Did you know that in 2020, it is estimated that 347,000 dogs were euthanized in the United States?  Healthy, normal dogs, who were simply unwanted. Thank you for choosing to be part of the solution, by adopting your next family member!

How the adoption process works:

Dog adoptions are handled by appointment only. This ensures we have appropriate indoor space reserved for you to meet our dogs, allows the staff to focus their time and attention on you, the potential adopter, and answer any questions you may have.

1. View the current dogs available for adoption (see below) and their bios to see if there are any you would like to meet. While we cannot hold dogs or guarantee that a specific dog will be available when you come in, the mix available is always being updated and there’s a good chance we may have a great match for you that hasn’t hit our website yet! Complete the dog application when you are ready. 
2. Once your application has been received, an adoption counselor will give you a call to discuss your application and what dog(s) may be a good fit for your family. An appointment will be scheduled for you to come in to the shelter to meet available dog(s). 
3. It is highly recommended that you bring your dog(s) for a dog-dog meet & greet for any dog you are wishing to add to your family.   An adoption counselor will let you know if they feel a dog-dog meet & greet is necessary for the particular shelter dog you are interested in meeting.
4. Please note that some of our dogs are in foster homes (not at the shelter) and it may take a little time to make arrangements for the dog to be returned from foster care.
5. Some dogs are in high demand and generate a lot of interest. In making decisions about the placement of animals in our care, we are thinking not only of their welfare, but also of the well-being of the families who wish to adopt from us. We focus on making a good match between pets and owners, and sometimes we must deny an adoption.
6. If you need help finding the right match, please e-mail the canine staff at caninestaff@hsdcohio.org
7. We adopt to individuals residing in Ohio.

Please note: An unanticipated outcome of the limited public walkthroughs during COVID-19 was a decrease in agitation and stress levels for dogs housed on the adoption floor. The predictable routines and monitored interactions reduced noise, excitability, and upset stomachs. Caretakers noticed a marked improvement in the mental and physical health of our dogs. As a result, we do not have casual visiting hours with dogs.