Kanawha County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this guide like a fast action dashboard for Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association: adoption hours, pet fees, lost pets, found dogs, stray reclaim, cruelty reports, surrender help, dog tags, and Fix Charleston clinic services.
Local shortcut: KCHA is the shelter most people mean when they search “Kanawha County animal shelter,” but city-limit animal-control calls can route differently than unincorporated county calls.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Hours and admissions cutoff
- Adoption fees and what is included
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost and found pet plan
- Stray hold and reclaim
- Cruelty and neglect reports
- Community cats and kittens
- Rehome or surrender help
- Fix Charleston clinic
- Dog tags and licenses
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Kanawha Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your need. This avoids calling the wrong number or driving to the shelter at the wrong time.
Who to Call First
Kanawha County has county, city and after-hours routes. Start with the right line.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Meet the Animals or 304-342-1576 | “I’m interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this pet still available?” | Apply online or stop by for a meet and greet. |
| Lost pet | Lost a Pet | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. Can I check staff-only areas?” | Visit the shelter within 24 hours and keep checking often. |
| Found friendly dog | Found a Pet | “I found a dog near [location]. I can/cannot hold the dog safely.” | Check ID, scan microchip, post photos, consider Take 48. |
| Injured stray after hours | Metro 304-348-8111 or Animal Emergency Clinic 304-768-2911 | “This is an injured stray at [address].” | Do not handle if unsafe. |
| Cruelty or neglect in unincorporated county / Glasgow / East Bank | 304-342-1576 ext. 118 | “I need to make a confidential cruelty/neglect report at [street + zip].” | Leave address, zip, animal condition and return phone if possible. |
| Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, St. Albans, Nitro or UKV | Metro 304-348-8111 | “This animal concern is inside [city name].” | Give exact address and urgency. |
| Surrender or rehome | Rehome a Pet or ext. 118 | “I need rehome or surrender help for [pet].” | Prepare photos, bio, records and explain urgency. |
KCHA Adoption Hours and Admissions Cutoff
Use the shelter hours plus the 30-minute admissions cutoff. Adoption viewing and admissions are not the same as emergency response.
| Day | Operating hours | Admissions practical cutoff | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | No normal public visit | Check pets online or leave a message. |
| Tuesday | Noon-6pm | Before 5:30pm | Adoption visit, reclaim, admissions call. |
| Wednesday | Noon-6pm | Before 5:30pm | Good weekday visit window. |
| Thursday | Noon-6pm | Before 5:30pm | Adoption or lost-pet check. |
| Friday | Noon-6pm | Before 5:30pm | Go before weekend crowd. |
| Saturday | Noon-5pm | Before 4:30pm | Arrive early. |
| Sunday | Noon-5pm | Before 4:30pm | Arrive early. |
Adoption Fees and What Is Included
KCHA uses a variable fee schedule based on age, breed, size, demand and adoption difficulty.
| Pet / item | Official range or amount | What it means | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption fee | $50-$350 | Variable fee based on pet factors. | What is this dog’s exact fee today? |
| Cat adoption fee | $38-$100 | Variable fee based on pet factors. | Is this cat sponsored or in an adoption event? |
| Kanawha County dog license | $3 | Additional license may apply depending where you live. | Can I buy the dog tag here today? |
| City of Charleston dog license | $3 | KCHA says it also sells Charleston tags. | Do I need city tag plus county tag? |
| Included care | More than $350 in services | Spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, flea/tick treatment, microchip, 30 days pet insurance and Petco coupons. | What vaccines or boosters are due next? |
Adoption Micro-Steps
KCHA says to browse pets, fill out the online adoption application, or stop by for a meet and greet.
Open the right pet list
Start with Meet the Animals, Adoptable Dogs, or Adoptable Cats. Screenshot the pet name and listing.
Check hours before leaving
Go Tuesday-Friday noon-6pm or Saturday-Sunday noon-5pm. Avoid the final 30 minutes for admissions-related needs.
Ask exact fee and license need
Fees vary by animal. Ask whether county or city dog license applies to your address.
Bring household decision-makers
Bring the people who must agree to the pet. For renters, confirm landlord pet policy before visiting.
Ask what is due next
Adoptions include key services, but you should ask about booster dates, food, behavior notes, microchip registration and first-week setup.
Plan the ride home
Bring a leash, crate or carrier. Do not put a new pet loose in the vehicle.
Lost or Found Pet in Kanawha County
KCHA’s lost/found guidance is very action-based: act fast, use photo tools, update microchips, and keep checking the shelter.
If your pet is lost
- Post immediately on Petco Love Lost and alert neighbors.
- Include color, size, sex, last known location, closest intersection and a clear photo.
- Contact your microchip company and update your contact information.
- Place a familiar bed or blanket outside in a covered area.
- Walk the neighborhood; another friendly pet may help reveal a hiding pet.
- Visit KCHA within 24 hours and ask staff to help check staff-only areas.
