NC S626

Establishes a minimum 72-hour holding period for all animals received by animal shelters before euthanasia or disposal, with exceptions for seriously ill or injured animals and those held as criminal evidence.

Requires animal shelters to make animals available for public adoption viewing at least 4 hours per day, 3 days per week, and allows shelters to place animals in foster care with approved providers during the holding period with photographs displayed at the shelter.

Defines "approved foster care provider" and "approved rescue organization" as entities caring for stray animals that have been favorably assessed by the shelter operator through written standards.

Establishes a cap on spay/neuter program reimbursement of no more than 150% of the average reimbursement from the prior calendar year for both male and female dogs and cats, with distributions prioritizing development tier one areas.

Authorizes animal control officers, law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue workers to enter motor vehicles without owner permission to remove animals confined under conditions likely to cause suffering or death from heat, cold, or inadequate ventilation.