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MAILING ADDRESSRandolph County Phone: (304) 636-7844 VISIT USRandolph County TAX ID NUMBER (EIN)55-0691720OUR HOURS
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Frequently Asked QuestionsAre you a government agency?No, RCHS is a private, non-profit organization, but we work with local governments to care for stray or abandoned animals. West Virginia state law requires counties and municipalities to pick up and care for stray animals for at least five days in order to give owners a chance to reclaim their pets. Randolph County contracts with RCHS to provide shelter for these animals. Randolph County has an Animal Control Officer (Dog Warden) based in Elkins that picks up stray dogs and cats, and also brings to RCHS pets whose owners have been charged with abuse, or who can’t care for their pets because they have been arrested, evicted, hospitalized, or have died. Do you pick up stray animals?No, but if you have found a stray animal you can bring it to RCHS. If you need assistance with a stray animal, please call the Randolph County Animal Control Officer at 304-636-2521. Do you investigate cases of animal cruelty?Animal cruelty cases are handled by the Randolph County Animal Control Officer (ACO) along with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office in Elkins. If you are aware of a case of animal cruelty, please don’t be silent. Contact the ACO at 304-636-2521. You can also provide information anonymously through the tip line: 304-636-TIPS (8477), or email the tip line: tips@rcsowv.org. Are you a "no-kill" shelter?We do not euthanize animals due to space constraints or time deadlines. We do occasionally receive animals that are too ill or too severely injured where medical treatment is not an option. We will humanely euthanize these animals to prevent further suffering. In addition, we will humanely euthanize animals with severe behavioral issues that constitute a safety risk for people or other animals. Is there a time limit for animals being kept at your shelter?No, some animals get adopted very quickly. For others it may take months for them to find their forever homes. What happens when a pet is brought to your shelter?If the animal is a stray, we will make every effort to locate the owner via tags, microchip, or lost pet bulletins. The pet will be held for five days and then, if not claimed by its owner, will be evaluated for adoption. The pet may be adopted or transferred to one of our adoption or rescue partners. I can’t keep my pet anymore. Can I bring it to RCHS?Surrendering your pet can be a difficult decision. Our staff understands how upsetting this can be and we’re here to help you during this process. We may be able to help you re-house your pet without the animal entering the shelter system. Because of the large amount of animals admitted to our shelter, we ask that you make an appointment to ensure that we will have a space available for your pet. Learn more about surrendering a pet. Is there a charge to leave an animal at the shelter?There is no charge for leaving a stray or injured animal at RCHS or for surrendering an animal, but we appreciate a monetary donation to help defray our expenses. I've lost my pet or found a stray pet. What should I do?Visit the Lost & Found section of our website for more information. What kinds of things do RCHS volunteers do?RCHS volunteers help the animals in many different ways. Some volunteers help keep our facilities clean or socialize the animals. That may include walking dogs or cuddling cats. Other volunteers help by answering phones and greeting shelter visitors. Volunteers also help with administrative duties, including fundraising projects and public relations efforts. Check out our volunteer section to learn more. Are my donations to RCHS tax deductible?Yes, RCHS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. What should I do if I think my pet has been poisoned?Immediately phone your veterinary clinic and seek advice. If your pet has ingested a pesticide or other commercially prepared toxin, bring the container with you to the veterinarian’s office. Time is critical, so act quickly. The ASPCA’s poison control hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, call 888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply. Another option is SafetyCall International’s Pet Poison Helpline, 800-213-6680. A consultation fee may apply. What should I do if I find an injured dog or cat?If you find an injured cat, dog or other domestic pet, take it to the nearest animal hospital or veterinarian’s office as soon as possible:
Alternatively, call the animal control officer or contact RCHS. If it is outside of normal business hours, you can call the police for assistance. During business hours, the police can also assist in contacting animal control and RCHS.
How You Can HelpLearn more about how you can help the animals by adopting, sponsoring or fostering a pet; donating money or supplies; or volunteering with RCHS. |
