Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Animal Shelter in Berkeley Springs, WV
Founded in 1978, we are a volunteer-run, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to providing comfort, care, and shelter to homeless cats and dogs in Morgan County and surrounding areas. Our mission extends beyond sheltering to include community education, spay/neuter programs, and vaccination clinics to address pet overpopulation and support pet owners in need. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we operate entirely on donations, fundraising, and adoption fees, with no government funding. Our team of three part-time staff and dedicated volunteers ensures daily care, medical treatment, and adoption services while managing critical programs like Trap/Neuter/Return for feral cats.We prioritize transparency and accountability, requiring adopters to complete detailed applications and adhere to strict post-adoption care guidelines. Our medical services include emergency treatment, vaccinations, and partnerships with local veterinarians to ensure animals receive comprehensive care before finding permanent homes. Through community outreach and events, we strive to foster a culture of responsible pet ownership and compassion for all animals.
Services
Animal adoption
Spay/neuter services
Vaccination clinics
Foster program
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We operate as a no-kill shelter committed to long-term animal welfare.
- Our Trap/Neuter/Return program addresses feral cat populations responsibly.
- We provide spay/neuter vouchers and medical support for low-income families.
- All adoptable animals receive comprehensive medical care and vaccinations.
- Community education initiatives promote responsible pet ownership and prevention.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Services
Animal adoption
We offer adoption services for cats and dogs rescued from abandonment or surrender. Each animal receives medical screening, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgery before placement. Our process includes adopter education and post-adoption follow-up to ensure successful transitions to permanent homes.
Spay/neuter services
Our spay/neuter programs target both shelter animals and community pets through vouchers and low-cost clinics. These services prevent overpopulation and improve animal health. We prioritize accessible solutions for low-income pet owners to reduce stray populations.
Vaccination clinics
Community vaccination clinics provide essential protection against diseases for owned pets. We offer rabies shots, combo vaccines, and deworming treatments at affordable rates. These events also serve as educational opportunities about preventive care and local animal health regulations.
Foster program
Our foster network provides temporary homes for animals needing special care or space. Fosters help socialize pets and reduce shelter overcrowding. We supply medical support and supplies while foster families offer individualized attention until adoption.
Community outreach
We conduct outreach through food drives, adoption events, and school programs to promote animal welfare. Educational initiatives teach responsible pet ownership and cruelty prevention. Partnerships with local organizations expand our impact on pet owner support systems.
People
Julie Vogel
President
Julie Vogel leads our board with a commitment to animal welfare and community engagement. Her leadership focuses on expanding adoption programs and improving shelter infrastructure through strategic partnerships.
Pat Jager
Vice President
Pat Jager supports operational initiatives and volunteer coordination. With decades of local advocacy experience, she strengthens our community outreach and fosters collaboration with regional animal welfare groups.
Richard Kneski
Treasurer
Richard Kneski manages financial stewardship and fundraising efforts. His expertise ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting critical programs like medical care and spay/neuter services.
Kelsey Painter
Secretary
Kelsey Painter oversees administrative operations and record-keeping. She ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations while maintaining transparency in our adoption and community programs.
Samantha Schur
Shelter Manager
Samantha Schur directs daily shelter operations and animal care protocols. Her team manages medical treatments, adoption evaluations, and volunteer training to maintain high welfare standards.
Questions
What adoption requirements must I meet?
Adopters must complete an application, provide ID, landlord approval if applicable, and veterinary references. All adopters agree to spay/neuter pets and maintain legal compliance for vaccinations and licensing.
How are animals prepared for adoption?
Cats receive FIV/leukemia testing, rabies vaccines, and deworming. Dogs get rabies vaccines, deworming, and flea treatment. All animals over six months are spayed/neutered before adoption.
Can I donate specific supplies instead of money?
Yes, we accept donations of cat litter, office supplies, and pet food. Monetary contributions also support critical medical expenses and facility improvements for animal care.
Are volunteer opportunities available for youth?
Volunteers must be 18+, but supervised groups can participate in approved activities. Contact us to discuss youth engagement options for educational programs or community service projects.
How does the foster program work?
Fosters provide temporary homes for animals needing special care. We supply medical support and supplies while foster families offer socialization and individual attention until adoption readiness.
Reviews (7)
Linda Crawford
Jun 02, 2021
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Very very worthy cause. Donation situation is confusing on your website. FB posted story of Roma, and asked for donations to treat her teeth, etc., using hsmc-wv.org as website address. I wished to donate and did, but there never was a place either on website or in PayPal that allowed me to specify my $100 donation was for her. Can you make certain that is done? thank you, llc
Rachel Sherman
May 30, 2021
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Rabies clinic, organized fairly well.however allowing small dogs sit at the opening of a tent with large dogs entering wasn't my most comfortable moment or allowing 4 small dogs inside the tent with my 90 lb male! Other that, good day
Alexander Sage
Apr 06, 2021
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When we went the lady that was working that day was trying to get us a different dog that we didn't want. She was pushing us away from the dog we wanted.
Patricia James
Dec 19, 2020
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Very clean facility for cats and dogs. Staff really care about the animals. The mangers are volunteers. The people who actually feed and clean the cages twice a day are paid. I adopted 4 wonderful cats and kittens from there. This is a no kill shelter that gets no federal, state or county funding. It exist because of donations and grant's. It also has a trap, neuter, release program when funds are available. Go see what a great place it is for yourself!
Rosemary Morton
Jan 30, 2020
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We needed a box to transport a feral cat to the vet to be fixed. And they let us borrow one. With a $20 deposit. They are very nice people there. They also told us how to put the cat into the box. They give very good advice. We are not cat people. But they made it easy.
Cathy Fraley
Nov 18, 2019
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We have raised several dogs in the past and my pets have always been treated and lived better than most children. Yet we were turned down, noting that we are not fit adopters because we don't have a fenced yard. We train our pets by spending time with them to stay in the yard. The the next issue is that we don't kennel a dog for hours a day, we have an outside run with housing. Our friends could not believe that we were turned down as adopters and a very nice pup will miss out on a great home. Places like this push people into buying dogs instead of adopting.
Haley Somers
Nov 27, 2017
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Just want to say thank you to pam for your help with the kitten this morning.this lady truly cares about the animals. long story short we found a baby kitten that was very sick and was not going to make it. pam call local vets and was able to help with this very ill kitten.thanks again for everything you did this morning you are a great person. we need more people like you. thanks, misty somers
