Dog Waste Laws in Wake County: Scoop the Poop or Pay the Price!

Whether your pup’s favorite pastime is a stroll through a Raleigh greenway or a romp around a Cary cul-de-sac, one thing is universal: they’re bound to leave a little "gift" behind. But as cute as your dog may be, their poop is not! That’s why cities across Wake County have passed pooper scooper laws requiring pet owners to clean up after their furry friends—or face fines.

Besides being the neighborly thing to do, picking up after your pet is legally required and helps protect public health and our environment.

So let’s get into the nitty-gritty—who has to clean up, where, and what happens if you don’t.

Wake County (Unincorporated Areas)

Under Wake County Animal Control Code § 91.05, pet owners must remove dog waste from any public or private property not owned by them. Violations may incur fines from $25 to $100 (Wake County Animal Control, n.d.).

Raleigh

Raleigh Municipal Code § 3-4 prohibits pet waste left on public property or another’s private property without removal. Though specific fine amounts are not publicly listed, violations typically result in civil citations following a warning (City of Raleigh, 2025).

Cary

Cary’s ordinance (§ 6-64[b][3]) is among the strictest in Wake County. Pet owners must clean up immediately or face a $95 civil citation after a first warning (Town of Cary, n.d.).

Apex

Apex defers to Wake County’s ordinance (§ 91.05). The same $25–100 fines apply if a pet owner doesn’t clean up after their dog on someone else’s property (Town of Apex, n.d.).

Garner

Garner Municipal Code § 4-22 mandates immediate removal of dog waste from public and private areas. Violators may be issued civil citations following complaints or warnings (Town of Garner, n.d.).

Holly Springs

In Holly Springs, § 4-20 requires owners to promptly clean up pet waste left in any public or private area. Noncompliance leads to civil citations (Town of Holly Springs, n.d.).

Morrisville & Fuquay‑Varina

In Holly Springs, § 4-20 requires owners to promptly clean up pet waste left in any public or private area. Noncompliance leads to civil citations (Town of Holly Springs, n.d.).

Reporting Violations

  • Raleigh: Animal Control – 919 831 6311

  • Cary: Cary Animal Services – 919 319 4517

  • Wake County (Including Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay‑Varina): 919‑212‑7387

  • Garner: Garner Animal Services – 919 772 8810

  • Holly Springs: Holly Springs Animal Services – 919 557 9111

Summary Table

Takeaway for Pet Owners

  • Always carry waste bags when walking your dog.

  • Clean up immediately—especially in parks or neighborhoods.

  • Dispose of waste in a trash can, not storm drains or woods.

  • Be aware of local laws, as enforcement varies slightly by town.

Final Thoughts

Caring for our pets means also caring for our neighbors and the shared spaces we all enjoy. Picking up after your dog isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the law across Wake County and its towns. When each of us does our part, we create cleaner parks, healthier waterways, and more welcoming neighborhoods for everyone.

So grab that leash, bring a few extra bags, and show your community—and your pup—how much you care.

References

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