Animal Friends launches fundraiser for new Morgantown shelter

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia is looking to raise $2 million for a new 6,700-square-foot facility that staff says would more than double the organization’s animal intake capacity.

The announcement took place during Animal Friends’ annual Dog Day at the Pool , a large fundraiser held annually at the Marilla Park pool in Morgantown. This year Shelter Coordinator Katie Short announced plans for a new shelter that will be built on the grounds of Animal Friends’ current location.

“We need a bigger facility. As the numbers grow, intake numbers grow, we can only do so much with what we’re given currently and it’s time for us to build a new, better facility so we can save more lives,” Short said. “Donations matter, every little bit helps us get there and I think the more community support we have, the quicker we’re going to be able to get in there.”

Plans for the new shelter include:

• Five dog rooms
• Senior dog area
• Dog playroom and training center
• Two adult cat rooms
• Three kitten rooms
• Two nursery rooms
• Isolation room for sick animals
• Grooming room
• Intake room
• Storage rooms
• Food storage and preparation room
• Lobby
• Spaces for shelter staff

Short also said that once the new facility is built and move-in is finished, the old facility will be demolished and will not operate in tandem with the new building. According to volunteers, Animal Friends has operated out of their current building for more than 25 years.

Hillcrest Veterinary Clinic got the fundraiser off to a good start with a $25,000 donation towards the facility. If you want to make your own contribution to the facility, visit the Animal Friends website . You can also make donations to the shelter through Venmo, @AFNCWV, or by cash or check mailed to PO Box 1090, Dellslow, WV 26531. Any other donations can be delivered to the shelter or the shelter’s Thrift Shoppe at the Mountaineer Mall.

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