FAQ

How long do animals have to live at the shelter?

Animals stay in the shelter until they are fostered, adopted, or rescued. WCHS’s goal is to never euthanize because of space.

Why isn’t WCHS a “no-kill” shelter?

“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.

I can’t go to the shelter, it’s too sad.

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.

I called about a cruelty situation and nothing was done.

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.

Why does WCHS investigate reported cruelties of livestock instead of just dogs and cats?

Ohio Revised Code requires any Ohio humane agent to investigate reported cruelties against any “dumb” animals and children.

What is the connection between WCHS with the Ohio Farm Bureau?

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.

Are you the same as HSUS, American Humane, PETA or Humane Farming?

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.

What does it take to become a humane agent?

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.

What veterinary clinic does WCHS use?

WCHS does not endorse or recommend any particular veterinary clinic in our area. We feel all veterinarians in our area are highly trained. However, we use local clinics that are the most cost efficient for our animals, which allows for the treatment of more animals. We also use the veterinarians that have the most amount of “shelter veterinarian training” and we do use research facilities at various universities specializing in shelter medicine.

Are the vaccinations and tests that you give to the animals the same as I would get at my personal veterinarian’s office?

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.