New Cat Facility

DONATE! ​

FOSTER!

Thanks to two very generous anonymous donors, we have been able to begin construction on a brand new cat facility that will provide several amenities needed by modern shelters!

The previous cat building was the original shelter building on this property from almost 60 years ago. When we built the new dog building nearly 20 years ago, the original building became the cat building. It has served us as well as it could for all these years, but it is time for a major upgrade!

The new facility will be a larger, more functional and energy efficient building that will provide:

• a new visitor reception area for all shelter operations;
• "catios" to allow cats to get outside play time;
• quarantine and isolation space for sick cats, which will improve overall cat population health and allow adoptions of healthy cats to continue uninterrupted; and
• space for a future surgical and recovery suite so we can get better control over our veterinary costs and eventually provide low-cost spay/neuter services to the community.

Two Foundational Gifts

We have received one anonymous $75,000 gift, which comes with naming rights. The donor’s all-time favorite cat was Albert, so the new facility will honor him. There will be pictures!

We also have received a $25,000 matching gift. Thanks to generous donations from our amazing supporters, that gift has already been matched for total of $50,000!

Our overall goal for this project is $350,000, so we have a lot of work to do to make this long-time dream come true! Our community has always been incredibly supportive of our improvement goals, and we are counting on you again for this project.

Next Steps

Building construction is well underway, with framing almost completed. Trusses will be installed soon, allowing us to install the roof, as well as the windows and doors.

What Can You Do?

You can support this groundbreaking project by attending and supporting our upcoming fundraisers and with your financial gifts. You can either drop off your gift to the shelter; mail it to RCHS at PO Box 785, Elkins WV 26241; or donate through our website.

We are also seeking donors interested in sponsoring key spaces in the new facility. Opportunities include funding the construction of our ISO or quarantine units, reception area, or catio – each estimated at $10,000 – or our future medical suite, which is projected to cost $30,000. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these projects, please let us know!

While we already have some local volunteers and long-time rescue partners who are committed to assisting us with fostering cats long-term, we continue to need some additional adopters and long-term foster homes in which to place our cats while the new building is constructed. (Please be aware that our cat intakes will be very limited during this process.) You can also let us know that you’re interested in being a long-term cat foster by completing the inquiry form on our website. Our staff will reach out to you to discuss details.

Finally, cheer us on! We’re juggling construction, regular operations, and daily animal care, but every bit of progress means better care and brighter futures. Let us know you’re with us on this journey to improve cat care and adoption efforts!

If you have questions, please reach out to the shelter at 304-636-7844, or to President Jenna Lee at 304-704-3775.

Thank you!