SPCA of Wake County

This has been the best week ever! 🥳 Getting to see all these pets get adopted during has brought so many smiles and even tears to our eyes ❤️

🚨 Today is the LAST DAY — adoption fees are all 50% off, and we welcome you to come visit our Pet Adoption Center to see if you find your new best friend. Come out and help clear the shelters to save a life! 🐾

One of the pets we're rooting for today is 2-year-old Otis pictured here! Otis is a super playful and delightfully goofy boy, as affectionate as he is handsome! If you're interested in getting more information about Otis, visit spcawake.org/dogs 🐾

NOW HIRING Shelter Medical Staff! 🐶🩺🐱
This position is all about saving lives and making a difference, and there's no better way to make a transformative impact on the community than through shelter medicine! Join our team of passionate animal welfare professionals in pursuing our mission of saving shelter pet lives, helping families in our community, and continuing to push animal welfare forward in our home state.
You'll get to work with cats, dogs, and small mammals rescued from across NC. Your work will save the lives of pets with an extensive variety of medical conditions and backgrounds — pets with nowhere else to go, but whose lifesaving treatment is made possible thanks to generous support from our community.
This work is fulfilling and diverse, and as a team member at SPCA Wake, you can head home every day knowing that you've truly made a difference for pets and the people who love them.
If you or someone you know is a versatile, forward-thinking, passionate animal medical personnel, please visit spcawake.org/careers to apply or learn more about the position 🐾

Pam hates when humans call her “a cat” because she’s so much more than that. She’s a fashionista, an icon, a trendsetter. Her style may be a bit experimental, her outfits a little bit “out there”, but she’s really just ahead of the curve. Her prediction for the next fall fashion trend? No pants! 👖👎

Prior to coming to the SPCA, Pam spent her entire life living in a dog crate stacked on top of other dog crates containing other cats. The stress, plus a flea infestation, resulted in her losing most of the fur on her back legs. Pam's past has made her a little hesitant about new environments and people, but once she gets comfortable, she’s quick to strut her stuff and show you that nothing could break her resilient spirit. Pam has really blossomed in a foster home, doing zoomies and playing with laser pointers and nuzzling her favorite humans. She’s even had the pleasure of discovering her new favorite runway – her doggie foster sister. She loves walking on top of her while she’s laying down, and even making biscuits in her fur 👩‍🍳

Right now, we’re not sure if Pam will don pants again in the future or if she plans to rock this style for life. But one thing's for sure — she is beautiful inside and out 🥰 She just needs a forever family that sees it too. If you think that you might be that forever family for Pam, please fill out our adoption survey at spcawake.org 🐾

Remember — all adoption fees are 50% off right now for ! 🥳 Come find a new friend and leave behind an empty kennel during this lifesaving adoption event! ❤️

❤️ spotlight ❤️ Under synonyms for "gentle" you'll find a grey-muzzled boy named Virgil.

This sweet senior man has done well with people of all ages, although he can be anxious with strangers at first. He's friendly, affectionate, and a good friend to both the humans and canines he meets. He's even done well when meeting cats, respecting their boundaries and letting them come to him at their own pace. He's a gentle soul, eager to please and eager for love.

Most people probably know that seniors are less likely to be adopted. Despite how wonderful he is, Virgil is often overlooked for the younger dogs and puppies. He's has had the misfortune of finding himself in and out of the shelter system ever since 2022 when he was caught in a house fire and had to be given up to the shelter. Virgil understandably has some anxiety about being left alone. He can start to pace, whimper, and scratch at doors. He does better if he's crated rather than left to his own devices, but he's much happier when he knows someone is nearby. He'd really love a home where someone's usually around to keep him company and give him the occasional head scratches. In return, he'll give you his whole heart, his golden years, and his endless devotion.

Remember all adoption fees are 50% off through Saturday, so come bring home a new friend, leave an empty kennel behind, and save a life for 🙏 If you think you might like to give this senior guy his second chance, please visit spcawake.org/dogs ❤️

Do you ever get a papercut, or something in your eye, and spend the rest of the day complaining about it? ...Let us all be humbled by Lizard

Aka Lizzie.

