No Dog Left Behind Works to Help Pets in Belmont County
No Dog Left Behind is a new Belmont County-based nonprofit working to reduce pet surrenders by offering low-cost spay and neuter services, a pet food pantry and support for struggling pet owners.
The organization focuses on “surrender prevention,” helping residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to already crowded shelters, founder Anna Sells of Barnesville said.
“Every shelter in the area is full. They’re constantly full,” Sells said. “People have to surrender due to the loss of home, not being able to feed their pet or properly care for them, or domestic violence situations. So we want to be a bridge for that gap, as a resource for people who are struggling with their pets to see if we can help them.”
Currently, the organization is caring for one foster dog, Lady, a 14-year-old who came into its care after her owner died. Sells said she hopes to expand the foster program in the future.
Lady currently lives under the care of No Dog Left Behind as a foster. Photo Provided by Anna Sells.
A lifelong animal lover, Sells said her experiences volunteering at the Belmont County Animal Shelter inspired her to start the nonprofit after witnessing an increase in pet surrenders and abandoned animals across the Ohio Valley.
“I have wanted to do something, and decided to take the jump and see if there was a way that we could work together to try and prevent this from happening,” she said.
No Dog Left Behind became an official nonprofit in December 2025 and is registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture as a dog rescue group.
Sells said the organization’s name reflects its mission to help as many animals as possible.
“We’d like to help people who have difficulty acclimating a new dog into their home, or who need training but can’t afford it,” she said. “We don’t want any dog to fall through the cracks.”
The nonprofit currently operates on donations and is awaiting approval on state grants to expand spay and neuter services. Sells is currently working with Barnesville Veterinary Services and hopes to partner with additional providers.
To support the efforts, the organization is holding a raffle fundraiser featuring a fishing-themed prize basket. The basket includes two fishing chairs, two Ugly Stik fishing rods, a tackle box with a $50 Walmart gift card and an Igloo cooler. Tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be held May 24. Those interested can purchase tickets through the organization’s Facebook page or by contacting Sells directly at 740-232-5181 or nodogleftbehindbc@gmail.com . Physical tickets are also available for purchase.
Sells said she plans to host larger fundraisers and events in the future.
The organization is run by Sells, her husband Nick Sells and her best friend Shalisha Carpenter, along with several family members serving as board members.
Donations can be made through Venmo, PayPal or by check.
“We want to help people and help animals,” Sells said. “I’m hoping we can all come together to support the animals of Belmont County.”
Founder Anna Sells sits with Frosty, a dog who lived at the Belmont County Animal Shelter for several years and has now found her home thanks to an online campaign orchestrated by Sells. Photo Provided by Anna Sells.
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