We provide compassionate care for impounded animals at the shelter, as well as adoption and lost dog services to the community. We also educate the public and teach dog owners to be more responsible citizens.
Our mission is to enforce the dog laws in Franklin County and keep the public safe from animal-related health or safety dangers.
We respond to service requests, investigate complaints about nuisance, dangerous and vicious dogs, investigate dog bites, impound stray and dangerous dogs, file criminal charges, make court appearances, and assist the police in crimes involving dogs, injuries caused by dogs and livestock attacks.
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
4340 Tamarack Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43229
Create an alert and get notified with newly adoptable pets that meet your criteria.
We are a large municipal dog shelter serving the citizens of Franklin County. Last year nearly 10,000 dogs and puppies entered the shelter. The majority of the dogs we offer for adoption are unclaimed lost dogs or owner turn-ins. Last year we adopted, returned or rescued 8,162 dogs and puppies.
Additional adoption info
The first step to adopting one of our dogs or puppies is visiting with our adoptable dogs. When you come to the shelter, you will meet with an Adoption Counselor and have a conversation about your lifestyle, needs and what type of dog you are interested in adopting. After finding the right match for your family, you will meet with the dog and decide if adoption is right for you.
Small dogs and puppies are extremely popular! These are usually adopted within 48 hours of the time we move them to the adoption floor. For best selection, plan to visit on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings.
Don't forget to check out our foster dogs that are also available for adoption, but may not be out on the adoption floor because they are living in foster homes. If you are interested in adopting a dog in a foster home, please email foster@franklincountyohio.gov.
The adoption fee for puppies and dogs under 5 years old is $123 (includes dog license, vaccinations, spay or neuter, and microchip). Some dogs may be discounted to $73 including all dogs 5 years or older, and our Shelter Favorites who have been here longer than most are waived adoption fees. These dogs may be adopted for just the price of the dog license, $18.
We accept cash, checks, or credit cards with proper identification at the Franklin County Dog Shelter for adoptions and license tags.
Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
2020 State Route 142 NE,
West Jefferson,
OH
43162
Columbus, OH 43212
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