Ready to adopt a dog? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, we want to do our part to help you find the right companion and have everything perfectly prepared for the day he or she comes home.
That’s why we’ve created this guide for adopting a dog in Ohio. From the selection process to the first vet visit to your new pet-friendly budget, we’ve got every detail down below.
Finding a dog in Ohio
According to the SPCA, 6.5 million animals are taken to shelters every year. Adoption gives you the chance to give one (or more!) of these animals a warm, loving home.
You can begin your search from the comfort of your own home. Head online to find shelters in your area. Many of them will post pictures and descriptions of dogs in their care just waiting for their forever homes. We’ve got a great list to get you started down below.
You can also put the name of your city into websites like Petfinder or Adopt a Pet. Some shelters crosspost their listing to these sites so you can browse dogs from different rescues all at once.
As you’re viewing your options, read the rescue-provided descriptions carefully. This can help you get a sense of the dog’s temperament, energy levels, and other attributes, which then helps you determine whether he or she would be a good fit in your home.
If there is no description, look up characteristics of the dog’s breed(s) on the American Kennel Club website. Dogs of the same breed don’t necessarily act similarly, but you can get a sense of what sort of care you’ll need to provide.
For example, some dogs need daily brushing, while others tend to require advanced medical care later in life.
Finally, be sure you’re aware of breed-specific laws in your area before choosing a dog to adopt.
Banned breeds in Ohio
Ohio takes dog ownership and responsibility quite seriously. Many of its cities and towns have laws on the books regulating what breeds can and cannot be owned or adopted. According to the dog safety website DogsBite.org, most of these laws apply to Pit Bulls, either banning them outright, restricting how many you can have, or declaring them “vicious.”
The best way to know whether you can adopt a certain breed of dog is to check your local laws. Check with your city or county animal department, as they will have the most up-to-date details.
The adoption process in Ohio
Found a dog you like that passes any local breed restriction laws? Great! Once you’ve talked to any and all roommates or family members who share your household, you’re ready to begin the adoption process.
Each rescue has its own methods (and some will share this information on their website). Some are fine with same-day adoptions, some ask for references, and others conduct home visits. However, you’ll more or less go through the same steps:
- Find a dog you like and fill out an adoption application.
- Schedule an appointment with the shelter staff to visit the dog. Bring everyone who will share the dog’s home with you to this appointment. If you have other dogs, ask the shelter if you can bring them to the meeting as well.
- If everyone gets along, continue with the adoption process. Fill out any outstanding paperwork and attend a counseling session on responsible pet ownership.
- If applicable, wait for the shelter to check any references, contact your landlord, and/or get in touch with your vet.
- Pay the adoption fee, buy a pet license if you can do that on-site, and then you’re free to take your dog home!
Licensing dogs in Ohio
Ohio state law requires all dogs to be licensed. A license is very helpful if you and your pet get separated. Not only does it help whoever finds your dog get in touch with you, but it also assures that person that your pet is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination.
Dog licenses are handled at the local level, so check your county’s website for the most accurate information. Luckily, some shelters will take care of licensing during the adoption process.
The first vet visit
It’s a good idea to take your new pet to the veterinarian within a week or two of adoption. Rescues give all dogs medical attention, but they’re forced to prioritize the most pressing ailments. A speedy trip to the vet will catch minor issues like kennel cough.
If you’re lucky, your recuse may even include a voucher for a free or discounted wellness exam as an extra incentive to go.
How much it costs to adopt a dog in Ohio
Your adoption fee does so much for a rescue, allowing it to continue supporting homeless animals and community initiatives. The payment allows rescues to afford shelter, food, medical care, enrichment options, outreach, and so much more. Costs vary from shelter to shelter, but a little preemptive research will tell you what you’ll end up paying.
Below are fees from three different rescues across Ohio.
Athens County Dog Shelter
- Cost: $125 for dogs and puppies of all ages
- What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, heartworm test, dog license
Franklin County Dog Adoption Center & Shelter
- Cost: $123 for all dogs under 5 years old. $73 for dogs five years and older. Owners adopting dogs that have been in the shelter for an extended period of time only pay the licensing cost: $18.
- What it covers: Spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, dog license
One of a Kind Pet Rescue
- Cost: $350+ for puppies up to 6 months of age, $250+ for dogs 7 months to 8 years of age, $150 for senior dogs 8 years and older
- What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, medical evaluation
Where to adopt a dog in Ohio
Many counties in Ohio have their own official shelters connecting to their local animal care and control departments. Below are a number of highly-rated rescues from across the state:
- Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio: (Dublin) Specializes in rescuing Collies and Shelties.
- Athens County Dog Shelter: (Chauncey) The official shelter for Athens County.
- Columbus Dog Connection: (Columbus) A network of rescues that also operates a mobile spay/neuter service and low-cost vaccinations.
- Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center & Shelter: (Lancaster) The official shelter for Fairfield County.
- Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center: (Columbus) The official shelter for Franklin County.
- Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue: An interstate rescue operating in Ohio, New York, and Connecticut.
- One of A King Pet Rescue: (Akron) A donation-funded nonprofit that primarily helps animals that are likely to be euthanized.
- Paws and Prayers: (Cuyahoga Falls) A foster-based rescue that has grown to save more than 1,000 animals annually.
- SICSA (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals): (Washington Township): A rescue that saves nearly 2,000 homeless pets a year and provides a variety of community services, including spay/neuter surgery and humane education.
- Wayne County Dog Shelter: (Wooster) The official shelter for Wayne County.
Creating a care budget for your dog
With a new addition to the household comes new things to budget for. You’ll want to add the items below to your shopping list:
- Food
- A leash
- A collar or harness
- A crate and bedding
- Treats and toys
- Waste bags
- Vet exams, vaccinations, and medications
- Dog walkers
- Boarding and/or pet sitting services
The following items are things you’ll buy less often—possibly only once—but they’re still good to have on hand:
- Grooming products
- Dog training sessions
- Pet insurance
A note about pet insurance
Remember when we mentioned that some breeds are prone to certain health issues as they grow older? This is where pet insurance can come in handy, giving you peace of mind when the vet bill comes.
That said, only you can determine whether this expense is worth the results it brings. Look at different coverage options, and check to see if your employer offers pet insurance as a perk. Compare this information with your dog’s medical history to make the right decision for you and your pet.
Getting ready for your new dog
You’re so close to welcoming your new pet home! But before you do, try to get its living arrangements set. The more prepared you are for that first day, the easier it will be for your dog to adjust from shelter to home life.
Before going to the shelter to get your new dog, add the following to your shopping list:
- Food, food bowls, and water bowls
- Treats
- Toys
- A leash and collar or harness
- Puppy pads and enzyme cleaners (a new environment can cause accidents)
And then, bring home your new pet
We couldn’t be happier for you, and we’re here if you need us. Rover has qualified dog walkers, sitters, and boarders in Ohio to give you a helping hand
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- 11 Best Dog Brushes for Everyday Grooming
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