Mercer County Animal Shelter: Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this Mercer County Animal Shelter guide like a quick action dashboard: adoption, pet fees, lost/found pets, reclaim steps, surrender guidance, animal control, wildlife contacts, volunteering, fostering, donations and local spay/neuter resources.
Verified 2026 note: Mercer County Animal Shelter is an open-admission county shelter for stray and relinquished domestic animals in Mercer County, WV. The shelter accepts animals from Mercer County residents only, but adoptions are open to homes outside Mercer County.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Official 2026 check
- Who to call first
- Shelter hours
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim proof and 5-day rule
- Surrender and relinquished animals
- Animal control and wildlife
- Spay/neuter and local resources
- Volunteer, foster, donate
- What to bring
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Official 2026 Check: Do This First
Most users search “Mercer County animal shelter” because they need a fast answer. These are the official route checks before driving.
Visit in person for adoption
MCAS says the best way to find your match is to visit during open hours, meet animals in person, apply on-site and complete the adoption contract if approved.
No holds or reserves
MCAS says adoptions are first-come, first-served and animals cannot be held or reserved. Visit early if you saw a specific pet online.
Outside-county adoption is allowed
MCAS accepts animals only from Mercer County residents, but adoptions are open to people outside the county and out of state because pets are spayed/neutered before leaving.
Clickable Mercer County Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card uses the official MCAS route or a professional agency route.
Who to Call First
Use this table before driving, posting online or contacting the wrong agency.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | MCAS Adopt or 304-425-2838 | “I want to visit today to meet adoptable [dogs/cats]. Are there any special event fees?” | Go during Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm and bring valid ID. |
| Lost pet | 304-425-2838 | “My pet is missing near [location]. Description: [color/size/marks].” | Visit in person with proof because not every stray is posted online. |
| Found pet | 304-425-2838 | “I found a [dog/cat] near [exact place]. I can/cannot safely hold it.” | Ask shelter for next steps and owner-matching guidance. |
| Need animal control | 304-487-8459 | “I need Mercer County Animal Control for [loose/stray/unsafe animal] at [address].” | Give exact location, animal type and safety risk. |
| Public-safety non-emergency | 304-425-8911 | “I need the non-emergency route for an animal-related concern.” | Use 911 only for immediate danger. |
| Wild animal | 304-256-6945 or 304-256-6947 | “This involves a wild animal: [species/location/problem].” | MCAS says it is not equipped for wildlife. |
| West Virginia State Police route | 304-425-2102 | “I need help routing an animal issue involving public safety.” | Use if law-enforcement involvement is appropriate. |
Mercer County Animal Shelter Hours
Plan your adoption, reclaim, lost/found visit or donation drop-off around open hours.
| Day | Official public hours | Best action | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Call or check online resources only. | Do not plan a walk-through visit. |
| Tuesday | 12pm-6pm | Adoption, reclaim, lost/found, donation drop-off. | Good first weekday visit after closure. |
| Wednesday | 12pm-6pm | Meet animals in person. | Bring your current dog if staff requests a meet-and-greet. |
| Thursday | 12pm-6pm | Adoption and shelter questions. | Ask about special event or promotion fees. |
| Friday | 12pm-6pm | Adopt before weekend crowds. | First-come adoption means timing matters. |
| Saturday | 12pm-6pm | Weekend adoption visit. | Arrive earlier if you saw a specific pet online. |
| Sunday | Closed | No public shelter visit. | Prepare documents and check official/social updates. |
Adoption Fees and What They Include
MCAS says adoption fees help cover a portion of animal care and may be reduced during special events or promotions.
| Pet | Typical fee | Usually includes | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | $140 | Spay/neuter surgery, DHLPP with Lepto vaccinations, rabies vaccination and deworming. | Energy level, children, cats, dogs, leash behavior and medical notes. |
| Cat | $85 | Vaccinations, rabies vaccination, deworming and spay/neuter surgery. | Litter habits, personality, indoor setup, carrier and first vet visit. |
| Event adoption | May be reduced | MCAS notes special events/promotions can reduce fees. | Confirm fee on official event page or Facebook before visiting. |
| Sponsored adoption | May be reduced or covered | MCAS encourages adoption-fee sponsorships to help specific pets and shelter resources. | Ask if a pet’s fee is sponsored that day. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order for a smoother visit and fewer wasted trips.
