The Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility recently marked a significant milestone by completing a much-anticipated surgical suite, establishing a vital resource to address animal overcrowding in the region. The inaugural surgery took place soon after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 9, featuring representatives from the facility, the Upshur County Commission, the City of Buckhannon, and the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce.
Jan Cochran, the director of LUAC, expressed her long-standing vision for this surgical suite, stating, “I want to thank everybody, this has been a dream of mine for about eight years. Every year, we would go to the commission and ask to build this unit, but they would say there were no funds.” With determination, Cochran initiated fundraising efforts, which coincided with efforts by Upshur County Administrator Cindy Hughes to secure a Petco Grant. “Finally, I asked if we fundraised could we do it? And they said we could.”
Cochran envisions one more significant project prior to her retirement. “This is very emotional for me… other than my husband and my kids, this has to be my biggest accomplishment,” she said, thanking those who contributed their time and resources. “Today we have about eight surgeries lined up… it’s going to produce healthier animals walking out the doors here.”
The facility’s veterinarian, Dr. Breanna Brown, emphasized how the new surgical suite would streamline the adoption process. “I think it makes it so much easier for the people who are adopting,” Brown stated. Animals will leave the facility already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ready for their new homes, alleviating the burden on adopters to find private veterinary care.
Brown and her team will perform surgeries at LUAC every Friday, operating as Lewis Mobile Veterinary Services. Her background in shelter medicine equips her well for this endeavor, which she sees as beneficial to the community.
The adoption fees have adjusted to cover the costs associated with these surgeries. Cochran noted, “We went up $140 to adopt a dog, but with surgeries, anesthesia, paying the vet, we’re still in range with the other shelters that charge more.” Adopting a cat has been set at $70, a competitive rate compared to typical veterinary care costs for procedures like neutering.
Cochran highlighted the ongoing problem of animal overpopulation in West Virginia. “We must do something to fix our own problem, and this is a start,” she said, noting plans for future low-cost clinics open to the public.
Upshur County Commission President Sam Nolte congratulated Cochran and her team on achieving their goal. “I just want to say congratulations and thank you to the whole crew that works up here and all the volunteers,” he remarked.
City Recorder Randy Sanders, representing the City of Buckhannon, affirmed the city’s support for LUAC and its mission. “We pledge to continue to do what we can to assist,” he said.
LUAC is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on animals available for adoption, visit their website here.
