The National Humane Education Society · Since 1948
Rescue, adoption, and kindness for animals in West Virginia
From our campus in Charles Town, The National Humane Education Society cares for dogs and cats until the right family comes along, teaches kindness to children and adults, and makes spay/neuter affordable for our community.
Open for adoptions Wednesday–Saturday · 3731 Berryville Pike, Charles Town, WV
- Since 1948Founded by Anna C. Briggs
- 501(c)(3) nonprofitSupported by private donations
- Adoption, education & spay/neuterServing West Virginia and beyond
Ways to help
Every adoption, volunteer hour, and gift makes a difference for an animal in our care.
Adopt a pet
Our dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ready for a family. Our adoption counselors will help you find the right match.
Volunteer or foster
Walk dogs, socialize cats, help at events, or open your home to a pet who needs a quiet place to wait for adoption.
Make a gift
NHES receives no government funding. Your donation provides food, shelter, and veterinary care for the animals in our care.
Meet our featured animals
Every animal at NHES stays in our care until the right home is found.
Featured cat
Available For Adoption
Breed: Domestic Short-Hair
Sex: Female
Jolene
Meet Jolene! She’s the Dolly Parton of mama cats… Sweet as can be and everyone’s best friend! She’s a heart-stealer, biscuit-maker, and snuggle queen. Jolene is ready for a forever home full of love and purr-fect harmony! Ready to make Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene a...
Featured dog
Available
Breed: Bulldog Mix
Sex: Female
Avis
Meet Avis, a true legend whose gentle soul and wise eyes have charmed everyone lucky enough to cross her path. Imagine Avis as the beloved grandmother of the canine world. She may rise a little slower and move with extra care, but she is overflowing with warmth, love,...
Watch
See NHES in action
Take a closer look at the people and animals behind our adoption program.
Our programs
Beyond adoption, NHES reaches animals and people across the region through humane education and affordable spay/neuter.
Humane Education
Teaching kindness, one classroom at a time
Our humane educators visit schools, welcome field trips, and run summer camps that help children understand and care for animals. Students meet our animal ambassadors, create art inspired by adoptable pets, and organize drives that bring treats and supplies to the animals in our care.
- Classroom and assembly presentations
- Field trips and summer camps on our campus
- Service projects, donation drives, and resources for teachers
Spay Today
Affordable spay/neuter for our community
Since 2001, Spay Today has made reduced-cost spay/neuter surgery available through a network of participating veterinarians, helping prevent unwanted litters across the region.
Events
Join us at an event
From our annual Founder’s Day celebration to the Paw Bash, car shows, and community adoption events, NHES events bring together families, adopters, and animal lovers to support the animals in our care.
- Meet adoptable dogs and cats
- Family-friendly activities, raffles, and the Founder’s Day color run
- Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for local businesses and groups
Founder, 1948
Our mission
“To foster a sentiment of kindness to animals in children and adults.”
Anna C. Briggs founded The National Humane Education Society in 1948 with this mission. More than 75 years later, it still guides everything we do.
Visit The National Humane Education Society
- Address3731 Berryville Pike, Charles Town, WV 25414
- Adoption hoursWednesday–Friday, 12–5 PM
Saturday, 11 AM–4 PM
Closed Sunday–Tuesday - Adoption questions(304) 725-0506
adopt@nhes.org
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