From Shelters to Forever Homes: Highlighting Wake SPCA with Kim Janzen

SPCA of Wake County: Rescue Stories, Affordable Vet Care & the New Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center

This episode features Kim Janzen, president and CEO of the SPCA of Wake County, discussing the organization’s mission, funding, and evolving approach to animal welfare. Kim explains that SPCA of Wake County is not affiliated with the ASPCA and is funded primarily by private donations and fees for service. She shares how the shelter has shifted in recent years toward supporting “the other end of the leash” by helping families keep pets at home, especially as veterinary costs rise and financially driven surrenders increase. The conversation covers misconceptions about shelter animals, trends showing more cats than dogs entering shelters, and the SPCA’s intake of animals from 58 rural counties to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Kim highlights expanded low-cost spay/neuter services and the new 47,000-square-foot Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center in South Raleigh, and outlines ways to help through adopting, donating, volunteering, fostering, and birthday donation drives.

00:00 Sponsor Ting Internet
00:30 Local Woodworking Sponsor
00:45 Cary Car Care Sponsor
01:44 Meet SPCA Wake Leader
03:13 Kim’s Path to SPCA
03:36 Mission and Funding
04:25 No Typical Day
04:51 How SPCA Evolved
06:18 Shelter Misconceptions
08:51 Adoption Trends and Costs
10:46 Beyond Cats and Dogs
13:25 Rescue Story Spotlight
15:15 Spay Neuter Programs
16:55 Why Adopt First
17:15 Finding the Right Match
18:59 Ways to Support SPCA
20:07 Volunteers and Fosters
20:53 New Resource Center Tour
22:28 How You Can Help Now
23:09 Hope and Closing