Lizzie was abandoned on a bench with her three newborn puppies. When they were discovered, the finder only saw Lizzie at first — tail tucked and shaking like a leaf. It took a few minutes to realize that 1) she had three sleeping newborns tucked beneath her body and 2) her back leg was broken in half.

It turned out that Lizzie's femur had snapped, and her hip was injured as well. Not only had she been raising her 2-day-old puppies on a broken leg, she had given birth with it.

Unfortunately, Lizzie couldn't have leg surgery while she was still nursing her puppies — separating her from the tiny babies and performing the surgery too soon could put their fragile lives at risk. So we had to do everything possible to stabilize her leg and keep her comfortable for the next few weeks until it was safe to admit her to the hospital.

This girl... This girl has been powering through probably the hardest time in her life (by far), but through sheer will and without hesitation, Lizzie has put her own welfare aside and managed to raise three perfect, plump, happy, healthy little puppies.

The time has now come for Lizzie's surgery — her leg will be amputated this week. And after all she's survived, we hope a swift adoption will bring nothing but all of life's sweetest spoils.

Lizzie (Lizard) and her three puppies Newt, Gecko, and Chameleon are all about to go up for adoption. If you're interested in adopting one (or two) of the members of this very special family, please keep an eye on our website at spcawake.org/dogs — as long as you promise to give them the whole world, because they deserve it ❤️

Here's a well-deserved SPOTLIGHT 🔦 Gunther tricked us! He's been acting like a wild child at the shelter, so we thought, well, he's just a wild child. And then we got him in a foster home and he settled right in — Gunther out of the shelter is a completely different dog 🤪

Although we make every effort to make the shelter comfortable, it takes a toll on animals who are here for a long time (like Gunther). But as soon as Gunther gets into a home environment that feels safe, secure, and stable, the real Gunther is revealed, and he is a Good Boy. 🥰

This being the final week of , we need your help to get the word out, because we've all been sleeping on this fella!

Here's what Gunter's most recent foster had to say:
"Gunther is sooo sweet and goofy. I’ve never seen a dog bury toys before, let alone do so so meticulously — there are hidden stashes all over the yard now (we should look into training him with Easter eggs). Working on not laying down during walks, ending his current hunger strike (must’ve heard us saying he needs to lose a few lbs.), and will hopefully introduce him to [foster's other dog] this week!"

Gunther is just under 3 years old. He's met and gotten along beautifully with a number of dogs here at the shelter (like former longtimer Roo, featured in these pictures). He's a fast learner, a toy planter, a TV watcher, and power-pouter. He's a best friend waiting to happen, and he couldn't be more up for the job 💘

Gunther's adoption fee is 50% OFF this week — to learn more and help 🥳 please visit our website at spcawake.org/dogs 🐾🩷

It's Grumpy Cat's ultimate nemesis — Smiley Dog 🤪

Only thoughts: Happy. Happy to see you! Happy to get treat. Happy to be outside! The vet is coming? Cool! I'm getting shots? Okay 😃

Gordo is a naturally happy boy who's even happier to see the extra visitors coming by for 🥳 All adoption fees are 50% off through Saturday, and we've got lots of adoptable pets like Gordo here ready to come home with you. Our Adoption Center is open everyday 11-6 so come by for a visit, find your new best friend, leave behind an empty kennel, and save a life ❤️🐾

Adoption gallery: spcawake.org

It's the FINAL WEEK of ! How many pets will get adopted? How many kennels will be opened up to save another life? We can't wait to find out — and we can't wait to see many of you at our Pet Adoption Center! 🎉

All adoption fees are 50% off until 9/7! We've got cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, bunnies, guinea pigs, gerbils — even a ball python, a gecko, a bearded dragon, and a parakeet who need good homes! 🐱🐶🐹🐰🐭🐍🦜🦎
There is really something for everyone — even if you just want to visit for some snuggles.
You can check out all of the pets currently for adoption at spcawake.org 😍

We also want to sincerely and wholeheartedly thank everyone who has adopted so far this month. Some may know, some may not, but 2024 has been a really difficult year for animal shelters. Adoptions have been slowing down, pets have been waiting much longer for homes, the entire country has been facing a shelter capacity crisis. This year's Clear the Shelters means so much to us and TRULY makes a lifesaving difference for shelter pets, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has helped out or welcomed a pet into their home. ❤️

🔥✂️ Welcome to the Battle of the Bunny Beards and Hare-cuts ✂️🔥

First up is Lucy, who's sporting a truly thought-provoking Neck Beard.