- Hang bright posters within a 3-mile radius for a lost dog or 1-mile radius for a lost cat.
- Check KCHA’s stray pets and lost/found groups frequently.
If you found a dog
- If the dog is not friendly, do not approach; take a photo from a safe distance.
- Check collar, stitched phone number or ID tag first.
- Take a clear photo and post it on Nextdoor, neighborhood groups and social accounts.
- Bring the dog to a veterinarian for a free microchip scan.
- Walk nearby to see if neighbors recognize the dog.
- Make a found-pet flyer and post it within 1 mile of the found location.
- Email photo and information to KCHA Admissions.
- Upload a photo to Petco Love Lost and check PawBoost / local pages.
Stray Hold and Reclaim
Do not wait if your dog may be at KCHA. Stray hold is short.
5-day hold
KCHA says dogs over 6 months brought as strays are held for 5 days to allow owners reasonable time to reclaim.
Bring ID
Owners reclaiming a pet should visit in person during business hours and provide identification.
Ownership proof
Bring photos, videos, veterinary records with photo ID proof, microchip records or other clear ownership evidence.
After hold
If the animal is not reclaimed during the 5-day hold, KCHA says it will be made available for adoption.
Adoption reservation
Animals on stray hold may be eligible for a $50 adoption reservation if the owner does not come forward.
Reservation contact
KCHA lists 304-342-1576 or text 304-693-6521 to contact adoption counselors about reservations.
Cruelty, Neglect and Animal Services
KCHA asks callers to give the street address and zip code where the animal is located. Calls can be confidential.
| Issue | Contact | Use when | Information to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal cruelty / neglect voicemail | 304-342-1576 ext. 118 | Animal abandoned, neglected, abused, starving, injured or without care. | Street address, zip code, animal type, condition, date and details. |
| After-hours emergency | Metro 304-348-8111 | Emergency concern outside shelter hours. | Exact location, immediate danger and safe contact number. |
| City-limit concerns | Metro 304-348-8111 | Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, St. Albans, Nitro and UKV animal concerns. | Say the city first so dispatch routes correctly. |
| Unincorporated Kanawha County / Glasgow / East Bank | KCHA ext. 118 | KCHA says it handles animal control/neglect complaints for these areas. | Address and zip code are essential. |
| Healthy community cats or kittens | Animal Services | KCHA states it does not pick up healthy community cats or kittens. | Use TNR/community-cat guidance instead. |
Found Cats, Kittens and Wildlife
Cats and kittens need a different response than dogs. Healthy outdoor adult cats may already be home or community cats.
Healthy adult cat outdoors
- Alert neighbors.
- Take a photo and post locally.
- Look for ear tip.
- Do not rush a healthy outdoor cat to the shelter.
- Consider TNR if the cat is a community cat.
Sick or injured adult cat
- If injured, sick or malnourished, take to a vet or county shelter.
- Keep separate from your pets.
- Use gloves/carrier if safe.
- Call before bringing in.
Found kittens
- If dirty, cold, underweight, sick or injured, bring to county shelter or closest vet immediately.
- If clean, warm and healthy, mom may be caring for them.
- Return to nest if safe and watch from a distance.
- If mom does not return after 6+ hours, call Admissions ext. 118 or email Admissions.
| Kitten age clue | What KCHA says it may look like | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Eyes closed or just beginning to open. | Mom is critical; do not remove unless unsafe/sick. |
| 2-4 weeks | Eyes open, alert, becoming mobile. | Watch for mom from a distance. |
| 4-6 weeks | Very mobile, often talkative, can eat food. | Ask for guidance if found in Kanawha County. |
| 6-8 weeks | Very active and playful, around 1-2 lbs. | Plan safe care, vet check and shelter/rescue guidance. |
| 8+ weeks | Very active and playful, around 2 lbs or more. | Ask about adoption, TNR or rescue options. |
Rehome or Surrender Help
KCHA encourages owners to try safe rehoming and support options before surrender when possible.
| Need | Official suggestion | Micro-step | Contact / link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare pet for adoption | Microchip, spay/neuter, vaccines, groom/bathe if needed. | Gather records and update microchip info. | Rehome a Pet |
| Photo and bio | Take a clear, well-lit photo and write a personality bio. | Include breed, sex, age, color, weight, commands and medical/behavior notes. | Use a safe rehoming profile. |
| Online rehome | Create a profile on Rehome.Adoptapet.com. | Share with friends, relatives, coworkers and neighborhood groups. | Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet |
| Cannot afford food | KCHA says to call if unable to provide food. | Ask what support may help you keep the pet. | 304-342-1576 |
| Behavior issues | KCHA says to call ext. 130 for behavior help. | Explain the behavior, triggers and what you already tried. | 304-342-1576 ext. 130 |
| Unexpected litter | KCHA says litters must be at least 8 weeks before intake and owner must agree to spay the mother. | Call Admissions to begin the process. | 304-342-1576 ext. 118 |
| Surrender still needed | Call Admissions to begin surrender process. | Prepare records, reason, urgency, photos and honest behavior notes. | 304-342-1576 ext. 118 |
Fix Charleston Clinic: Low-Cost Pet Care
Fix Charleston is on the lower level of the shelter building at 1246 Greenbrier Street. Appointments: 304-342-5660.