Check available pets, then call
Start with the official Adopt page and social updates, then call 304-425-2838 if you are traveling for a specific pet.
Visit during open hours
MCAS encourages visitors to meet available animals in person Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm.
Spend time with multiple pets
Walk through the facility, meet animals that catch your eye and ask staff for walks or interactive meet-and-greets.
Bring your dog if needed
If you already have a dog, MCAS recommends bringing them for a meet-and-greet to check comfort and compatibility.
Apply on-site
When you find a match, complete the adoption application/contract at the shelter. You must be 18 with valid ID to adopt.
Ask first-week questions
Ask about health records, vaccines, deworming, rabies, spay/neuter status, food, adjustment space and first vet visit.
Lost or Found Pet in Mercer County
MCAS says some stray pets may appear on Facebook, but not all are posted. Contact the shelter directly and visit in person when possible.
If your pet is lost
- Search your immediate area first: porches, sheds, garages, under decks and with close neighbors.
- Call MCAS immediately at 304-425-2838.
- Give breed, color, size, distinguishing marks and exact last-seen place/time.
- Visit the shelter in person during open hours if you believe your pet may be there.
- Use local lost pet groups such as J&J Lost Pets and Missing Pets, Mercer County WV.
- Make simple flyers with a clear photo, phone number and last-seen area.
- Update microchip and ID tag information immediately.
If you found a pet
- If safe, keep the found pet secure and separate from your animals.
- Call MCAS at 304-425-2838 for guidance.
- Provide exact found location, time, animal type and photos.
- Ask whether the shelter has a matching lost report.
- If you can safely foster short-term, ask whether that helps prevent overcrowding.
- Post found-pet information locally without revealing every identifying detail.
- For unsafe animal-control situations, use the Animal Control or non-emergency route.
Reclaiming Your Pet: Proof and 5-Day Rule
Do not wait if your pet is missing. MCAS says stray pets without identification are held for 5 days so owners can reclaim them before adoption or rescue outcomes.
5-day hold
Stray pets without identification are held for 5 days before being placed for adoption or rescue.
Photos help
Bring clear photos showing your pet’s face, body, markings, collar, tag or unique features.
Vet records
Vet records or other documents can help prove ownership and speed up reunion.
ID tags
MCAS strongly encourages microchips and collars with up-to-date ID tags.
Call first
Call 304-425-2838 to ask what to bring and whether a matching pet is at the shelter.
Visit in person
Because not all strays are posted online, physically checking the shelter is often the safer move.
Surrender and Relinquished Animals
MCAS is responsible for stray and relinquished domestic animals in Mercer County WV, and accepts animals from Mercer County residents only.
| Need | Official route | Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relinquish a domestic pet | Call 304-425-2838 | Proof of Mercer County residency, pet details, vet records, behavior notes. | Capacity and intake rules can change; call before arriving. |
| Need to rehome but can wait | Ask MCAS for guidance | Good photos, honest pet profile, medical and behavior history. | Direct rehoming may reduce shelter stress. |
| Behavior or care challenge | MCAS Resources | Specific problem: food, vet care, training, housing, litter, containment. | Resources may solve the reason for surrender. |
| Wild animal | WVDNR District 4 | Species, exact location, danger level. | MCAS says it is not equipped to handle wildlife. |
Animal Control, Non-Emergency and Wildlife Routes
“Animal control” can mean different things. MCAS lists these professional contacts on its official contact page.
| Route | Phone | Use for | Helpful details to have |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Animal Shelter | 304-425-2838 | Adoption, lost/found, reclaim, volunteer, foster, donations, shelter questions. | Pet photo, location, age, sex, color, records, questions. |
| Mercer County Animal Control | 304-487-8459 | Animal-control route listed by the shelter. | Exact address, animal type, public-safety risk. |
| West Virginia State Police | 304-425-2102 | Law-enforcement/public-safety route when appropriate. | Location, urgency, people involved, immediate risk. |
| Mercer County Non-Emergency Hotline | 304-425-8911 | Non-emergency public-safety routing. | Ask which agency should handle the situation. |
| WVDNR District 4 | 304-256-6945 / 304-256-6947 | Wildlife concerns such as raccoons, foxes, deer, injured wildlife or conflicts. | Species, location, injury/danger, photos if safe. |
| Immediate emergency | 911 | Immediate threat to people or urgent public safety emergency. | Call first; do not wait for normal office hours. |
Spay/Neuter and Local Pet Resources
This page should help pet owners, not just adopters. MCAS official resources emphasize spay/neuter and responsible ownership.