But Lucy's got some stiff competition in our next contender, Norman — Norman longs for the early 2000s. He still listens to a Walkman and is trying really hard to bring back Frosted Tips.

Third in the lineup is Velour with a very fine attempt at a Fu Manchu... we think. Maybe a Handlebar. Either way, he still gets a carrot for participation.

Lastly we see Cinnabun rocking the traditional "rabbit out of a hat" motif 🎩🐇 A timeless classic. It might not be enough to outdo the competition but we think it is very mindful, very demure. A respectable effort.

So who is your choice for champion? 🏆 Let us know in the comments! And if you're interested in meeting/adopting one of these competitors, visit spcawake.org/smallpets 🐾

Fast forward 5 weeks and watch one very miserable, sick kitty transform before your eyes 🧙‍♂️✨

10-year-old Soba was found on the street, like a skeleton with skin. He was sick, crusty, dirty, and missing a lot of his fur. Luckily someone brought him to our partners at the Wake County Animal Center. We saw his picture, and our hearts broke, so we were quick to get on the phone with the shelter and transfer him to SPCA Wake to provide ongoing medical care.

Soba's gotten a little better day after day, and after 5 weeks of rehabilitation, he's a brand new cat! Now, there's no going back to the streets for Soba. He's about to get adopted!

Thank you so much for supporting our medical program so we could fix turn this little man's life around 🥰

Luka's got a great reason to smile! 😁 He and the other senior dogs at SPCA Wake were just awarded a $15,000 grant for senior medical care from The Grey Muzzle Organization!

Since Luka is 10 years old, we want to make sure we know about any senior-related health issues that might be lurking beneath the surface — or to get confirmation that he has a clean bill of health!

Thanks to the , Luka will be getting a full blood work-up, which not only helps our veterinary team provide excellent care for him, but since senior dogs are harder to adopt, it also helps potential adopters feel more confident about taking home a grey muzzle of their own.

Thank you so much The Grey Muzzle Organization ❤️ And for those wondering, YES, this beautiful blue- and brown-eyed angel is in need of a home!

Luka is beloved here at the SPCA. He gets along with other dogs, even cats, and he's extremely sweet and lovable. He tends to resource guard, which by itself scares a lot of people away, but there are great workarounds for this (including some tricks we've already taught him, like "trade")! So don't let that slow you down, Luka really is the bestest boy who just has big feelings about his toys and snacks 🧸

If you're open to adopting a senior dog or want to learn more about Luka, visit our website at spcawake.org/dogs or send us a DM 🥰

News like this is the BEST kind of news! After a year and a half in the shelter, Kobe is going home!!! 🥹

The other day, Kobe went home with his new mom for a 5-day trial adoption period, and the next day, we received one of the best messages we've ever gotten:

"Hi, it's [Kobe's mom]. I need to go ahead and tell you all — he is mine forever. I will not be bringing him back. Somebody would have to pull him out of my cold dead hands. I literally had the best night with him and he is perfect. He is an angel. We have been doing so good in the house. We have been doing so good on walks. We literally slept nose to nose last night. So I just want to follow up, you will not need me to tell you after 5 days on my end. Thank you guys so much again for all your help. You guys are amazing and I just can't thank you guys enough for him."

Now if that isn't just about the best thing in the world. We hope this happy news brightens your day like it did ours! Congratulations to Kobe and his new mom, we are so happy for you both, and we know Kobe is going to be loved to the ends of the earth! 🥰

If we hadn't seen him with our own eyes, we might call Photoshop. But nope. This is Earl — in all his thick-faced glory.

Fun fact: unneutered male cats can develop big cheeks as a result of their increased testosterone. It's a secondary s*x characteristic that signals to the ladies that they are big, tough, hot stuff — like a peacock parading his plumage.

Earl, though, took it to another level. There's big cheeks, and then there's this. Earl is neutered now, of course, but his cheeks are here to stay. On the plus side, his owners won't have to worry about him escaping through any small holes.

