The Summit County Animal Control Department will be proactive, innovative, compassionate, efficient, and effective in all aspects of the operations and responsibilities assigned to this department. This Department will provide compassionate care for impounded animals and responsible enforcement of canine laws, thereby creating a safer and more desirable community for the citizens of Summit County.
The 19,494 square foot state-of-the-art Animal Control Facility opened in August of 2010. Animal Control is a high performance green facility with administrative office space, an adoption zone, an intake area, outdoor visiting space, quarantine quarters, staff locker rooms, a veterinary clinic and more.
- Animal Control Facebook Page (Link) View adoptable animals on our Facebook page.
- Greater Good Program (Page)
Administrative Hours: |
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Monday through Friday |
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Adoption Hours:Effective 4/8/2023 |
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Monday through Friday
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10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Saturday |
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Sunday |
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Adoption appointments are not required, but are encouraged. Call 330-643-2845 to schedule an appointment.
- Dec 2, 2024 County Executive Shapiro celebrates the Pawlidays, reduces adoption fees (Summit County, OH)
- Nov 1, 2024 County Executive and Animal Control announce FURever Thankful adoption event (Summit County, OH)
- Oct 15, 2024 County Executive and Animal Control provide free pet food and supplies to hurricane victims (Summit County, OH)
- Sep 11, 2024 County Executive Shapiro encourages residents to Fall In Love with Your New Pet (Summit County, OH)
- Aug 8, 2024 Summit County Animal Control holding Clear the Shelter adoption event (Summit County, Ohio)
- Jan 23, 2024 Summit County Animal Control expanded services, adopting out over 1300 animals in 2023 (Summit County, OH)
- Jan 9, 2024 Summit County Animal Control is “Wacko for Flacco”, offering $15 adoptions (Summit County, OH)
- Dec 15, 2023 Celebrate the “Pawlidays” with Summit County Animal Control (Summit County, OH)
- Jul 6, 2023 Animal Control distributes 165,000 pounds of free pet food and supplies to community (Summit County, OH)
- Jun 2, 2023 County Executive Shapiro announces Purrride adoption event (Summit County, OH)
- Apr 13, 2023 County Executive and Vantage Aging partner to provide free pet food and supplies (Summit County, OH)
- Mar 10, 2023 County Executive Shapiro announces Help a Puppy Get Lucky adoption event (Summit County, OH)
- Mar 3, 2023 Over 200 households served by Community Pet Food Pantry event (Summit County, OH)
- Jan 12, 2023 County Executive Shapiro announces It’s Snowing Cats and Dogs adoption event (Summit County, OH)
- Jan 6, 2023 Summit County Animal Control provided services to nearly 1200 animals in 2022 (Summit County, OH)
- Dec 13, 2022 Summit County Animal Control hosting “Pawlidays” pet food giveaway (Summit County, OH)
- Nov 10, 2022 Celebrate the “Pawlidays” at Summit County Animal Control’s Community Kickoff Event (Summit County, OH)
- Aug 3, 2022 Summit County Animal Control holds Clear the Shelter Adoption Event (Summit County, OH)
- Jun 29, 2022 County Executive Shapiro announces the Dog Days of Summer Adoption Event (Summit County, OH)
- Apr 27, 2022 County Executive Shapiro announces National Pet Month Adoption Event (Summit County, OH)
- Mar 14, 2022 County Executive Shapiro announces Help a Puppy Get Lucky adoption event (Summit County, OH)
- Nov 16, 2021 Summit County Animal Control open for adoptions, public interaction (Summit County, OH)
- Nov 15, 2021 Summit County Animal Control temporarily suspending adoptions, public interaction (Summit County, OH)
- Jun 19, 2020 County Animal Control Announces Adoptions by Appointment (Summit County, OH)
- Oct 1, 2016 Summit County Animal Control to Hold 7th Annual Adop-A-Thon, $10 per Animal (Akron, OH)
- Oct 1, 2016 7th Annual Adop-A-Thon Results in the Placement of Almost Everty Available Animal (Akron, OH)
ADOPTION
Adoption services at the County of Summit Division of Animal Control are affordable, comprehensive and unique. Simply stated, the cost to adopt a dog is $94; while, the cost to adopt a cat is $60. The County of Summit Division of Animal Control accepts cash, checks and credit cards (i.e. American Express, Discover and MasterCard).
Flea treatments, intestinal de-worming and most all vaccinations are given to animals upon entering the facility; while, blood work, spay/neuter operations and vaccinations for Rabies are provided at the point of adoption. All adopted animals are also mircochipped at no additional cost. Microchips are registered with 24Petwatch.
To view photos of adoptable animals, visit Animal Control's Facebook page.
Vaccinations
Dog vaccinations include: Adenovirus 2, Bordetella, Canicola, Distemper, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagia, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus 2b, Pomona and Rabies.
