Last year, the Animal Welfare Section of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted 2,089 inspections across more than 900 animal shelters, boarding kennels and pet shops in North Carolina.
Chris Bradley, program coordinator and inspection supervisor with the section, oversees the inspection of nearly 100 facilities in his region. Most facilities receive two inspections per year to maintain their license. Facilities are also inspected if a complaint is received and a complaint investigation is initiated.
“Each time we visit a facility, we spend two to three hours reviewing everything,” Bradley said. “I review physical conditions including walls, floors, animal enclosures, outdoor play areas and feed storage. I also review records, including veterinary care, movement of animals and documentation that each animal is receiving enrichment as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act.”
Shelters and boarding kennels generally receive unannounced inspections from Animal Welfare Section staff. Earlier this month, we followed Bradley and Wake County Animal Shelter Director Dr. Jennifer Federico on a courtesy inspection of the Wake County Animal Shelter. This visit was not part of the shelter’s regular inspection schedule but was conducted to demonstrate what inspectors look for during an evaluation.
The inspection began in the cat enclosure. Bradley visually inspected each kennel to ensure cleanliness, access to water and the absence of safety concerns such as cracked or non waterproof surfaces that could be hard to sanitize or sharp edges that could injure an animal. He also reviewed the paperwork attached to each kennel, which included updates on time spent with the cats, feeding and cleaning schedules and any medication requirements. He then moved on to inspect the dog enclosures.
“Shelters are busy places and can experience a lot of wear and tear,” Bradley said. “Staff who work here every day may not notice issues like cracked flooring or other safety concerns. An inspection can point out problems that need immediate attention, as well as wear‑and‑tear issues that will eventually need repairs to maintain compliance.”
Bradley inspected the outdoor play areas, checking for cleanliness, potential hazards such as broken concrete or holes in fencing, and ensuring animals have access to water and shade.
His inspection continued with feed storage, which must be kept in airtight containers in areas inaccessible to animals. “I also check laundry facilities for cleanliness and safety and inspect the cleaning area for toys, bowls and other equipment,” Bradley said. “Cleaning solutions and other chemicals should be stored safely and away from animals.”
Bradley concluded his inspection by reviewing shelter records. Depending on the size of the shelter, this can be one of the most time‑consuming portions of the visit. Records include intake forms, veterinary documentation and details on any movement of animals in the shelter’s care.
The Wake County Animal Shelter consistently earns high marks for its commitment to animal care. “Shelter staff are genuinely happy to see me,” Bradley said. “They want to show off their improvements since my last inspection. Shelters and inspectors ultimately want the same thing: to care for the animals and ensure their welfare. Animals should always have an advocate, and our role as inspectors is to serve as that advocate.”
Bradley says the best part of his job is witnessing families reunite with lost pets. “I love seeing happy animals reunited with their owners.”
All inspection reports from the Animal Welfare Section are posted on the agency’s website: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/aws