Dog Stray Information

The WAHS is a shelter that intakes strays from Washington County only. WAHS does not go out and actively catch or pick-up strays. The PA Dog Warden and Animal Control are the contact for catching or picking up strays. You should reach out to the dog warden or ACO assigned to your township if you need assistance with a stray. If you do not know who your animal control agent is check your township website or call your township.

When a stray arrives at the shelter the WASH immediately checks to see if the pet is microchipped. If it is WAHS calls the person the chip is registered in efforts to find the owner. When lost dogs or cats are brought to WAHS they are put on a stray hold for 48 hours. Additionally, the stray will be posted to the WAHS Facebook page to see if the owner can be found.

WAHS has an obligation to give a dog/cat vaccinations before entering them into the kennel/cat area of the shelter. This protects our current animals from risk of disease and infection. WAHS does everything possible to connect the original owner with the stray. Please call the shelter if you think your dog/cat was brought to WAHS at 724.222.PETS. We ARE NOT open 24/7 so please realize we check our messages as soon as possible and respond.

• $70  Reclaim  (Fee if pet stayed overnight and received vaccinations and flea tick)
• $30  Reclaim  (Same day pick-up. Pet was given vaccines and flea tick)
• $0 Reclaim (Same day pick-up.  If owner reached us immediately and nothing was administered to pet)

We only take strays from Washington County, PA.

Homeless Cats

WAHS does not accept homeless cats that cannot be handled in the shelter.  This includes unsocialized cats that cannot be held. If you find a stray cat or kittens on your property and need help call 724-222-PETS and select the cat department.