Lake County, Ohio USA

About the Dog Shelter

The Lake County Dog Shelter is run by the Lake County Dog Warden.  The Dog Warden serves the residents of Lake County and seeks to educate them on the responsibilities of pet ownership.  The Dog Warden works to protect lost dogs and attempts to reunite them with their owners.  If your dog is missing, we should be your first phone call!  While state law permits the Dog Warden to dispose of stray dogs, this is considered a last resort and is only pursued when attempts to return or place the dog have failed.  Dedicated  to our tasks, the Dog Warden's office operates on a 24 hour basis.  All dogs in the State of Ohio are required to be licensed at three months of age.  We are authorized to handle only dogs, as mandated by state law.

Upon arrival at our facility it is standard procedure to vaccinate each dog against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo virus, and kennel cough. This helps to keep sick dogs from infecting others.  The animals in our care are continuously monitored by our staff for signs of illness.  Our Deputies are trained to handle each dog in the most humane way possible.  After we legally own a dog, it is evaluated for adoptability, taking into consideration the age, health, and temperament of the dog.

In 2006, the total number of dogs entering our facility was 804.  Of that number, 285 were adopted to new homes, 331were reclaimed by their owners, 140 were euthanized, with another 34 euthanized at their owner's request.  Our reclaim and adoption records well exceeded Ohio's average, and our euthanasia record was well below the state average. 

                           Staffing           2008

                            Full-Time            5

                            Part-Time           4

                            Total                  9

*Licensing Your Dog

All dogs three months of age and older according to state law must be licensed immediately.  New licenses are sold between December 1 and January 31.  Dogs acquired after January 31 must be licensed immediately to avoid penalty fees.  Licensing is a requirement of Ohio law.  The current dog license attached to your dog's collar will identify you as the owner, should the dog become lost.  Anyone finding a dog can call the Sheriff's Department if our office is closed and get owner information.  If your dog is actually impounded by the Dog Warden's office and is wearing its license, you will be notified.  Dogs not wearing their current license are held only three days for reclamation.  Under Ohio law, each stray must be held for 72 hours prior to adoption.  Dogs with current licenses are held for 14 days.  During the holding period, every attempt is made to locate the owner of the dog, including a certified letter to the owner of record of dogs with current licenses.

Dog License Sales

At the Dog Warden's office, we offer current Lake County Dog Licenses for sale throughout the year.  The public is welcome to call us regarding other dog licensing agents around the county.  One of our main goals is to ensure that every dog in the county is wearing a current dog license to make sure it will find its way home as soon as possible.

 Click on Rover to obtain a Lake County Dog License Application

This should be completed and mailed with a check or money order payable to: The Lake County Treasurer, Dog License Department,105 Main Street, Painesville, OH 44077

Dog Laws

*Controlling Your Dog

The Ohio Revised Code specifies that all dogs must be kept confined to the owners property or under reasonable control at all times.  This applies to all areas of Ohio, urban or rural.  Municipalities may have additional regulations regarding dog control within their own areas, so we suggest you check with your local zoning department regarding those in your area.  This law was made as a courtesy to all citizens of the state for safety reasons.  A dog owner is held responsible for both personal injury and property damage done by his/her dog. 

*Immunizing Your Dog Against Rabies

All dogs must be vaccinated against the rabies virus by a licensed veterinarian, according to a regulation of the Lake County General Health District.  Call your vet for more information.  Rabies can be contracted by any warm-blooded animal, including man, and is almost always fatal.  Immunizing your pets helps to prevent the spread of the disease.

Dog Shelter Fund Raiser

Bricks with your personal inscription are also available: $75.00 for individual, $250.00 for corporate sponsorship.  All bricks will be permanently displayed at our new facility. Please call 440-350-2796 for more information.

Donations

We are a self-funded department of the County, operating only from license sales, fees, and fines.  Any and all donations are gratefully accepted and will be put to good use on behalf of the dogs and the kennels.  

Humane Education

Tours may be scheduled for our kennels.  We regularly set up booths and tables at community events, fairs, and other locations to help educate adults and children about our duties and dedications to animals.

Kennel Procedures

Dogs continuously receive fresh water, food, and necessary  medications.  Their kennels are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.  More active and larger dogs are exercised out of doors.  

Lost and Found Services

A daily log is kept of each incoming dog which includes a description of the dog and location found.  We maintain a bulletin board where notices of lost and found dogs may be  placed and our staff keeps clipboards with all lost and found reports made to us. Notices of strays impounded at our facility are placed daily in the local newspaper, and all ads are checked against our lists.  Contact numbers for other shelters are given to people looking for their missing companion.  In order to assist us with the very large number of calls, a computerized answering system is available for use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on which citizens can place their own lost or found information.   Dog descriptions vary from person to person, collars can come off, be switched or removed, and dogs often get rides to other areas.  Physically go to your local dog shelter if your dog is missing, and check to see if it is there.

Adoptions

Each adoptable dog must be cleared by our veterinarian prior to being made available for adoption.  We encourage potential dog owners to do some research on breed traits prior to coming to our facility, and to spend some time with the dog they are interested in.   If they have children or another dog at home, we encourage them to bring their existing family here for a meeting with the potential "new" family member before adopting.  Our current adoption fee is $60.00 plus registration of $15.00, which includes a current dog license, initial vaccines, worming, and a veterinary assessment. 

Let Rover guide you to our dog adoption page, where we have several dogs waiting for you .