Clinic hours
Fix Charleston lists Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Wellness, vaccines and minor illnesses are Tuesday-Friday 1pm-5pm.
Dog basics
Dog spay $100, dog neuter $75, rabies $10, DHPP/DHLPP $15, Bordetella $15, microchip $25, nail trim $15.
Cat basics
Cat spay $65, cat neuter $45, rabies $10, FVRCP $15, microchip $25, FeLV/FIV test $35, nail trim $15.
Kanawha County Dog Tags and Local License Notes
Dog tags help the shelter trace a lost dog and may be legally required.
| Area / license | Fee / rule | Where / contact | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanawha County dog tag | $3 per dog | KCHA or Kanawha County Courthouse / Assessor route. | County Assessor says tags renew every July 1 and are good for one year. |
| City dogs: Charleston, Dunbar, Nitro, South Charleston, St. Albans | Municipal registration also may be required; Assessor says that fee is also $3. | County Assessor can help with county and municipality fees. | Confirm current city-specific rule before payment. |
| KCHA adoption | Additional licenses may apply depending where you live. | Ask adoption counselor before leaving. | KCHA sells Kanawha County dog tags and City of Charleston tags. |
| Assessor phone | Questions: 304-357-0250 | Kanawha County Assessor. | Use if dog-tag form or renewal timing is unclear. |
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, renter approval, carrier/leash, exact fee, license question.
Photo, microchip number, last location, flyers, Petco Love Lost post.
Photo, exact found location, tag info, chip scan plan, safe holding plan.
ID, proof of ownership, vet records, microchip/license records, payment.
Local Kanawha County Tips
Beat the cutoff
Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Arrive earlier for found animals, reclaim or surrender questions.
Exact city matters
Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, Nitro, St. Albans and UKV may route animal calls through Metro.
Dog tag helps
A $3 dog tag is small, but KCHA says it can act like a ticket home for a lost dog.
Photos first
For lost/found pets, clear photos are more useful than long descriptions.
Do not scoop kittens too fast
Healthy kittens may be waiting for mom. Watch from a distance unless sick, cold, injured or unsafe.
Use Fix Charleston
Low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines and microchips can prevent future shelter intake and lost-pet problems.
Map: Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association
Use this map for shelter visits. For after-hours emergencies, injured strays, cruelty/neglect, or city-limit animal control, call the correct route first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available, what is the current adoption fee, and do I need a county or city dog license?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets/city]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Can I check the shelter and staff-only areas?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The pet is [friendly/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot hold safely. What should I do next?Cruelty / neglect
I need to report a possible cruelty or neglect case at [street address + zip]. The animal is [condition]. My callback number is [phone].Reclaim
I think my pet is at KCHA. I can bring ID and ownership proof. What else do I need, and what fees apply today?Rehome / surrender
I need help rehoming or possibly surrendering my [pet]. The reason is [food/behavior/housing/vet cost/unexpected litter]. Which resource should I try first?Official Kanawha Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official links for live pets, current forms, current fees and final verification.
Kanawha County Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main animal shelter for Kanawha County?
The main shelter covered here is Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, commonly called KCHA, at 1248 Greenbrier Street in Charleston, West Virginia.
What is the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association phone number?
The main KCHA phone number is 304-342-1576. Admissions is listed as 304-342-1576 extension 118.
What are KCHA adoption hours?
KCHA lists Monday closed, Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing.
How much are adoption fees at KCHA?
KCHA lists variable adoption fees. Dog adoption fees range from $50 to $350, and cat adoption fees range from $38 to $100.
What is included with a KCHA adoption?
KCHA says adoption includes more than $350 of services, including spay or neuter surgery, current vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick treatment, microchipping, 30 days of free pet insurance and Petco coupons.
How long are stray dogs held at KCHA?
KCHA says dogs over 6 months of age brought to the shelter as strays are held for 5 days to allow owners reasonable time to reclaim them.
What do I need to reclaim a pet from KCHA?
To reclaim a pet, visit during business hours and bring identification plus proof of ownership such as photos, videos, veterinary records with photo identification proof, microchip records or other clear evidence.
Who do I call for cruelty or neglect in Kanawha County?
KCHA lists 304-342-1576 extension 118 for cruelty or neglect reports. Provide the street address and zip code where the animal is located, plus the animal’s condition and details.
Does KCHA pick up healthy community cats or kittens?
No. KCHA states that it does not pick up healthy community cats or kittens. Healthy outdoor cats may be community cats, and kittens may need to be watched for the mother before moving them.
How much is a Kanawha County dog tag?
The Kanawha County Assessor lists the county dog tag fee as $3 per dog. Dog tags must be renewed every July 1 and are good for one year.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.