The 5 Best Animal Rescue & Adoption Organizations Around Wheeling

The Ohio Valley is fortunate to have a dedicated network of animal welfare organizations working tirelessly to save, heal, and rehome pets in need. These groups, often powered by passionate volunteers and sustained by community donations, provide vital services—from urgent medical care to spay/neuter programs—that are essential for animal well-being. The community has recognized the following organizations for their outstanding commitment by voting them the top picks in the Best of the Ohio Valley Readers' Choice Awards 2025 (Wheeling) for Animal Rescue & Adoption.

The Road Home Animal Project

The Road Home Animal Project (TRHAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Tri-State Area (OH, PA, and WV). Operating as a 100% volunteer and foster-based rescue, TRHAP relies on a network of loving homes to house animals, allowing donations to be primarily spent on essential care and vetting rather than building and maintenance costs.

They work primarily with dogs and small companion animals, offering a thorough rehoming program that includes vet services like spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and, when needed, specialized care like bloodwork or X-rays. In addition to rehoming, TRHAP works to reduce the dog population and educates owners on proper animal care.

Kitty Komrades

Kitty Komrades is a non-profit cat rescue that is laser-focused on finding forever homes for felines in the Ohio Valley. Run entirely by volunteers, the organization dedicates its efforts to providing a second chance to cats and kittens in the Glen Dale area.

As a community-supported organization, its operations are sustained through donations. They actively engage with the public, promoting adoptions and volunteer opportunities to connect the local community with their mission to care for and rehome cats.

Marshall County Animal Shelter

The Marshall County Animal Shelter is a safe haven for stray, unwanted, or homeless dogs and cats in the Moundsville area. Partnering with the Marshall County Animal Rescue League and the Marshall County Commission, the shelter provides comprehensive care.

A strong focus of the shelter is on promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing overpopulation through education and essential services. Every pet adopted from their facility is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized (spayed or neutered), ensuring they are ready for a healthy start in their new home.

Harrison County Dog Pound

The Harrison County Dog Pound is a county facility dedicated to housing stray dogs and owner surrenders. They work diligently to reunite lost pets with their families and to facilitate adoptions to the public. The adoption process requires an application to ensure a suitable environment for the dogs.

The pound is supported by a robust volunteer base and a partner organization that provides crucial fundraising. This financial assistance helps cover costs for essential services, including alteration (spay/neuter) and vaccines, making responsible pet ownership more affordable for new adopters.

Ohio County Animal Shelter

Managed and operated by the Ohio County Commission, the Ohio County Animal Shelter serves the local community by housing and rehoming dogs and cats. As a local government-run shelter, they are a primary resource for animal control services in the area.

The shelter facilitates adoptions with a standard fee and plays a vital role in providing care and a pathway to a new life for pets in the Wheeling area. They also rely on community involvement, often seeking donations of supplies like pet food, litter, and cleaning materials to provide a comfortable stay for their animals.

Thanks, Gemini.