Adoption Information and Fees

Things to Know Before You Visit...

• Plan to come at least an hour before closing.  It takes several minutes fill out
  the necessary paperwork, select your new best friend, and process an adoption.
    
• Bring all family members along to meet the dog you are considering for adoption---this includes all kids and any existing dogs you have in the home.
  
  
• Bring your wallet and a photo ID!  We are only able to process cash or
  check transactions at this time.  Sorry, no credit cards!
  
  
• Bringing along copies of your present or previous dogs'  vet records, shots,
  etc. will speed up your new adoption.
   
• You can also download our adoption form and fill it out before you come.

At the Shelter...

Our adoption process is called "Meet Your Match." 
All of our dogs available for adoption have been evaluated and
cage cards are color-coded to tell you more about them.  Within each
of the three categories you'll find several different "personality types":

PURPLE CARDS
easier to train, less active, low maintenance dogs

"Couch Potato"    "Constant Companion"   "Teacher's Pet"
 

ORANGE CARDS
average activity level & training needs

"Wallflower"    "Busy Bee"    "Goofball"
 

GREEN CARDS
high maintenance & activity level, harder to train

"Free Spirit"   "Go-Getter"   "Life of the Party"


Fill out our short adoption application first to see
which dogs are a good match for you.

We have more than 200 dogs available for adoption so this
will help you decide which dogs to consider!
 

1. Pick up a color-coded "Adoption” pass at the front desk and visit our
   three adoption wards of dogs available for adoption. All of our adoption wards---A, 1 and 2--- have bright green doors. 
   
   Don’t forget to check out our bulletin boards by the adoption wards! These
   boards post foster dogs that are also available for adoption, but may not be
   out on the adoption floor because they are living in foster homes.
   
   
2. Once you find a dog you like, give the front desk the dog’s cage number and
   we will call a kennel attendant to get the dog out for you to meet. We encourage you to spend a few minutes in our new outdoor "get acquainted" area with the
   dog you are considering to make sure that it is a perfect match.
   
3. While you are finalizing the adoption transaction & buying a dog license, the dog you are adopting will go to our clinic for a final physical exam, rabies
   shot and an initial series of preventive immunizations. 

The vet tech on duty will review the information on your dog’s health record with you. Owners are advised to take their new pet to a veterinarian within 10 to 14 days of adoption for a follow-up examination, especially for dogs that have been recently spayed or neutered.

All dogs available for adoption have already been spayed or neutered.  You will also receive a complimentary collar, leash, one free month of Sheltercare pet insurance and an information packet with some food or treats (as supplies last) and discount certificates on special services. Only one dog per household can be adopted at a time. 

Adoption Fees

The cost of adopting at the Franklin County Dog Shelter is

Dogs under 5 years old: $117 (includes licensing, shots, and adoption fee)

Dogs 5 years or older: $67 (includes licensing, shots, and adoption fee)

Only cash or checks with proper identification are accepted at the Franklin County Dog Shelter for adoptions and license tags. 


License Fees

All dogs in Ohio three months of age and older must be licensed
annually by January 31 or immediately after assuming ownership.

$12 – Puppies aged 3-9 months.
$12 – Dogs 9 months or older that have been spayed or neutered.
$24 – Dogs over 9 months that has not been spayed or neutered.

You can also purchase your dog license online!