FAQ
Animals stay in the shelter until they are fostered, adopted, or rescued. WCHS’s goal is to never euthanize because of space.
“No-kill” shelters are considered “limited admission” and may refuse animals until there is space available. We feel the compassionate way to deal with animals is to provide for their immediate care and to not refuse any animal from entering our shelter. The Humane Society may make the decision to euthanize for several reasons. The animals age, health, temperament, rescue options and available cage space are all considered to determine an animal's outcome.
It shouldn’t be sad. Most of these animals are going to get their forever home. Even though it may not be your home, they will still be loved.
Cruelty investigations are always done when reported. Education is the first attempt at rectifying a bad situation. However, WCHS agents can only do what Ohio law allows. Animals cannot be seized unless the basic elements of care, water and food, are missing.
Ohio Revised Code requires any Ohio humane agent to investigate reported cruelties against any “dumb” animals and children.
The Ohio Farm Bureau has assisted WCHS with training for agricultural livestock investigations. They have recruited OSU professors, OSU extension agents for trainings which have provided WCHS agents with science-based information.
WCHS is not affiliated with or supported by any national, state or local organization. Our goals may slightly differ from those mentioned above. Furthermore, WCHS is an “animal welfare” organization not an “animal rights” organization.
All humane agents in the state of Ohio are required to take 20 hours of Ohio Peace Officer Training. WCHS agents are required to attend “shelter operations”, National Animal Control Academy training and Certified Euthanasia training. Customer service and agricultural livestock standards are a few of the additional trainings we provide to our agents.
WCHS does not endorse or recommend any particular veterinary clinic in our area. We feel all veterinarians in our area are highly trained. At WCHS we have a highly trained veterinarian on staff who performs all necessary surgeries, including spays and neuteres, and tends to the health and general well being of our animals.
Some tests, such as heartworm, feline leukemia, parvo, can be done with accuracy at the shelter, but we always recommend that you take your pet to the veterinarian of your choice for a complete examination. We vaccinate all incoming dogs with DH2PBL and cats with FVRcP, the same vaccinations that are available at your veterinary clinic.
No, but we do provide a list of known dead stock removal/disposal companies for your convenience.
Flesher's Deadstock Removal, Norton OH, (330) 388-6161
Waste Management, 1-800-963-4776
Western Farm Pet Crematory and Cemetery, Graton OH, (440) 748-1716
Yes, the WCHS has a Rescue Coordinator that is in contact with numerous pet rescue organizations, such as:
Camp David Presidential Pits, Wooster
My Pitt is Itt Rescue and Advocacy Group, Wooster
We view and treat our animals as if they are our own pets. If we must euthanize one of them (based on the reasons in the "no-kill" FAQ above), the animal is then picked up and cremated through an arrangement with Unforgettable Tails Pet Memorial & Cremation Services of Wooster.
