Shelter Information

Surrendering to the Shelter

Surrenders are on an appointment only basis due to limit shelter capacity.

To surrender an animal, you will need to provide:

  • A current North Carolina driver's license showing a Cabarrus County address

OR

  • Another form of picture ID AND one of the following as proof of residency:
    • Current utility bill
    • Current insurance registration
    • Current pay stub
    • Current lease/rental agreement 

Working at the Shelter

Do you have an interest in working with animals?

Check for open positions at the shelter!

Volunteering at the Shelter

We are a County-run shelter and must follow County and NC Department of Agriculture rules. Therefore, we have some requirements that volunteers must meet.

Read over these requirements for volunteering at the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter.

1. Must be 18 years of age or older

2. Must have some experience handling/being around animals

3. Must not be allergic to animals

4. Must be aware that volunteering at the Animal Shelter is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging service

5. Must be aware that you may be handling/using potentially harmful/hazardous disinfectants, including bleach and other chemicals

6. Must sign a waiver and complete the volunteer orientation and training when scheduled

7. Must be able to comply with and follow the rules set by the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter and the NC Department of Agriculture

Volunteers can come to the shelter when scheduled, during the hours of 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. The shelter does not yet have routine weekend hours for volunteers. However, the shelter does occasionally have events on the weekends and the help of volunteers is needed at those times.

If you feel that you would fit all these requirements, fill out the Volunteer Application. The application will help us get an idea of your experience level and areas of interest in volunteering at the shelter. Once we have received your application, we will then get in touch with you to schedule a meet and greet, the volunteer orientation, and training.

If you do not feel that you meet the requirements but would still like to help the animals in some way, please view our Amazon wish list. We can always use donations for the animals!

Thank you for your interest in helping the animals. We appreciate it!

Becoming a Rescue

We welcome rescuers to the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter!

Donating to the Shelter

The safety and well being of animals in Cabarrus County is not a job one agency can do alone. Community commitment has improved adoption rates and generosity from local partners and veterinarians is crucial to efficiency and effectiveness.

There are multiple ways you can help our local animals:

Food and Incidental Donations:

The Cabarrus County Animal Shelter accepts various donations including wet and dry pet food, clumping cat litter, blankets, towels, treats, and toys. We have an ongoing need for:

  • Bedding/towels
  • Cat litter/litter pans
  • Dish/laundry detergent
  • Newspapers
  • Bleach
  • Hot dogs
  • Pate style canned cat food (only type of food kittens can eat)
  • Canned dog food (pate is preferred over chunked)
  • Dry cat food (adult and kitten)
  • Dry dog food (adult and puppy)
  • Eye wash/generic sterile saline solution (to clean cat/kitten eyes)
  • Collars and leashes of varying sizes
  • Tough Kong-style toys (for puppies and dogs)
  • Plastic washable toys (for kittens and cats)

One Time Donations:

  • 2 radios/CD players
  • CDs of calm, soothing music
  • Baby scales

Kuranda Beds:

Help our shelter pets sleep and relax in style! Kuranda beds are cozy, cot-style beds that give our animals that extra ounce of comfort. These are the best beds for the shelter environment as they are chew-proof, easy to sanitize, and provide orthopedic comfort. No more sleeping on the floor! Consider donating a bed for our shelter animals. All the animals will use the beds - strays and adoption animals.

Financial Donations for Non-Essential Medical Expenses:

Cabarrus County operates a special fund to take donations for non-essential medical expenses for animals housed in the shelter. The County works with local veterinarians to negotiate services at a reduced rate. Financial donations can be brought to the shelter in person or made over the phone with Mastercard or Visa. Call 704-920-3288 to make a donation and help our shelter critters!

Amazon Wish List:

Items listed express the need, but do not need to be exact. Similar items are also welcome! Items purchased from our Amazon wish list will be shipped directly to the shelter.