Adopt

Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

Dog shelter in Columbus, OH

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.

Contact visit shelter
Email
Address
4340 Tamarack Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43229
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Meet their adoptable pets

4340 Tamarack Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229

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Adoptable pets at Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

This shelter doesn’t have any adoptable pets right now - check out adoptable pets nearby or start a custom pet search below.

Shelter FAQs

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.

  • 1. Visit the Facility and Find a Pet

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.

Pets at shelters & rescues near Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

Licking County Dog Shelter

544 Dog Leg Rd,
Heath, OH 43056

Ohio Pug Rescue Inc

Columbus, OH 43207

Jack of Hearts

3710 London Lancaster Rd,
Groveport, OH 43125

We'll also keep you updated on Judiah's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Judiah

Judiah

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Kitten
Marion, OH
We'll also keep you updated on Sage's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sage

Sage

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Powell, OH
We'll also keep you updated on Marley's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Marley

Marley

Boxer/Labrador Retriever

Female, 2 yrs 10 mos
Plain City, OH
We'll also keep you updated on Ruby's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ruby

Ruby

Husky/Labrador Retriever

Female, Adult
Marion, OH
We'll also keep you updated on Gracie (Kitty)'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Gracie (Kitty)

Gracie (Kitty)

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Adult
Ashville, OH
We'll also keep you updated on Ali's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Ali

Ali

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Kitten
Columbus, OH

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