Earl is about 13 years old. He's not the biggest fan of other cats, and it's fair — we rescued him from a hoarding situation where he lived inside a small 3-foot cage in a room with dozens of other cats, so he doesn't exactly have positive associations with other felines. He would be much happier in a home with no other cats. At the end of the day, Earl has been through a lot and is not like most other kitties, so he needs and deserves a little more patience — but he is a very affectionate, very lovable, and quite a spectacle to see parading around the house. If you can give Earl your compassion, he will reward you with the treasure of his company.

Earl is available for adoption! If you may be interested, visit spcawake.org/cats to learn more 🐾

+10 points to the first person who can guess why his name is Rufus!

This adorable, naked little baby just came to us from one of our partner shelters to receive more medical care. He and his mom Shego (third picture) were found together on an abandoned property. Rufus has been suffering from a bad case of mange, leaving him pink, itchy, and half-naked.

He is a shy little guy, and the partner shelter that transferred him to us said he was the quietest dog in their whole facility. He seems to get a lot of confidence from other dogs — we were tickled to see how much he opened up after just a couple of hours in his foster home (video in the comments)!

We're going to keep working to soothe this little guy's skin until he looks more like a dog and less like a Sphynx cat! Please send Rufus your well wishes and stay tuned for progress pictures 🥰

Phoenix and Ace are each other's emotional support dogs 🥹

These two brothers came to SPCA Wake after someone found them living on an abandoned property with no one taking care of them. For all their lives, the only thing they've ever been able to rely on is each other. But we are hoping that's about to change.

Phoenix and Ace are bonded to one another, so we are looking for someone to adopt them both. These guys are about a year old, and they are friendly with other dogs and all people. They love playing fetch, tug, and tossing their squeaky toys back and forth 🥰 They are happy, trusting, loving dogs, and they deserve such a happy life — by each other's sides.

If you're interested in possibly making that dream come true and want to meet these friends-til-the-end, please get more info on our website at spcawake.org/dogs 🐾 (Don't forget — Adoption fees are 50% off today for ❤️)

If you want to know what happiness looks like, it looks like this! is rockin' and rollin' 🙌 and bonded buddies Jessie and Woody are feeling the hype! We love seeing all these pets being adopted — thank you to everyone who has come out! Just a reminder, all adoption fees are 50% off through the Saturday (tomorrow), so if you've been thinking about adopting a pet, now's the perfect time 🥳 We are open every day from 11-6 🥰

📣 Our spay/neuter clinic is HIRING! 📣 If you are passionate about animals and care about preventing pet overpopulation, join the front lines at the Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic. We have an amazing team of compassionate animal lovers working together to make a difference for pets and people!

We are hiring for 2 positions:
- FT or PT Surgeon (DVM)
- FT Veterinary Technical Assistant

Working with the Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic is critical for the lifesaving of animals and has ripple effects that extend throughout the community. SLSNC enables SPCA Wake to transfer thousands of unsterilized animals from surrounding rural shelters who have few spay/neuter resources. Those pets are adopted through the SPCA, freeing shelter partners to use limited resources for remaining animals. Dozens of area animal rescue groups also effectively utilize this low-cost spay/neuter option and take animals back into their care for adoption. The low-cost price point enables thousands of families to access this vital service.

Learn more: spcawake.org/fix
Join our team: spcawake.org/careers

This week marks the beginning of , and boy do we have some wonderful pets for adoption!

10-year-old Kobe is a ball of love who's had some bad luck in life so far, having been in and out of the shelter ever since he was a puppy. Kobe has lost his home not once, but three times — each time for reasons beyond Kobe's control (such as his family moving somewhere dogs aren't allowed). But Kobe's managed to stay in high spirits — he is simply looking ahead to what comes next ❤️ Kobe's a great dog with enough energy to run and play, but he also loves to lay down for a good cuddle. He's very food-motivated, which makes teaching him new tricks very easy. And he gets along well with people of all ages!

