West Virginia Animal Rescue

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West Virginia Animal Rescue Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from West Virginia Animal Rescue, Nonprofit Organization, 216 11th Avenue West, Huntington, WV.

Western West Virginia Animal Rescue Alliance (WWVARA) is an independent 501c3 non-profit whose primary purpose is to support the animals and people in need in West Virginia and the Tri-State areas, as well as the Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter.

Yes, your pet does help you when you’re having a rough day.And it turns out, there's real science behind that. According...
10/10/2026

Yes, your pet does help you when you’re having a rough day.
And it turns out, there's real science behind that.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 81% of pet owners say their pets positively impact their mental health. 65% report less stress and anxiety because of them. 62% describe their pet as a calming presence when things get hard.

On World Mental Health Day, we're thinking about all the ways our animals support us. The head rests. The greetings at the door. The reason to get outside, even on a bad day…

Not everyone has that yet. And if you're thinking this year might be the year to add that kind of support to your life, we'd love for you to come meet our animals.

No pressure, just come hang out at the shelter.
You might meet someone who changes your entire life.



Data from the American Psychiatric Association 2025 National Poll and verified by ASPCA.

10/09/2026

Cats get a bad rep for being “too independent” or “not as affectionate as dogs”, but in truth they’re just as loving and sweet.

-> Indoor cats are totally happy. They don't need walks, backyard access, or constant entertainment. A clean litter box, food, water, and a window to watch the world from? That's a good life.

-> They're quiet. No barking at every sound. No waking the neighbors. Cats are just ... chill. Perfect for apartments or anyone who likes a peaceful home.

->They really do bond with you. Real bond. They might not follow you everywhere like a dog would, but when a cat decides you're their person, you get something special. Quiet company. Someone waiting for you when you get home.

If you've been thinking about giving a cat a home, come meet ours. They're waiting for the right person, and that might just be you!

10/09/2026

Friday Play Group Live!

Is Expensive Pet Food Really Better?Here's something that might surprise you: "premium" pet food is just a marketing wor...
10/08/2026

Is Expensive Pet Food Really Better?
Here's something that might surprise you: "premium" pet food is just a marketing word.

The FDA and AAFCO don't have separate nutritional standards for expensive versus budget brands. They all have to meet the same requirements.

This means a budget-friendly food from a reputable company could be just as good (or better) than an expensive "premium" brand. What matters is whether the food works for your pet's age, health, and lifestyle.

Some pets need specific formulas for allergies, weight management, or medical conditions. That's where your vet comes in. They can recommend what best suits your pet's actual needs, and that might not even be pricey.

Just remember: the ingredient list says more about the food quality than the price does. And there's quality food at every price point.

10/08/2026

Thursday Play Group Live!

Yes, we take in bunnies too.And dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and the occasional fawn. As our region's only open-intake ...
10/08/2026

Yes, we take in bunnies too.

And dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and the occasional fawn. As our region's only open-intake shelter, if an animal needs help, our door is always open.

A little rabbit in a loud, busy shelter has a lot to get used to. It needs the right food, a quiet corner, and someone to pay attention. Monthly donors make sure it gets all of that.

Gifts start at $5 a month, and you can change or cancel anytime. Join us through the link in the first comment.

Not ready to give monthly? A one-time gift helps just as much.

10/07/2026

Wednesday Play Group Live!

10/07/2026

Reactivity is 100% manageable. And the good news? The best management tools don't cost you anything.

Here's your pre-walk game plan:
-> Before you even leave the house, scatter a handful of kibble in the grass and let your dog sniff it out. That's it. When dogs sniff, their nervous system literally settles down. You're resetting their brain before the walk even starts, and it costs you nothing.

-> Do quick training reps at home: their name, a sit, a U-turn with treats. Gets their brain working with you, not against triggers. This prevents the explosive moments that tear up gear and drain your wallet.

-> Pick your route beforehand. Quiet times, trigger-free zones.

-> On the walk: loose leash, easy breathing. Your dog reads your tension through that leash. Your calm is contagious.

Not every walk will be perfect. But every calm moment counts. You're building new habits, one walk at a time. Reactivity isn't your dog's fault. It's not your failure as an owner.

Have you got a reactive dog at home? What's your biggest challenge on walks? Comment below, and let's support each other.

And if you know someone in the area white-knuckling through walks, send them this post. They need to know they're not alone.

10/06/2026

Tuesday Play Group Live!

Why Is My Dog Shedding SO MUCH?If you've got a dog, you know this struggle.Fur EVERYWHERE. On your couch, your clothes, ...
10/06/2026

Why Is My Dog Shedding SO MUCH?

If you've got a dog, you know this struggle.
Fur EVERYWHERE. On your couch, your clothes, your car…

But here's the good news! Most shedding is totally normal, and you can actually control a lot of it.

Dogs shed naturally to get rid of old or damaged coat hair. It's especially heavy in spring and fall when they're transitioning between seasons. But shedding can also be triggered by stress, diet issues, or sometimes health problems worth checking out with your vet.

A good brush session 3–4 times a week (or daily during peak shedding) can cut the amount of fur in your house by HALF. You'll also catch mats and tangles before they become a problem, which means fewer grooming bills.

Quick tips to try:
-> Brush your dog regularly, not just when they're shedding

-> Make sure they're eating quality food with omega-3 fats

-> Keep them hydrated and reduce stress where you can

We see a lot of dogs come through with skin and coat issues that improve with the right diet, grooming routine, and care. You'd be amazed at what consistent brushing does.

Got shedding questions? Drop them in the comments!

Address

216 11th Avenue West
Huntington, WV
25701

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