Cat vaccinations include: Calicivirus, Chlamydophila, Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia and Rabies.
Vaccination boosters are given on an as needed basis.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Representatives from Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro's Division of Animal Control welcome the opportunity to speak to youth groups, civic clubs and community organizations on issues pertaining to: animal adoptions, licensing and safety. To schedule a free speaker presentation dial (330) 643-2845.
In a continuing effort to promote our services to citizens, the Division of Animal Control consistently participates in community events that promote responsible pet ownership, such as: animal adopt-a-thons, spay-and-neutering clinics, pet-friendly outdoor art exhibits and much, much more.
DOG LICENSING
According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), citizens who own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age are required to purchase a dog license on an annual basis.
For the nominal fee of $18, a dog license places citizens into compliance with the state law, provides citizens with proof of ownership documentation and the legal authorization to visit area dog parks and participate in pet-friendly community activities. All funds generated from the sale of dog licenses are used to feed, house and vaccinate abandoned animals in need.
Dog licenses must be renewed annually from December 1st through January 31st, or within 30 days of acquiring a new dog. Puppies must be licensed by the time they reach three months of age. Citizens who fail to meet these deadlines may be penalized with a $18 late fee. The transgression can also escalate to fines, legal citations and jail time.
Licenses for dogs providing assistance to disabled persons are free of charge and valid throughout the duration of the animal's life. Proof of training must be submitted with the application.
Dog licenses are sold at numerous locations throughout Summit County. To find the location nearest you visit the Fiscal Office at https://fiscaloffice.summitoh.net/index.php/dog-licensing.
Single-Year......................$18
Three-Year......................$54
Permanent License..........$180
EUTHANASIA
The County of Summit Division of Animal Control practices euthanasia in an effort to protect the health, safety and general well being of citizens and control the local animal population.
The County of Summit Division of Animal Control can assist you with relieving the suffering of a beloved pet. Basic prices for euthanasia services are listed below.
Dogs.............$25
Cats..............$25
Puppies..........$25
Kittens...........$25
Additional costs may be added on depending upon licensures. Miscellaneous animals are euthanized for $25. Please call for accepted animals. Skunks are not accepted.
FINDING A MISSING PET
To find a missing pet, the County of Summit encourages citizens to visit the Division of Animal Control and personally view the dogs and cats being housed. In 2019, this hands-on process led to over 500 animals being reunited with their owners.
In order to redeem a lost pet, a valid form of state identification must be presented. Fees associated with providing food, housing, vaccinations must be paid in full before leaving the facility with your pet. If a citizen is redeeming a dog, a license must me purchased.
Time is of the essence when locating a missing pet. The Division of Animal Control operates under the strict policy of holding licensed animals for 14 days before evaluating the pet for adoption; whereas, non-licensed animals are evaluated after three days.
Dogs and cats brought to the Division of Animal Control are immediately examined for owner identification materials (i.e. a dog license, a name tag and/or a microchip). If ownership data is discovered, our staff immediately notifies the registered owner and the redemption process is set in motion.
Missing Pet Reports may be filed with the Division of Animal Control in person or over the phone by calling (330) 643-2845.
Local Partners
The County of Summit Division of Animal Control is a proud member of the Summit Animal Coalition (SAC), an animal welfare group made up of the following organizations:
- Friends of Pets
- Golden Treasures
- Golden Retrievers in Need
- Humane Society of Greater Akron
- One-of-a-Kind Pet Rescue
- Pet Guards
- Paws & Prayers
- Paws with Pride
National Partners
On the national level, the County of Summit Division of Animal Control serves as a proud partner of Petfinder and PetSmart.
Summit County Animal Control Volunteer Program
To apply for the Summit County Animal Control volunteer program, please download and complete the Application and Release form below. Completed applications and releases should be emailed to volunteerac@summitoh.net.
Following review of your application, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule your first meeting. At your first scheduled meeting, you will be required to complete a record check waiver (available below).
Volunteers accepted into the program will use the new volunteer portal to schedule shifts.
- Animal Control Volunteer Application and Release (PDF, 339.2k)
- Animal Control Volunteer Portal (Link)
No, dogs are not permitted to run loose. Dogs must be physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner by a leash, tether, adequate fence or secure enclosure to prevent escape. When outside these boundaries, dogs must be leashed and under the immediate control of some person. These conditions apply except for when a dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training purposes and is accompanied by the registered owner. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.02. (A)
Dial (330) 643-2845 to report a nuisance animal not living in the municipalities listed below:
Akron Animal Warden
(330) 375-2320 or 311
Barberton Police
(330) 745-2181
Cuyahoga Falls Police
(330) 928-2181
Stow Police
(330) 689-5840
Twinsburg Police
(330) 425-1234
Richfield Police
(330) 659-2831