Available Pets

SPECIAL STATEMENT ABOUT THE BULLDOGS RECENTLY SEIZED IN CHAPEL HILL: We are receiving hundreds of inquiries about adopting these dogs. We'd like to thank everyone for contacting us about adopting. These dogs are part of an ongoing investigation. We do not know when or if these dogs will be made available for rehoming. When they are made available, we are not sure they will be put up for adoption at our facility. Unfortunately, we do not currently have the resources to keep any kind of wait list and notify individuals when or if the dogs are made available. If they are made available, we will let the public know via news media outlets and an update on our website. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to care for these animals. Taking in so many dogs at once has put a strain on our resources at Animal Services. If you would like to donate to animal care at our shelter, please go to this page for more information: https://www.orangecountync.gov/364/Donations 

The Orange County Animal Shelter has many wonderful pets for adoption and some that are available for one of our foster programs.

Some animals can be taken home the same day they are adopted, but those adoptions must occur before 4:30 p.m. and are dependent upon several factors. Please call ahead (919-942-7387, option 3) if you are interested in taking a pet home on the same day you adopt to find out if that pet is able to go home right away.

We do encourage everyone to stop by and meet with a pet that they are interested in adopting. These "Meet & Greet" sessions last for approximately 15 minutes, and our staff can perform Meet & Greets up until 30 minutes prior to closing on any business day.  For our hours of operation, go here.

For more information on adoption and adoption fees, go here.

 Available Cats Opens in new window Available Dogs Opens in new window Available Others Opens in new window


All Animals (all animals currently in our facility, including those available for adoption and those not available for adoption)

CHECK OUR NEWS & EVENTS CAROUSEL TO SEE IF WE ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING ANY ADOPTION SPECIALS!

Can't adopt? Sponsor a pet's adoption fee! It's easy, just call 919-942-PETS (7387).

Check out our feature pet webcam! This is a live feed so there may or may not be some action. Cats tend to sleep almost as much as they play. But, you'll never know if you don't click out of curiosity!

Social Media

Visit us on Facebook to find more photos and stories of adoptable animals, as well as events and other fun news!

Foster Kittens

If you are interested in fostering kittens too small for the adoption floor or moms and nursing kittens, go to our Kitten Foster Program page and fill out our inquiry form.

Interested in fostering a dog?

All of our foster dogs are part of our Medical Foster Care Program. In most cases, they need to complete treatment for heartworms before they can be adopted. As a foster parent, you would coordinate with our veterinary care staff for any treatment needed. If you are interested in fostering a dog, please call our main number at 919-942-7387. 

Selecting a Pet For Your Family

  1. Selecting a Pet for Your Family.pdf

Introducing Pets

  1. INTRODUCING DOGS TO CATS.pdf
  2. INTRODUCING DOGS.pdf
  3. INTRODUCING CATS.pdf

Kittens do best in pairs! Here's why: 

  1. Adopt Kittens In Pairs.pdf

Are you considering the costs of owning a pet? 

Check out this article about money tips for caring pet owners.

Check out some of our video projects for more information about Animal Services!

Are you adopting a rabbit? 

Properly caring for rabbits can be hard work! Please go to House Rabbit Society for care tips and much more information.