If you've been thinking of adopting a dog, now's the perfect time — all adoption fees are 50% off, and you can make your mark to help Clear the Shelters ❤️

It's here! starts TODAY! All adoption fees are 50% off for a limited time. Our facility is full of adorable cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, and small pets who are crossing all their paws they'll be adopted this month — not to mention even MORE adoptable pets in foster care! The SPCA Pet Adoption Center is open every day from 11-6 🙌 Visit our website at spcawake.org to see who you might bring home as you help to Clear the Shelters 🥳🐾 💕

NBCUniversal & Clear the Shelters

If you met Fleefer the kitten, you might be surprised to learn she is visually impaired — she can chase a toy down and zoom around the room like any other kitten! Fleefer lost most of her eyesight from a severe eye infection when she was a very young kitten that damaged her eyes beyond repair. Since she's grown up with limited vision, it's really all she knows, so she has proved to be incredibly adaptable!

Fleefer oozes personality. She's full of silly antics, hilarious to watch, and endless fun to sit and play with 🥰

It may take Fleefer a couple of days to get acclimated to a new space, since she has to build a sort of mental model in her head, but before you know it, she's already rockin' and rollin'. She's not super keen on being picked up or held — it may be that she can't see where she is in the air, or that she has bad associations with it after all the medical care she had to get when she was tiny. But you don't have to hold her to love on her — Fleefer is an affectionate girl who loves getting pets and being near you.

Fleefer is having a hard time standing out amongst all the other kittens in our kitten room, so while all the other little ones are being adopted left and right, Fleefer has been patiently waiting for her turn to come. We just wanted to shine a spotlight on this little lady to show off her lovable personality and assure you that she is so much like any other kitten!

If you're interested in meeting Fleefer or learning more, visit our website at spcawake.org/cats or visit her in the kitten room at our Pet Adoption Center 🥰 We're rooting for you, Fleefer!

It's hard to believe this is the same dog 🥺 You may remember one month ago, we rescued Braham from living confined to crate in a room with 30-40+ other animals. In the time since, medicine has helped heal his body, and love & freedom have healed his spirit.

With his fresh new outlook on life, Braham is finally ready to begin his next chapter. If you're interested in meeting this lovable guy, come visit him at our Pet Adoption Center in Raleigh! Braham is 9 years old, dog-friendly, and very easy-going. His disposition is gentle, loving, goofy, and all-together easy to be around. We know he will bring a world of joy to the lucky family who chooses to adopt him ❤️

Thank you all so much for your support in June and July toward our Medical Match fundraiser. It has helped Braham and others so much. Because of you, we met our fundraising goal and were able to provide rehabilitation and medical care to many new pets — and our work continues every day. Your support is the reason for transformations like this ❤️

Today is a new beginning for these 7 former commercial breeding dogs. This afternoon we drove our rescue van out onto the tarmac to welcome Amelia, Harriett, Cessna, Charlotte, Winston, Salem, and Boeing with open arms to SPCA Wake ❤️

This rescue was a collaboration with National Mill Dog Rescue and BISSELL Pet Foundation who have been flying pets across the US to rescues like SPCA Wake. Our job now is to take the reins, provide these dogs some much-needed love and medical attention, and help them start fresh as beloved pets and family members for the first time in their lives.

Most of these dogs are pretty frightened, which is typical of dogs who are unused to anything beyond the breeding facilities they've spent their lives in. But we got to see our fair share of little tail wags today, and we know with a little time and patience, these sweet souls are going to feel a happiness they have never felt before.

We are anticipating a significant amount of adoption interest in these dogs, but please keep in mind these are not your typical dogs. They are going to need careful handling and extra steps to ensure their safety and security — possibly for the rest of their lives. If you are up for the challenge and want to show a very special dog what "home" means for the very first time, here is their information for the adoption survey on our website (spcawake.org). Please keep in mind they just arrived and will not be ready for at least a few days — especially those who need medical care:

🐾 Amelia A110238 - 6yo female, dark brown & scruffy
🐾 Harriett A110239 - 9yo female, curly white, over-the-shoulder photo
🐾 Cessna A110240 - 1yo female, dapple
🐾 Charlotte A110241 - 9mo female, golden brown curly/scruffy (photographed next to dapple)
🐾 Winston A110242 - 7yo male, curly white, photo with all the cotton balls
🐾 Salem A110243 - 1yo female, black & white scruffy
🐾 Boeing A110244 - 5yo female, black w/ tan, big smile in photo

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for generously supporting us so we can help pets like these who need a second chance. They are here and they are safe because of you. We appreciate all of you for standing up for pets! ❤️

What's black, doughy, and waddles all over? It's 16-year-old sisters Salsa and Tango 🖤🐧 These two ol' gals have lived together their whole lives, even through the unfortunate loss of their owner that brought them to the animal shelter.

