Animal Services

On August 5, 2019, Burke County Animal Services became its own department under the County Manager, separate from Animal Control. Animal Control is still operated under the Burke County Sheriff’s Department and Morganton Public Safety.

We are the county-operated and tax-funded Animal Services Center for Burke County, North Carolina. We receive all stray animals brought in by Animal Control. Our goal is to reunite these animals with their owners. For animals who are not returned to their owners, we aim to have all adoptable animals placed into suitable homes or transferred to rescue groups where they may be adopted.

For owners wishing to rehome their pets, we do accept owner surrenders as space allows. Owners looking to rehome their pets may be asked to schedule an appointment for surrender if space does not allow us to immediately intake their animals. This "managed intake model" allows us to save more lives and find more pets their forever homes.

All cat & kitten adoptions are $90, and include spay/neuter, a 1 year rabies vaccine (if age-appropriate), standard core preventative vaccines (FVRCP), a monthly flea preventative, and dewormer as needed.

All dog & puppy adoptions are $125, and include spay/neuter, a 1 year rabies vaccine (if age-appropriate), standard core preventative vaccines (DHPP & Bordetella), a monthly flea preventative, and dewormer as needed.