Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County

Serving our community continuously for over 49 years, the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, WV was incorporated in West Virginia on February 7, 1952 as a non-profit corporation. Founding members included Mabel B. Venable, William S. Venable, W.P.C. Perry, Cora I. Chambers and Forrest A. Brown.

The Animal Welfare Society was formed to provide care and protection for suffering homeless and unwanted animals; to educate the public in respect to humane treatment of animals and to encourage and assist in the enforcement of laws against mistreatment of and cruelty to animals.

During two decades encompassing the period of 1958-1978, the Society passed through a period in which there was little growth and in which rising costs and limited membership income hampered the activities of the organization. Still, the founders persevered in their mission and vision. The 72 member AWS had been the only organization in the county trying to solve the problem of acute population explosion of stray animals.

Among the projects undertaken by AWS was a spay/neuter and adoption program in cooperation with Friends of Animals, Inc. and local veterinarians; cooperative efforts with the county on a rabies prevention program; and a project designed to increase knowledge of county children in proper pet care. These programs, while having gone through a number of changes and enhancements, to this day continue to form the core mission of AWS.

There was no place within the county where homeless cats, kittens and puppies would be taken for a second chance at life. The county only handled dogs. There was also great concern over the manner in which the county dog pound operated, particularly in regard to unsanitary conditions. AWS attention soon focused on solving this significant problem - construction and operation an animal shelter in Jefferson County by AWS.

In January 1981, a committee was selected to develop and present a formal proposal to the Jefferson County Commission. After 5 years of work, the West Virginia legislature approved a bill that allowed Jefferson County Commissioners to donate an acre of land to AWS for construction of a shelter for homeless, stray and unwanted animals. AWS board members devoted themselves to fundraising activities during this period accumulating $34,000 during a 6 year period. Groundbreaking occurred in August 1985 and the dream of AWS founders became reality in October of that same year.

Upon completion, the AWS shelter included 10 dog runs, a cat room with 15 domiciles, an isolation room to accommodate 5 cages, a small office and reception area. For the most part, animal accommodations have changed little in 49 years.

In August 1999, a the driver of a motor vehicle lost control of the car and demolished the front of the shelter building. No animals were injured however, significant structural damage occurred. The Board of Directors, voted to rebuild the front of the building adding 20 feet to provide more comfortable reception areas and to allow the old small office to be used for additional animal handling and isolation facilities. A commercial loan to cover costs above and beyond the vehicle drivers insurance settlement was sought and approved. This is the principal reason for expenses exceeding income in the year 2000 financial statement included in this document.

In the year 2000, AWS enjoyed financial support from 648 members. AWS is also a United Way Agency with over 80 individuals who specifically designate the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, WV as the recipient of their United Way donations.

Today, the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers continue to share and carry on the vision of those who in 1952 recognized the plight of unwanted and abused dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats and the need to provide a place devoted to providing love, compassion and a second chance at life to these wonderful beings.

Note: PO Boxes will not show correctly on the map below.