A New Era for the Putnam County Animal Shelter
After years of dedication and hard work, the Putnam County Animal Shelter has achieved a significant milestone. It has officially become a “No Kill” shelter, marking a major shift in its mission and operations. This achievement was recognized by the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, which awarded the shelter a National Title for its commitment to saving 90% of the animals that come through its doors.
The transition from a “Kill Shelter” to a “No Kill” facility did not happen overnight. The process required substantial effort and adjustments across all areas of the shelter’s operations. Director Kaitlin Johnson explained that the change was initially challenging. “It was very chaotic for a little while. There was a lot to work through and figure out,” she said. “In order to be life-saving, you have to put more in every single aspect, from medical care to staffing.”
Johnson, who recently took on the role of director, previously worked at the shelter as a humane officer. She emphasized that the new designation would not have been possible without the support of the local community. “Being a no-kill shelter is not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning for us,” she said. “That is our promise—to continue to prioritize every single animal that comes through our doors. Everybody deserves a second chance, and here, at the Putnam County Animal Shelter, we plan to give that to them.”
The shelter has made significant progress in recent years, focusing on improving the quality of care for animals and increasing adoption rates. As part of this effort, the shelter has expanded its volunteer and foster programs, which play a crucial role in supporting the animals during their stay.
Services and Community Involvement
Currently, the Putnam County Animal Shelter is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. These hours allow the community to visit and learn more about the animals available for adoption. The shelter also encourages individuals to get involved through donations, fostering, or volunteering.
Donations are essential for maintaining the shelter’s operations and providing necessary supplies and medical care for the animals. Fostering is another valuable way for people to contribute, as it allows animals to receive personalized attention and care in a home environment before being adopted.
Volunteers are always welcome and play a vital role in helping with daily tasks, such as cleaning, feeding, and socializing the animals. Their contributions help ensure that each animal receives the best possible care and increases the chances of successful adoption.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in supporting the Putnam County Animal Shelter, there are several ways to get involved. Individuals can visit the shelter in person at its location in Red House or contact the office directly by calling 304-586-0249. Whether through donations, volunteering, or fostering, everyone can play a part in making a difference in the lives of animals.
The shelter’s journey to becoming a “No Kill” facility highlights the importance of community support and dedication. It serves as a model for other shelters looking to make similar changes and improve the lives of animals in their care. With continued efforts and involvement, the Putnam County Animal Shelter is well on its way to creating a brighter future for all the animals that pass through its doors.
