Cary Animal Services

Cary Animal Services Cary Animal Services endeavors to provide our citizens, both human and animal, a safe environment https://www.townofcary.org/socialguidelines

Erosion control netting is widely used to stabilize soil on slopes, construction sites, and restoration areas. Some use ...
06/01/2026

Erosion control netting is widely used to stabilize soil on slopes, construction sites, and restoration areas. Some use it to fence in or cover garden areas. This netting, particularly when made of plastic or tightly woven synthetic fibers, can act like a snare for small animals. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals can become entangled as they move through grassy areas covered with this material. Once caught, they often struggle to free themselves, leading to injuries, exhaustion, or even worse. We commonly get calls about animals who have become entrapped in plastic netting.

If erosion control is necessary, consider **wildlife-friendly netting** made from biodegradable materials like jute or coconut fiber. These options provide erosion protection while reducing the risk of entrapment. Another alternative is **loose straw mulch or erosion-control blankets**, which stabilize soil without dangerous netting. Protecting wildlife starts with awareness. Next time you're planning landscaping or erosion control efforts, look for solutions that will keep both the land and its creatures safe.
** Officer Chuck was able to free this five-foot black rat snake by gently cutting it free from the netting and it was released in the yard unharmed.

Nature is WILD!Did you know...Raccoons are one of the smartest wild animals on earth? In test comparisons, raccoons scor...
05/29/2026

Nature is WILD!

Did you know...
Raccoons are one of the smartest wild animals on earth? In test comparisons, raccoons scored above cats and dogs and were more aligned with primates and crows in problem solving and tool usage. They can also learn from past experiences. While this makes them able to adapt to almost any environment, it also makes them a nuisance around trashcans and bird feeders. There are lots of ways to deter raccoons from your home, but be sure methods used will not harm the animal. We need to outsmart them to be truly effective!

Wildlife Wednesday - WHEW its HOT!This week’s heat has been no joke. And with today being the hottest day, it is a good ...
05/27/2026

Wildlife Wednesday - WHEW its HOT!

This week’s heat has been no joke. And with today being the hottest day, it is a good time to think about what animals do to cope. Behaviorally, some species become less active during the hottest hours, conserving energy to avoid overheating. You might see birds panting or spreading their wings to cool off, while reptiles like lizards and snakes bask in the sun during cooler parts of the day to regulate their body temperature more effectively. But what if you wear a fur coat all day? You may be surprised at the ways some of our furry neighbors stay cool.

• Raccoons can sweat through their hands and feet! They will also pant to dissipate heat and will sometimes walk or soak in creeks or ponds for hours.
• Deer will avoid moving around in the hottest part of the day and stay near their bedding areas. They may be more active at night to make up for lost grazing time.
• Possums will hide in cool nooks in trees or may even burrow to escape the heat. They cannot sweat but will lick the bottoms of their feet to aid in evaporative cooling.
• Squirrels will also seek out shady places to be but have discovered that lying flat out on a surface cooler than their body temperature can help. This behavior even has a name, “Splooting”.

While we may use some of the same behaviors as our wildlife to stay cool, getting in a pool, staying inside or in the shade, and sweating, we do not recommend “Splooting” in public. We might have to send someone to check on you. STAY COOL OUT THERE!

On this Memorial Day, please remember our fallen soldiers and our military working dogs. All worked and sacrificed to ke...
05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, please remember our fallen soldiers and our military working dogs. All worked and sacrificed to keep us safe. If a dog of war is lost in combat, like their human counterpart, he or she is honored by the entire unit. Bowls are symbolically placed upside down and a poem called ‘Guardians of the Night’ is read in their honor.

"Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath.
When all others have left you and the loneliness of night closes in,
I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles,
and search out those who wish to do harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
and the caring touch of your hands.

It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life
and spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons
Know that each day by your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at every opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill,
The voice of authority when I have done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly,
for I am your right arm,
the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.

Together you and I shall experience
a bond only others like us will understand.
When outsiders see us together,
their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgment,
nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal.

And when our time together is done
and you move on in the world,
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street
I will gladly take up your fight,
I am a Military Working Dog.

We are the guardians of the night."

*This memorial sculputre is located at the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.

This drought we are in hit in some unexpected ways for these juvenile goslings. What they thought was going to be a refr...
05/22/2026

This drought we are in hit in some unexpected ways for these juvenile goslings. What they thought was going to be a refreshening dip actually trapped them in stagnant water on Wednesday. The fountain must be broken and with no rain there was only about two inches of water in the pool. Their little wings had no flight feathers, and their legs couldn’t make the jump to get out. Fortunately, a good Samaritan called us to assist. With no parents around, we asked Carolina Waterfowl for advice. A wonderful volunteer met us to pick up the goslings, and she checked neighboring ponds for adult geese. She found some and held up one of the babies so it would make noise. One goose came running! She set the baby down and it ran right to its mom. The others were released as well, and they are still all together today. We love a happy ending!

