ABOUT US

Who We Are

On February 7, 1952, a small group of Jefferson County residents got together to discuss the ways they could help the stray and unwanted pets in the community. They formed the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County as a non-profit charitable organization. Founding members of AWSJC included Mabel B. Venable, William S. Venable, W.P.C. Perry, Cora I. Chambers and Forrest A. Brown.

This was their mission: The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, WV provides housing and adoption services for abandoned, surrendered, neglected dogs, puppies, cats and kittens until they are adopted, and promotes education about the care of pets to residents in our county and surrounding communities.

74 years later…

We still adhere to the same mission and have expanded the services we provide when there is a pet related need in our community, for example:

Adoption services –All of our Cats and Dogs are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped before final adoption.

Low Cost Rabies Clinics – Twice a year we sponsor low cost Rabies Clinics for both cats and dogs. These clinics are open to all pet owners.

We provide information to the public on animal care, the importance of spaying and neutering, not only to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens, but also to control pet related diseases.

Spay and Neuter Coupons – We provide S/N Coupons to the community which allows them to receive a substantial discount when having their pets spayed or neutered.

Pet Food Pantry – We collect pet food from community members and distribute it to residents in need of this for their pets. This helps them retain their pets when they need them most. Click here to read more.

2025-2026 Board of Directors

AWSJC is governed by a Board of Directors. Our Directors are all unpaid volunteers . Every two years the Board elects officers from their ranks. The Board oversees all aspects of shelter management and operations. A Shelter Oversight Committee, comprised of 3 Board members has day-to day interaction with the shelter manager and staff. The Board is a “working Board”, actively planning and conducting a number of fundraising events throughout the year.

Cathy Heffner – President

Ann Trumble – Vice President & Oversight Committee

Janet Bailey – Treasurer

Judith “Candy” Cain – Recording Secretary

Jo Shoesmith – Corresponding secretary

Rich Clawson – Oversight Committee

Jane Tarner – Oversight Committee

Geb Schramm

Adrianne Doering, DVM - Ex officio member

Financial Information

Certified Audits

2023 Audit Report

IRS Tax Returns

Group of seven people standing outside in front of a building at a dog welfare organization, with two dogs lying in front of them and a skeleton display to the right. The people are wearing matching black t-shirts with colorful paint drip designs.
A man with gray hair and a mustache sitting in a radio station, holding a tabby cat. The man is smiling, and the cat is looking to the side. There are multiple computer monitors and audio equipment in the background.
Santa Claus sitting on a wooden bench with a black dog in a red jacket, in front of a Christmas-themed backdrop with stockings, presents, and festive decorations.
Two women sitting on a brick ledge in front of a sign for the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, featuring a dog and a cat illustration.
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A woman smiling and holding an orange tabby kitten indoors. She is wearing glasses, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and a yellow lanyard. The background includes a bulletin board, a table with American flags, and glass doors.

Pet Resources

Pet Poisoning

Jefferson County,WV Animal Control

304-728-3289

To report stray animals or animal abuse.

Berkeley County,WV Animal Control

304-263-4729

To report stray animals or animal abuse.