Belmont County Animal Shelter Plans Fundraiser to Support New Location

Jordan's Way is an organization dedicated to helping underfunded shelters nationwide by raising money through live fundraising events on social media. Their mission is to support overlooked dogs and increase adoption visibility.

Belmont County dog warden Lisa Duvall noted the urgency of the new shelter project, stating, "It would cost more to fix this than it would to build new ones." The cost of the new facility is estimated at $6 million, which will be funded through a combination of grants and county funds, according to Belmont County Commissioner Jerry Echemann.

Duvall mentioned that the current shelter facility is in poor condition, causing stress for both the animals and staff. The new design will feature separate pods for dogs, which will help minimize noise and improve living conditions. Additionally, a dedicated cat room will allow for more space and freedom for the cats currently confined due to space limitations.

The shelter is also planning to transfer over 10 animals to Canada as it struggles with capacity.

The upcoming fundraiser will see the shelter's staff participating in various games and activities during a livestream, with a fundraising goal of $15,000. Donations will be split, with 70% going to the shelter and 30% to Jordan's Way to help sustain its operations.

Jordan's Way boasts nearly one million Facebook followers and has supported over 500 animal shelters, raising more than $14 million and facilitating 80,000 adoptions. The organization emphasizes its commitment to highlighting animal welfare stories to inspire adoptions and create a supportive community for pet parents.