If you come visit the SPCA's cat rooms, you'll find a mini room, and inside, Salsa and Tango. 90% of the time, they are unconscious on opposite sides of the room. The other 10% of the time, they are sitting next to their food bowls like this: 😑 🍽️ 😑

Like any sisters, Salsa and Tango are unique. Tango likes being picked up! Salsa will cut you. Tango has strong opinions and wants to be involved. Salsa gives very few 🦆s. If a silverback gorilla suddenly materialized in her room, she'd be like: “cool.”

And yet, they share the same overall vibe. Let's put it like this: If they were humans, they'd be a pair of old ladies, sitting out on porch rocking chairs, smacking away mosquitos with a pack of ci******es in one hand and a Miller Lite in the other.

Yes, yes, they're seniors, and sometimes seniors have health issues. But actually, despite a little creaking in their joints, they are in surprisingly good shape! When Tango first got here, she was diabetic — but our veterinary team worked their magic, and now she's in remission! Neither of these ladies currently takes medication. They're just like regular cats — who waddle.

Of course, Tango and Salsa are looking for a home together. They're bonded for life, after all! As seniors, black cats, AND a bonded pair, they are 3 types of the most overlooked pets at the shelter. But that does not mean they are any less than their feline neighbors! They are staff favorites for a reason, and after 6 months in the shelter, we hoped you could help shine a spotlight on these two so they can finally begin their fresh start.

If you think your home could be their retirement home, please drop us a line in the comments, DM us, or visit spcawake.org/cats 🐾😁

As soon as we saw this guy's picture, we were on the phone working to get him in to see our vet team. How old would you guess he is based on this image?

The answer is 5 years old, which just goes to show what a tremendous toll living on the street has taken on him. He's skin and bones, missing half his fur — he's anemic, and he's dehydrated. But even though he feels like crap, he was purring even during his blood draw.

Braisin's rehabilitation is going to be an effort, and he's not alone in that at the SPCA. Please help us care for this sweet guy — Today and tomorrow are LAST 2 days of our Medical Match fundraiser ❤️‍🩹 It's the last chance to make sure your donation is MATCHED dollar for dollar in donated veterinary services 🙏

We are so close to reaching our fundraising goal — with your help, we can reach it in the next two days. Anything you give will be doubled through the match to help Braisin and more pets in our medical program.

Braisin deserves to feel comfortable and happy so he can enjoy receiving all the love that he so freely gives away. Thank you for helping turn things around for this sweet guy!

Her face says ☹️ but her tail says ☺️

This is Cher — she has a lovely contralto voice and a lot of feelings about Memphis.

Cher is 2-years-old, dog friendly, and very submissive. She squints her eyes and pouts at you when you give her little head pats. Just like the real Cher! (Probably.) She's a little nervous (aren't we all), so she just needs a little reassurance now and then that everything is totally fine!

If you want to begin a new life where you wake up each day and sing with Cher while you dance around her in circles booping her excellent nose, please visit spcawake.org/dogs for more information about adoption ☺️

It is our duty to inform you about ears such as these. Let's get a round of applause for Juniper 👏 She can hear it from way over here 🥹

We have such happy news about Faith! 🥹 For those who don't know, Faith came to us with a mysterious history, suffering from severe burns all up and down her spine. For the past six weeks, our medical team has worked with Faith every day to help her body heal — sometimes a millimeter at a time. When Faith's story was shared on the local news, her sweet disposition and resilient spirit captured hearts across NC! Slowly but surely, her body has been healing up, and now we're thrilled to share the moment we've all been rooting and waiting for — Faith has been adopted!!! 🥳

After so much hardship, this sweet soul deserves the world. And because of you and all your generous help toward her care, she is getting it.

After Faith's long recovery, her new mom and dad are welcoming a happy, healthy, smiling girl her into their home. This is the first day of the rest of her life. Thank you to her new parents for welcoming Faith with open arms — and to all of you for helping to give Faith her life back ❤️ You love and support truly makes a difference.