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WELLSBURG -- Citing concerns about overcrowding and a desire to improve visibility, Brooke County officials are drafting plans to implement a foster program at the county animal shelter.
Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden, during Tuesday's meeting of the Brooke County Commission, announced she had developed a draft proposal -- including an application and foster agreement documents -- for review.
Cowden complimented shelter Director Donna DeJaro and Assistant Director Abbie Pelletier for raising the profile of the shelter, noting they have been taking in more animals in search of homes. The shelter currently is five animals over capacity.
"We need to start getting some things in place to get some of the animals out of there without going to the most restrictive alternative," Cowden said, noting a foster program would help alleviate some of the overflow. "I think this would be a good first step."
Officials also hope to increase the number of volunteers. The shelter has four employees, who often are busy with the immediate needs of the animals.
"We need to start getting people out in the community doing adoption events and those kinds of things," Cowden said.
Commissioner Christina White said the shelter once had a number of volunteers, but the group has dwindled over the years.
"A lot of the people who used to help in the shelter have gotten older," White said.
DeJaro said one high school student, a participant in the Honors Program, has assisted during the summer months.
"If we could have more like that, it would be great," she said.
DeJaro also said she has been in communication with area businesses, including Tractor Supply in Follansbee, about hosting adoption events. While businesses have responded positively, she said the shelter needs people to staff the events.
Foster programs and volunteers have been used successfully by other area animal shelters and humane societies to increase adoptions.
"I believe that’s why Jefferson County is so successful," Commission President Tom Diserio said.
The Jefferson County Animal Shelter in Wintersville and Hancock County Animal Shelter in New Cumberland are both managed by the Jefferson County Humane Society, a nonprofit organization. JCHS officials reported in May that canine adoptions in Hancock County had increased by 50% since the organization took over management in November.