Currituck to accept up to three stray dogs weekly from Pasquotank while SPCA license suspended

Currituck County commissioners on Sept. 2 approved a short-term memorandum of understanding with Pasquotank County to accept up to three stray dogs per week while the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina’s animal shelter certification is suspended.

County staff said the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services summarily suspended the SPCA’s certification on Aug. 18, 2025 because of facility conditions; Pasquotank County must relocate animals the SPCA currently houses. Under the MOU, Currituck will accept up to three stray dogs per week picked up by Pasquotank County Animal Control. Pasquotank will pay Currituck $30 per dog if the animal is not reclaimed by an owner; the fee is intended to cover vaccinations and heartworm testing. The agreement’s term is limited to the suspension period or 60 days, whichever occurs first, and Currituck reserves the right to refuse animals if capacity is reached.

County staff clarified the MOU applies only to animals collected by Pasquotank Animal Control officers—not animals members of the public bring to Currituck’s shelter—and it applies to dogs only. Staff noted Rachel Stone, the county’s animal services director, provided the three-dogs-per-week capacity estimate. Commissioners approved the MOU by motion; the clerk recorded “all in favor, aye.”

The measure is intended as a short-term interlocal assistance while the SPCA’s certification is suspended and does not change Currituck’s existing stray-hold procedures, which include a five-day owner-reclaim period under the county ordinance for animals brought into the shelter.