Following the unexpected departure of its shelter director at the end of November, the Wetzel County Animal Shelter made the difficult but strategic decision to temporarily close its doors for the winter season. The move, implemented during one of the most challenging times of the year, was designed to allow leadership and staff to reassess operations, improve infrastructure, and establish a stronger foundation for the future.

Despite the temporary closure to the general public, shelter officials emphasized that adoption services remained available by appointment throughout the winter months. According to Administrative Director Lori Wykert, the decision was not only operationally necessary but also rooted in safety concerns.

“This closure came at the right time,” Wykert explained. “With severe winter conditions, we wanted to eliminate any risk of injury to animals, staff, or visitors. The appointment-based system allowed us to safely continue adoptions while giving our team the opportunity to step back, evaluate, and rebuild.”

During the closure, the shelter underwent a significant leadership restructuring. Administrative Director Lori Wykert, herself initially stepping into the role as newly appointed interim director, helped guide the organization through a critical transition while establishing a strong and capable leadership team.

Wykert appointed Brooklyn Pittman as Associate Facilities Director and Emily Lagacé as Facilities Lead.

Pittman brings extensive experience from shelters, rescues, and foster networks across the country, while Lagacé offers valuable institutional knowledge and proven leadership within the organization. Together, the leadership team has focused on combining operational expertise with modern management practices.

Wykert, who also maintains responsibilities within the Wetzel County Commission, acknowledged her nontraditional background in animal shelter management.

“I never claimed to be an expert in running a shelter,” she said. “But at its core, it operates like any other business. You build a strong foundation, invest in your staff, utilize expert guidance, and continuously evaluate and adapt. Not everything works the first time–but you keep moving

forward. And while change is not always easy or immediately embraced, it is constant–and necessary for growth.”

One of the shelter’s most significant accomplishments during the closure was ensuring that all animals in its care are now fully vaccinated. Additionally, the shelter has implemented a microchipping program–bringing it in line with modern standards widely used by shelters nationwide.

The team also transitioned from a paper-based system to a comprehensive digital tracking platform. This system now manages animal records, medical histories, and adoption progress, while also integrating with Petfinder to expand visibility and improve adoption opportunities.

A new website has also been launched, providing a more accessible and transparent experience for potential adopters and community members.

Recognizing the importance of education and best practices, all shelter employees–not just full-time staff–are currently enrolled in or have completed the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) Shelter Safety Course. The program equips staff with the skills needed to safely and effectively handle animals, particularly those that may be fearful or have experienced trauma.

In addition, the shelter has partnered with local veterinarian Dr. Shawn Meckley to provide ongoing medical training. Staff members are also preparing to attend conferences and expand professional networks.

The shelter has joined the nationally recognized Best Friends Animal Society Network, further strengthening its access to resources and partnerships.

Through renewed and expanded partnerships with rescue organizations, the shelter has seen a dramatic reduction in its animal population. Over the course of just three months, the number of cats in the facility dropped from nearly 80 to approximately 14, while dog populations have also steadily declined.

These efforts have been driven in large part by Associate Facilities Director Brooklyn Pittman and Facilities Lead Emily Lagacé, who have been instrumental in building, rebuilding, and maintaining strong relationships with rescue partners across the region and beyond. Their continued work in coordinating transfers and placements has been vital to the shelter’s progress.

In addition to successful transfers, the shelter is also experiencing a steady rise in adoption numbers, with overall adoption success rates increasing rapidly as a result of improved processes, visibility, and community engagement.

Shelter leadership emphasized that, across all efforts, there is a shared and unwavering priority: placing animals into safe, loving homes. While care within the shelter remains essential, officials noted that no temporary environment can replace the stability and opportunity of a permanent home.

“A blanket, a bed, and a bowl of food are important,” Wykert noted, “but they can never replace the value of a loving family or the training and opportunity that help an animal reach that forever home.”

“These partnerships have been invaluable,” Wykert added. “They’ve allowed us to move animals into environments where they have even greater chances of finding permanent homes.”

Wykert also expressed appreciation for the shelter’s staff, recognizing Evan Dawson, Annabel Stalnaker, Talon Ferrell, Jordyn Dyer, Haley Voorhis, Debbie Willhoite, Maddie Smith, and newest team member Abi Beck for their dedication during a period of intense change.

Amid operational improvements, shelter officials have identified a growing concern: an increase in stray and abandoned animals throughout Wetzel County.

In response, the shelter launched a mobile pet food pantry aimed at supporting residents facing financial hardship. The program provides food, straw, and pet supplies to help keep animals in their homes and out of the shelter system.

The initiative has already reached communities including Hundred, Paden City, and Wileyville, with plans to expand further.

“Sometimes people just need a little help,” Wykert said. “If we can support families in keeping their pets, that’s always the best outcome.”

The shelter also continues to work closely with Humane Officer Ben Anderson, maintaining a collaborative approach to animal welfare across the county.

While administrative and operational upgrades were underway, maintenance crews focused on improving the shelter’s physical environment. Efforts included sealing floors and repainting walls with calming, animal-friendly color palettes to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

During extreme winter conditions, staff were also forced to establish a temporary secondary housing location at the Wetzel County 4-H grounds to protect animals from subzero temperatures. The space was equipped with heating systems and served as a critical safeguard during the harshest weather.

As part of its restructuring efforts, the shelter temporarily paused its volunteer and foster programs to redesign policies, training requirements, and safety protocols. At this time, the shelter plans to reintroduce its volunteer program, with a relaunch anticipated in late spring. The updated program will include enhanced structure, such as training videos, revised documentation, supervised onboarding, and clearly defined volunteer-friendly areas.

Looking forward, the shelter is placing a strong emphasis on community engagement, transparency, and outreach. Increased social media activity, adoption promotions, and public involvement initiatives are all part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and strengthen connections within the community.

In addition, the shelter is preparing for its first large-scale community fundraiser, the Waggin’ & Wheels Food Truck and Music Festival, scheduled for September 12, 2026, at the Wetzel County 4-H Grounds. Organizers say the event will feature food, music, and “plenty of surprises,” with the return of the beloved Mutt Strut.

Shelter leadership emphasized that the success of the event will depend heavily on community involvement and sponsorship support.

“This is more than just a fundraiser–it’s an opportunity for our community to come together for a shared purpose,” Wykert said. “We are still seeking a headline stage sponsor and many additional partners willing to step forward and be part of something truly meaningful. At the heart of it all are the animals, and every bit of support helps move them closer to the loving homes they deserve.”

Organizers noted their goal is to create an inclusive, family-friendly event that offers something for everyone while directly benefiting the shelter and its mission.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us through this transition,” Wykert said. “This has been about more than just improving a facility–it’s about creating a better future for the animals, our staff, and the entire community.”