LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — The Greenbrier Humane Society achieved no-kill status in 2025, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report. This means the shelter saved 90% or more of the dogs and cats that entered its care last year.
The achievement is the result of expanded lifesaving programs and strong community support. Over the past year, the shelter strengthened its foster and Doggy Day Out programs, increased volunteer involvement, expanded community outreach through its spay/neuter voucher program and enhanced adoption marketing and events. These combined efforts helped more animals find loving homes, reduced shelter stress and length of stay, and prevented future homelessness.
“Achieving and maintaining no-kill status is a tremendous milestone for Greenbrier Humane Society and a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together for animals in need,” said Jocelyn Clark, shelter operations manager of Greenbrier Humane Society. “This accomplishment belongs to our staff, volunteers, board of directors, fosters, adopters, donors and the entire community who have supported our mission. While we are proud of this achievement, being no-kill requires continued dedication and support. Every adoption, every foster home, every volunteer hour and every community partnership helps us continue saving lives and providing compassionate care to the animals who need us most.”
Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national nonprofit whose goal is to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, recognizes this achievement as a positive step forward and one that can be replicated by other shelters in West Virginia.
According to Best Friends’ 2025 data, more than two out of three U.S. shelters are now no-kill, and many more are within steps of that benchmark. However, collective action remains critical to achieve a day when no dog or cat dies in a shelter simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home. Anyone can help by adopting, fostering, volunteering and advocating for homeless pets.
To learn more about Greenbrier Humane Society, visit facebook.com/greenbrierhumanesociety.
No-kill is defined by a 90% save rate for animals entering a shelter. Typically, the number of pets suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10% of all dogs and cats entering shelters. For any community to be no-kill, all stakeholders must work together to achieve and sustain that goal while prioritizing community safety and quality of life for pets. This requires cooperation among animal shelters, rescue groups, government agencies, community members and other stakeholders committed to best practices and protocols.
About Greenbrier Humane Society
Greenbrier Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to providing compassionate care, shelter and advocacy for animals in Greenbrier County and surrounding communities. Through adoption services, foster programs, community outreach, spay/neuter initiatives, volunteer opportunities and partnerships, Greenbrier Humane Society works to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them. As a no-kill shelter, GHS remains committed to saving lives, promoting responsible pet ownership and creating a community where every animal has the opportunity to find a loving home.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 6,000 shelters and rescue organizations. From its headquarters in Kanab, Utah, the organization also operates the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Best Friends maintains the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and makes it accessible to the public. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.
