Helping Stray Cats The Right Way
MANAGED INTAKES AT MARSHALL COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
Together, we can give every cat a better chance at life.
What are "Managed Intakes"
Every cat matters. Every kitten deserves a fighting chance. Managed intakes mean that the shelter carefully schedules when cats and kittens come in, instead of immediately accepting them all at once, resulting in overcrowding.
MANAGED INTAKES HELP US:
• Prepare the space and resources animals need to thrive
• Keep contagious illnesses out of the shelter
• Reduce disease spread within the shelter
• Prevent overcrowding and reduce stress
• Improve lifesaving outcomes for kittens
• Focus on permanent placements, not temporary fixes

It’s not the traditional way—but it’s the LIFESAVING way.
Why It Matters - Especially For Kittens
We know how hard it is to walk away from kittens in the grass or under a porch. Your heart wants to help - and so does ours. As much as it feels like the right thing to do, removing them takes away their best chance at survival.
Kittens under 8 weeks old rely heavily on their mother's care. Without her, they need bottle feeding every few hours and temperature control - something most shelters can't always provide right away.
"Don't "kit-nap" us, we need our mother to survive!"
Newborn - 1 week - 2 weeks - 3 weeks - 4 weeks - 5 weeks - 6 weeks - 7 weeks - 8 weeks

Removing a cat/kitten from the outdoors DOES NOT equal saving a life.
I Found A Stray Cat. What Do I Do?
Not every cat on the streets needs rescuing - and not every cat belongs in a shelter. Many adult stray cats are not lost. Some are indoor-outdoor pets. Others are "community cats" who live outside with human caretakers providing food and shelter. Many of these cats are thriving in their environment - and removing them can do more harm than good.
BEFORE YOU INTERVENE ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:
• Is the cat visibly sick or injured, or just frightened?
• Do I have a safe, quiet space to house it away from other animals?
• Am I able to cover the cost of veterinary care?
• If no owner is found, can I keep this cat long-term?

IF YOU ANSWERED "NO" TO ANY OF THESE, THE KINDEST THING YOU CAN DO IS NOT INTERVENE.
How To Help - The Right Way!
We know you care—and every good intention matters! But when it comes to stray cats and kittens, the right actions are what truly save lives. Managed intakes and thoughtful intervention give these animals the best chance at happy, healthy futures.

WANT TO HELP SAVE LIVES THE RIGHT WAY? HERE’S HOW:
- Foster - Open your home to kittens or cats in need and give them a safe place to grow and heal.
- Donate - Supplies like kitten formula, heating pads, blankets, or monetary donations help provide lifesaving care.
- Educate - Inform others on why intervening when finding cats or kittens outdoors can be more harmful than helpful.
- TNR - If you see a cat outdoors, the best way to truly help is by "trapping, neutering/spaying, and returning" them to where they were found. It’s the only humane and proven way to reduce the outdoor cat population.
Every good intention matters—but the right actions save lives.
TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
YOU'VE HEARD IT, BUT WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only proven, humane approach to managing outdoor cat populations. While it may seem like TNR is simply "supporting" cats living outside, the true goal is long-term population reduction—not maintenance. By humanely trapping, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning cats to their outdoor home, we prevent the endless cycle of breeding and suffering. Without the ability to reproduce, these cats live out their natural lives, and over time, the outdoor cat population steadily declines. Unlike removal or relocation—which only invites new, unaltered cats to move in—TNR breaks the cycle at its source. It’s not just a kind act today; it’s the only effective way to solve the cat overpopulation crisis for the future.
FREE OR LOW-COST CLINICS IN THE OHIO VALLEY:
Compassionate Care Cat Clinic
Wheeling - (304) 905-8909
AlterClinic Animal Care
Canton - (234) 804-3064
It’s a community responsibility:
IF YOU SEE IT, TNR IT.
Marshall County Animal Shelter
37 Animal Shelter Dr.
Moundsville, WV 26041
(304)485-9770
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our services? We’ve answered some of our most common inquiries in order to help you with your adoption journey and show how you can make a difference.
Why is Marshall County Animal Shelter so popular?
At Marshall County Animal Shelter, we pride ourselves on making pet adoption accessible and rewarding. Our shelter stands as a cherished institution in Northern West Virginia due to our commitment to comprehensive pet adoption services. We provide haven for stray dogs and owner-surrendered cats while focusing on pet adoption to ensure that these animals find loving homes. By offering pet adoption services in a clean and stress-free environment, we promote the well-being of our animals and the satisfaction of their future owners. Our collaboration with the Marshall County Commission further enhances our ability to support pet adoption, making us a cornerstone of the community.
What services does Marshall County Animal Shelter offer?
Our services include intake and safe housing of stray dogs and owner-surrendered cats, public education on pet care and overpopulation, and facilitating the adoption of unclaimed pets. We ensure the health, comfort, and safety of all animals in our care, providing vaccinations, screenings, and spay/neuter procedures for all adopted pets. Interested in making a difference? Get involved by adopting or donating today.
How can I help homeless animals at Marshall County Animal Shelter?
There are numerous ways to support homeless animals in our care. You can adopt a pet, make a donation, or volunteer your time at our shelter. Each contribution helps us provide medical care, food, and shelter to our furry residents. By participating in our initiatives, you not only help these animals but also become part of a larger community effort. Ready to make a difference? Contact us now to find out more.
What are the adoption fees at Marshall County Animal Shelter?
Adoption fees at our shelter vary by animal type and age. For dogs, adult rates are $170, puppies are $185, and senior dogs are $105. Cats are $70 for adults and $75 for kittens. These fees include spaying/neutering, vaccines, and microchips, ensuring your new pet starts off healthy and secure. Curious about adopting? Visit us to learn more about our available pets.
Where is Marshall County Animal Shelter located?
We are conveniently located in Moundsville, providing easy access to residents in Northern West Virginia and surrounding areas. Our shelter offers ample space for our cats and dogs and is designed to provide a welcoming environment for potential adopters. Looking for a new furry friend in your area? Stop by to meet our available pets and start the adoption process today.
