FAQs
What is the fee for adopting a dog from the Franklin County
Dog Shelter?
There is a $100 adoption fee plus an $12 licensing fee when you adopt a dog from the shelter. The total fee, $112, is non-refundable.
"Senior" dogs age 5 and older are only $50
plus an $12 licensing fee.
All dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption and have received the following vaccinations: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and
Para influenza. A rabies vaccination is also given if the dog is three (3) months or older. In addition, dogs also receive one to two dewormings and a heartworm treatment. Any known medical history of the dogs will also be provided at the time of adoption.
What method of payment does the shelter accept?
The shelter accepts either cash or check (valid ID required) for adoptions. The shelter accepts ONLY cash as payment for a redemption fee. We do NOT accept credit cards for any transactions.
What kinds of dogs are available for adoption?
The Franklin County Dog Shelter has many different types of dogs. Because of the enormous pet overpopulation, we are
constantly receiving new dogs. We have many pure breeds and mixed breeds for adoption, as well as small, medium, and large dogs.
We have adult dogs as well as puppies available. Most dogs are 6
months - 2 years of age. We encourage you to speak with a kennel attendant or
an adoption counselor for help in selecting one of our many wonderful dogs that will make the perfect pet for you.
Does the Franklin County Dog Shelter accept cats or other animals?
No. Unfortunately, because the Ohio Revised Code Section 955.12 only specifies that the County will serve as the dog warden, Franklin County Animal
Care and Control Enforcement officers and the Franklin County Dog Shelter
have no jurisdiction to handle or provide shelter for cats or other animals. Therefore,
we cannot accept cats or other animals. If you have a question about or need to turn-in stray or unwanted cats, please contact the Capital Area Humane Society at (614) 777-7387.
Will you hold a dog for me?
Due to the large number of adoptions per day, the dog you wish to take home may have already been adopted. We cannot reserve or hold adoptable dogs for anyone and we do not have a “waiting list.” We do encourage you, however, to visit the Franklin County
Dog Shelter as soon as possible to view all of our wonderful dogs available for adoption.
You may also call us to see if the dog you are interested in adopting is still
available.
How often is the web site updated?
Our website is updated daily and contains a
searchable database. We are unable to
guarantee that a specific dog will be available at the time of your
visit to our website. If you do not find a dog fitting your interest
immediately, please check our web site for
new postings daily. Small dogs and puppies are often adopted the
same day they first appear on our website.
Where do the dogs available for adoption come from?
Dogs available for adoption come to the shelter after being picked up as strays,
stray turn-ins by residents, through owner surrender, or by night deposit (after hours drop-off).
How long does it take to adopt a dog?
It takes approximately 60 minutes to adopt a dog. After looking
through all three adoption wards, notify the front desk which dog you are
interested in and fill out our screening application. A kennel attendant will get the dog out for
you to meet.
We
encourage you to spend a few minutes in our outdoor "get
acquainted area" with the
dog you are interested in so that you can get to know the dog a little
before making your decision. After completing the adoption and registration information, you and your new best friend
are on your way!
How old does my pet have to be before I am required
to buy a license?
A dog must be licensed by the time it reaches three months of age,
according to the Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01. If you acquire a
dog that is over three months of age, you must license it immediately.
Cats are not required to be licensed.
When does my dog have to have a rabies shot?
The Franklin County Boards of Health require that all dogs and cats be immunized against rabies by the time they reach three months of age. The rabies shot must be given by a licensed veterinarian.
Is my dog allowed to run loose?
All dogs, regardless of age, must be kept confined upon the premises of the owner, keeper, or
harbored at all times. If a dog is off of the owner’s property, it must be kept under reasonable control, which is best achieved by keeping the dog on a leash.
How long is a dog held at the Shelter after it has been picked up by an Animal Control Officer?
If a dog is wearing a current dog license, it will be held at the Shelter for up to fourteen (14) days.
We will make several attempts to contact the dog's owner.
Unlicensed dogs are only held for three (3) days. Every attempt is made to reunite lost dogs with their owners. After the waiting period, dogs are evaluated for adoption.
Does the shelter euthanize adoptable dogs?
Generally, no. In conjunction with local area rescue groups,
breed rescue groups and other shelters, the FCDS
makes every effort possible to place adoptable dogs into loving homes.
95% of all healthy adoptable dogs will eventually find new homes. Age
is not a factor as long as the dog is healthy and has a good
temperament.
How much does it cost to retrieve my dog from the
Shelter, if it has been picked up by an Animal Control Officer?
The fees vary, depending on whether or not the dog was licensed,
immunized against rabies, and whether the dog was already spayed or
neutered. For the first day the fees can range from as little as $7.50
to nearly $60.
Do Animal Control Officers file criminal charges
against dog owners?
Yes, the Deputy Wardens with the Franklin County Department of Animal
Care and Control file approximately 5,000 charges against dog owners each year
in Franklin County Municipal Court. The penalties for these offenses
range from a small fine for a first offense of failing to license a
dog, to a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for
violating the laws pertaining to Pit Bulls.
Are there special laws for Pit Bull dogs?
Yes, all dogs commonly known as Pit Bulls are considered vicious
under State law. These types of dogs must be confined in a locked
fenced yard, a locked dog pen that has a top, or some other locked
enclosure on the owner’s property. The owners of these dogs must also
maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance, in the event that
their dog would injure a person.
What is a Pit Bull Dog?
A breed of dog commonly known as a Pit Bull is a dog that has all or
many of the same physical characteristics as an American Pit Bull
Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, a Staffordshire Bull
Terrier or an American Bulldog. Deputy Wardens with the Franklin
County Department of Animal Care and Control have been trained and are
authorized to identify Pit Bull dogs.
Are there ways people can help the shelter?
A large part of the Franklin County Dog Shelter’s success in
placing adoptable dogs depends upon contributions from citizens like
you! We are continually looking for dedicated volunteers to assist our
staff. Volunteer opportunities include: adoption counselor, shelter
caregiver, bathing, grooming, training and walking dogs, public
relations events,
assisting veterinary technicians, foster care program, and special
adoption events. For more information concerning volunteer work, click here!
We are also always in need of extra towels, blankets,
soft dog or cat food, pet carriers, and chew toys for our dogs. If you have any of these
items that you are willing to donate, please drop them off at the
Shelter during office hours.
If you would like to donate money to the
shelter, please send your check or money order payable to Franklin
County Dog Shelter and mail to 1731 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus,
Ohio 43207.
We also have an all-volunteer
fundraising group for the dogs at the shelter.
Friends of the Shelter is a 501c3
Non-Profit Group. Donations are tax deductible.
All donations are used for
medical, behavioral and training programs that
directly benefit the dogs.
If you would like to donate money
specifically to help the dogs at the Shelter, please send your check or money order payable to
"Friends of the Shelter" and mail to:
Friends of the Shelter
5852 Heritage Lakes Drive
Hilliard OH
43026 or
Friends of the Shelter
c/o Franklin County Dog Shelter
1731 Alum Creek Drive
Columbus, OH 43207
Click
here to visit their website:
http://www.friendsoftheshelter.info/
If you would like more information on donating to the Franklin County Dog Shelter, please call or FAX:
Phone (614) 462-4361
FAX (614) 462-6658
