‘No-Kill Shelter Month’ Aims To Save Pets In West Virginia

Animal advocates across the state are working to decrease the number of animals that are euthanized at shelters in West Virginia. 

Against the backdrop of new data showing the state is approaching a “no-kill” status considered optimal for saving as many pet lives as possible, Gov. Patrick Morrisey proclaimed May “No-Kill Shelter Month.”

Because some animals are too sick or too badly injured when they arrive at a shelter, the goal is for 90% or more of the animals to leave alive through foster or adoptive homes. 

The Best Friends Animal Society is a national animal welfare organization that tracks shelter statistics county-by-county nationwide. 

“To show just how close we are, for West Virginia to become no-kill, only 1,100 additional dogs and cats would need to be adopted this year so we’re talking very very close,” said Eric Swafford, the group’s Director of Legislation and Campaign Strategy. “Across the entire state, that’s nothing.” 

Newly released data from Best Friends Animal Society shows fewer shelter cats and dogs were euthanized in West Virginia last year – just under 90% last year, up from 86% in 2023.   

Swafford says shelters in West Virginia have implemented foster programs, spay and neuter services and more accessible adoption processes that have all helped animals find their homes.