Advantages of Choosing a Shelter Pet


*  The pet is already vaccinated and de-wormed


*  The temperament of the animal has been assessed


*  Shelter employees and volunteers have worked to     

    socialize the pet and to correct any bad habits

*  Shelter employees can suggest the best cat or dog to

    meet your needs

*  Spay or neuter is more economical and adoption costs

     much lower than buying from a breeder or pet store

*  You may spend time with the pet you're considering for

     adoption and bring the family and other pets to meet

     your potential new family member

*  You may choose from a wide variety of pets:  big and

     little, young and old,purebreds and mixes, active and

     sedate, long-haired or short-haired

*  You save a life

Copyright ARF, Inc. (Animal Rights Fur-Ever). All Rights Reserved.

We'd be better people if we acted more like dogs!


Always greet in a friendly way.                                                 Don't hold a grudge.
Approach each day with enthusiasm.                                     Never pretend to be something you're not.
Never underestimate the power of praise.                            Scratch where it itches.
Take naps.                                                                                     Play every chance you get.
Run, romp, and play daily.                                                         Be loyal.
Avoid biting and growling.                                                          Enjoy long walks, rides, toys, and attention.
Dance around when happy.                                                      When someone is having a bad day, be
If what you want is buried, dig deep to find it.                        silent, sit close by, and nuzzle gently.

The Rescue Process


The rescue process first involves filling out an application.  It is checked and approved by an independent review team to be sure pets go to good, reputable rescues.  This is a one-time process and, once approved, the rescues may then speak for pets they want.  When an approved rescue is told a pet they want is available, the vetting form is sent.  The return of this form is the point at which the pet is considered as belonging to the rescue.  Though altering, rabies, and a health certificate are required, many rescues order additional vetting for their animals. The humane officer makes an appointment for the pet with one of the local clinics; the rescue is given the clinic's name and number, and they call to pay directly on the day of the service.  The humane officer returns the pets to the rescue building to await transport.  Transport takes place approximately every two weeks by volunteers from ARF, who drive to Hagerstown, MD, the hub of the transport network to the northeast.  Strict spay and neuter laws in northeastern states alleviate the problem of excess animals, which allows out-of-the-area pets to be adopted.


Shelter hours are M-W-F  9 AM - 4 PM. T-Th 11 AM- 6 PM.  

(Closed Saturday and Sunday)


The Adoption Process


Potential adopters fill out an application.  This may be done at Jackson County Animal Shelter
or online.  To receive an application online, request an application from JCASgroup-owner@yahoogroups.com.

You may hit reply, fill out the application, and return it to the same address or print it, fill it in, and take it to the shelter. The humane officer will review the application, check  references, call the veterinarian and the landlord if you are renting, and let you know if your application has been approved.  At that point you pay Jackson County Animal Shelter either by check or cash, and the appointment is made for your animal to go to one of the local vet clinics for altering and rabies vaccination.  (The 5-in-1vaccinations and worming are done at the shelter and are included in the adoption price.)  The adopter is notified of the appointment date and may pick up the animal from the vet clinic on the day of the service.  Prices vary depending on the breed, size, and age of the animal.  
Generally, puppies under six months of age cost $50 for a male and $60 for a female, kitties under six months of age cost $30 for a male and $40 for a female.  Dogs over six months of age generally cost $58 for a male and $68 for a female with adult cats costing $35 for a male and $45 for a female.

ARF, Inc.

     (Animal Rights Fur-Ever)

Of the eight to 10 million homeless animals in shelters across the country, about half, or at least four million of them, will not find homes and will be euthanized.  Yet great pets await at the shelter, pets that will match your lifestyle and expectations if you choose carefully.  Look at breeds that will fit into your household,  remembering that the cute puppy will grow into an adult dog with characteristics of his breed, although every pet should be considered for his/her
individual qualities.  Though it is hard to resist those cute little wet noses and wiggly tails, a dog should never be an impulse buy.  The new family member will depend on you for every physical, mental, and emotional need for its entire life, which in America averages 12 years.  It needs your time and attention, training, exercise, grooming, socializing, food and treats, medications, regular vet care, and supplies like a collar, bowl, leash, flea protection, ID tag, bed, and toys.  Type your paragraph here.

PO Box 264

Ripley, WV 25271

    Jackson County Animal Shelter and Rescue Building


    ARF (Animal Rights Furever) partners with the Jackson County Animal Shelter and the Jackson
    County Commission to increase adoption/rescue and decrease euthanasia, although ARF in no
    way speaks for either the shelter or the commission.  Jackson County Animal Shelter, located on
    the Junior Fairgrounds at Cottageville, WV, is seven miles from the I-77 Ripley exit at 86 County
    Farm Rd. Cottageville, WV 25239.   Phone number is 304-372-6064. Your best friend may be waiting
    for you in Jackson County shelter!

Why a Waiting List for Intake at Jackson County Animal Shelter


Please be patient with being put on a waiting list to bring an animal to the shelter.  Our shelter is small and gets crowded quickly with unwanted and unloved pets, the result of animals not being spayed and neutered.  In order to take your animal immediately, an animal would have to die to make space.  If you can help by adding your name to the waiting list and holding the animal until you are called, this time will allow pets in the shelter to be rescued, a much better way to make space.  In turn, when your animal arrives, every effort will be made to find rescue and save its life as well.  Please help us use euthanasia only as a humane alternative and last resort; good, adoptable pets shouldn't have to die to make space!