelter appear healthy, but issues persist in latest inspection
Nash County officials said they've made improvements to the animal shelter after a failed inspection forced a temporary closure in late July.
Nash County's animal shelter has reopened for adoptions after a failed inspection caused the facility to close temporarily in late July.
From Aug. 1 through Aug. 25, 2025, shelters are reducing or waiving fees to help you bring home a new family member. Consider taking time on that day to adopt a new pet or donate to help pets find their fur-ever homes. For a full list of participating shelters and special adoption events, visit wral.com/shelters.
Nash County officials are addressing alarming conditions noted during a failed inspection of its animal shelter.
Nash County officials say they expect to reopen the county's animal shelter soon once additional full-time staff have been trained.
Nash County's Pet Connection Center, under scrutiny for recent animal care violations, hosted a free adoption event to engage the community and promote transparency.
Nash County is facing a $6,700 fine following an investigation by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services into the county animal shelter, revealing multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
A tiny dog named Benji was recently found abandoned outside the Wake County Animal Center. Animal advocates are fighting for his future and hope to give him a loving home.
The Wake County Animal Center has temporarily shut its doors to curb a canine illness outbreak after Streptococcus zooepidemicus claimed the lives of three dogs.
A former sheriff took over day-to-day operation of the Franklin County Animal Shelter, the latest shakeup for an agency that has been subject of investigations about its use of euthanasia.
Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter
The Franklin County Animal Shelter is under state investigation. On Friday, a spokesperson with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture confirmed to WRAL News that the investigation has been ongoing for about a month.
The Franklin County Animal Shelter has been fined $1,000 for violating state law and its own policies on euthanizing animals.
The shelter said a rescue group was her only option for survival. Luckily, Sydney is now safe and sound, thanks to Dochas N Gra Animal Rescue in South Carolina.
WRAL staff
Several animals at the Wake County Animal Shelter are at risk of being put down because the facility has reached capacity.
A dog and five puppies found abandoned in Johnston County now have found a temporary home at Saving Grace animal rescue in Wake Forest.
William Coker, director of animal services at the Vance County Animal Shelter, said adoptions are down since COVID-19, and strays and surrenders are up.
Many North Carolina animal shelters are struggling to provide proper care, with 13 taxpayer-run shelters or their employees in the state being fined or warned since the start of 2023.
Sarah Krueger, WRAL investigative reporter
Dirty cages, injured dogs left untreated and over 1,000 animals euthanized by an unlicensed facility. WRAL Investigates a recent surge in fines and the alarming conditions at local animal shelters.
People can once again drop off unwanted pets at the Wake County Animal Center -- but under a strict application policy -- less than a month after the shelter announced it would permanently stop all owner surrenders.
