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)
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.