Wildlife Wednesday - Opossum vs PossumThe opossum is a common character in our neighborhoods. Many of us have developed ...
05/20/2026

Wildlife Wednesday - Opossum vs Possum

The opossum is a common character in our neighborhoods. Many of us have developed a shorthand of referring to them as just “possums”. But a possum happens to be another animal entirely and one that is only found in Australia! Although both are marsupials who carry their young in a pouch, opossums may have up to 13 joeys, while possums are more like their distant cousin, the kangaroo, with only one at a time. And while Australian possums are vegetarians, our opossums will eat virtually anything edible. Native opossums have a hairless, rat-like tail that they can use like an extra appendage and will hiss or fall catatonic, (playing possum) to dissuade predators. Their possum relatives are bushy-tailed with little defense. Either way, if you call us about a possum, on an opossum, we will know what you mean!

Bite Prevention for ChildrenHonestly, there is not much cuter than watching our children play and snuggle with our dogs....
05/18/2026

Bite Prevention for Children

Honestly, there is not much cuter than watching our children play and snuggle with our dogs. Raising kids with pets teaches them compassion and responsibility. Teaching them to treat those animals with respect and love helps to ensure a lasting bond and keeps everyone safe. Unfortunately, more than 2 million children, mostly between the ages of 5 and 9, are bitten by dogs each year. If you have younger children and pets, always supervise them and be mindful of how they interact with the dog. Here are some things to keep in mind to prevent children from being bitten.

• A dog needs a safe place, like a crate or bed, where the child should not bother them.
• Children will not understand dog body language, so teach them calm, gentle touch. Adults should observe the dog for any signs of becoming frustrated or upset.
• Children should never pull ears or tails, lay on or “ride” the dog, take food or toys away from the dog, or tease them.
• Always ask permission from the dog’s owner before allowing children to pet their dog. Also get permission from the dog by watching their body language. A loose, wiggly dog is generally receptive.
• Teach children that calm behavior from them helps dogs feel at ease. Avoid running, yelling, or making large, sudden movements.

Most of all remember, if you get your children a pet, it will really be yours! To reduce the number of injuries from dog bites, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention, and dog owners should practice responsible dog ownership.

Hot days are coming and although our dogs love a good car ride, it can turn deadly faster than you think. Each year we r...
05/15/2026

Hot days are coming and although our dogs love a good car ride, it can turn deadly faster than you think. Each year we respond to many calls where a dog has been left in a car too long and is in distress. Fatalities do occur. Signs of heat-related illness in dogs include:

-A dark,-colored wide tongue
-Excessive drooling
-Vomiting
-Labored breathing
-Lethargy or collapse

Chances are, if someone finds your dog alone in a car, they will call us to ensure the dog is safe. Errands always take more time than you anticipate. Choose to take your dog on a car ride when it is cool and do not leave them alone in the vehicle. A good rule of thumb is, "70 and over is not good for Rover!"

Wildlife Wednesday – FawnsTiny, spotted fawns are some of the most delicate, amazing creatures we may have the pleasure ...
05/13/2026

Wildlife Wednesday – Fawns

Tiny, spotted fawns are some of the most delicate, amazing creatures we may have the pleasure to see. Soon, our resident white tail deer will begin to have their babies. Because newborn fawns do not have much stamina for their first few weeks, their moms will stash them in places that may seem unusual. Often, we will receive calls about an abandoned fawn under a bush, in the corner of a back yard, or even in plain sight. But are they really in danger? Probably not!

• Newborn fawns have almost no smell. The doe will only come to the fawn to feed or move it. This way her scent will not alert predators to the fawn’s location.
• Fawns instinctively freeze when approached. This and their spotted coats helps them camouflage.
• Please do not move or feed a fawn you come upon. Mom will return when the area is calm.
• A visibly injured fawn does require attention, but give a quiet fawn 24 hours to see if mom comes back for it.

This healthy, little fawn was left alone. Mom came for it later in the day. Animal Services always welcomes questions and will be happy to check on any animal to determine if they may need help. Please call us at (919)319-4517.

Address

120 Wilkinson Avenue
Cary, NC
27513

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+19193194517

Website

http://townofcary.org/socialguidelines

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cary Animal Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Cary Animal Services:

Shortcuts

Share

Category