Pet Rehoming & Admission 

Due to higher than usual dog intake requests, we are prioritizing pets in need during urgent or emergency situations. These situations typically include bites, rabies exposures, sick/injured animals, strays in imminent danger, and neglect/abuse cases. 

Stray Pets: 

Lost pets are usually no more than 1 mile from their home. Check with your neighbors first before attempting to bring him or her  to us. Finders are welcome to bring an animal in to scan for a microchip, but we will not be able to take the animal in until at least 48 hours from the time you make an appointment. Appointments are first come first serve. 

Dogs:

Most loose pets are found within a close distance of their homes—often less than a mile. Animals are actually much more likely to be reunited with their owners if they remain in their communities rather than come to the shelter. We currently experiencing unusually high levels of animal intake and are at capacity with pets in our shelter. In order to maintain space in our facility to house pets that have no other options, we are asking that, where it is possible, community members help us by taking an active role in getting lost pets back home home.

There are several simple steps you can take to increase this pet’s likelihood of reuniting with his/her owner. First, just ask around your neighborhood! It is likely that someone knows this pet. Post on social media sites such as Next Door, Finding Rover, Instagram, and Facebook (specifically: Lost and Found Pets of Alamance County and Surrounding Areas and Lost & Found Dogs - North Carolina). You can also see a listing of lost/found pets within the community by going here: www.burlingtonnc.gov/lostpet, and you can submit a found report online at this link. During this time, you can also bring the pet by BAS or any veterinary clinic to be checked for a microchip.  

If you would like, we can also set you up as a foster for this pet. If you foster this pet, we can get him/her spayed/neutered and vaccinated and provide you with any needed supplies, such as food and vet care. If no owner comes forward, we would promote this pet for adoption and help find a new home for him/her. 

Cats: 

Unless cats are sick or injured, it is generally best to leave them where they are, as they are rarely lost. Many people allow their cats to go indoors and outdoors, and some live entirely outdoors. It is most likely that this cat lives within walking distance of where you found him/her. Taking the cat is removing the cat from his/her home, and unfortunately most cats who come to the shelter are not reclaimed.

For stray outdoor cats, we do offer the option of running the cat through our Mighty Mouser program. Through this program, we spay/neuter and vaccinate community cats. Check out our community cats page to learn more about this program.

Pet Surrender:   

We do our best to help pets stay with their families, and we have resources for food, veterinary care, pet-friendly housing, and more. Please email petsupport@burlingtonnc.gov to request assistance. 

If you need to re-home a pet, please make every effort to rehome your pet on your own before turning to the shelter. This is ideal because it is less stressful on your pet, and it allows you to choose exactly the kind of home you would like for him/her. There are several rehoming options that you can use in order to find a home for your dog. 

Adopt-a-Pet.com's rehoming website is a great place to start. A lot of people have great luck finding homes for their pets here, and Adopt-a Pet's staff are there to guide you through every step of the process!  Pets listed with AdoptaPet.com are also viewable on our website on the Pets Available in the Community tab. There are also several Facebook groups where people in Alamance County can post animals needing new homes: 

North Carolina Pets (Rehoming, Lost Pets, Advice) (30k+ members)

Alamance County, NC Pets (8.5k+ members)

Alamance County, NC Pet Rehoming, Lost, Found & Rescue (1.8k+ members)

Cats of the Triad Needing Rescue or Adoption (5.1k+ members)

Appointments are required for all types of non-emergency pet admissions. You can schedule a pet admission appointment here.