Furever Fixed Clinic
MCAS announced Mercer County’s Furever Fixed low-cost spay/neuter clinic as a local resource to reduce stray animal population and improve pet health.
MCAS resources
The shelter’s Resources page includes pet-care guidance and explains shelter standards for daily cleaning, sanitation and humane care.
No-kill recognition
MCAS official site displays a 2024 Best Friends Animal Society no-kill shelter recognition.
Volunteer, Foster, Donate or Sponsor
MCAS relies on community support for animal care, enrichment and adoption outcomes.
| Help type | Official route | How it helps | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer | Volunteering | Walking dogs, feeding, cleaning, enrichment and socialization. | Contact the shelter to ask current requirements. |
| Foster | Fostering info | Temporary home care helps pets prepare for adoption. | Ask what animals currently need foster placement. |
| Donate supplies | MCAS website | Towels, blankets, dog food, cat food, cleaning supplies, formula, bottles, heating pads, toys and dog beds. | Drop off during business hours or use wishlists if available. |
| Sponsor adoption fee | Adopt page | Helps a specific dog or cat and frees shelter resources. | Ask staff how to sponsor a current pet. |
Before You Leave Home
Valid ID, payment, leash/collar for dog, carrier for cat, landlord approval if renting, current dog for meet-and-greet if needed.
Recent photos, vet records, microchip/tag number, exact last-seen location, contact number, proof of ownership.
Exact found location, photos, collar/tag details, safe holding plan, transport plan, no unsafe handling.
Residency proof, pet records, behavior notes, medical details, honest reason and resources already tried.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in adopting a [dog/cat]. Are you open today from 12 PM to 6 PM, and are there any special adoption fees or event rules right now?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/marks/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold or transport it. What should I do next?Wildlife
Hi, I have a wild animal issue involving [species] at [location]. Is this a WVDNR route, Animal Control route, or emergency route?Map: Mercer County Animal Shelter
Use this map for the Princeton, WV shelter. Call first if you are traveling for a specific pet or urgent lost/found issue.
Official Mercer County Animal Shelter Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live updates, adoption details, forms, social links and final verification.
Mercer County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Mercer County Animal Shelter located?
Mercer County Animal Shelter is located at 961 Shelter Rd, Princeton, WV 24740.
What is Mercer County Animal Shelter’s phone number?
The shelter phone number is 304-425-2838.
What are Mercer County Animal Shelter hours?
Mercer County Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM and closed Sunday, Monday and holidays.
How do I adopt from Mercer County Animal Shelter?
Visit the shelter during open hours, meet available animals in person, spend time with the pet, complete the adoption application or contract on-site, and bring valid ID. Adoptions are first-come, first-served.
How much is a dog adoption at Mercer County Animal Shelter?
MCAS says dog adoption fees are typically $140 and include spay/neuter surgery, DHLPP with Lepto vaccinations, rabies vaccination and deworming.
How much is a cat adoption at Mercer County Animal Shelter?
MCAS says cat adoption fees are typically $85 and include vaccinations, rabies vaccination, deworming and spay/neuter surgery.
Can I adopt from Mercer County Animal Shelter if I live outside Mercer County?
Yes. MCAS says adoptions are open to individuals outside Mercer County, including out of state, because animals are spayed/neutered before leaving the shelter.
Does Mercer County Animal Shelter accept animals from outside Mercer County?
No. MCAS says it accepts animals only from Mercer County residents.
How long are stray pets held at Mercer County Animal Shelter?
MCAS says stray pets without identification are held for 5 days so the owner can reclaim them before adoption or rescue outcomes.
Who handles wildlife issues in Mercer County?
MCAS says it is not equipped to handle wildlife. For wild animals such as raccoons, foxes or deer, contact WVDNR District 4 at 304-256-6945 or 304-256-6947, or call 911 for an immediate public-safety emergency.
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.