The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is a safe place for animals in need. Located in Valley View, Ohio, the shelter helps by offering pet adoption, lost and found services, and animal control.
If you’re looking to adopt a pet, find a lost one, or learn more about taking care of animals, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is here to assist.
Table of Contents
About Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
History and Purpose
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter was created to help stray and abandoned animals. Over time, it has grown to offer many services to care for animals and find them loving homes.
Our Mission: The shelter’s mission is to care for homeless and abandoned animals, help them find new homes, and teach people about responsible pet ownership.
Services We Provide
The shelter offers several important services:
- Pet Adoption: The shelter has many dogs waiting for forever homes. You can visit to find the perfect pet for your family.
- Lost and Found Services: If you’ve lost a pet, the shelter can help you find it. They keep a list of found animals and work with local authorities to reunite pets with their owners.
- Animal Control: The shelter works with local police to manage stray or dangerous animals, keeping the community safe.
- Community Education: The shelter teaches people about responsible pet care, the importance of spaying/neutering, and other animal issues.
How to Adopt a Pet from the Shelter
Steps to Adopt
Adopting a pet from the shelter is easy and ensures animals find loving homes.
- Visit the Shelter: Come meet the dogs available for adoption. The staff can help you find the right pet for you.
- Fill Out an Application: Once you choose a pet, fill out an adoption form. This helps the shelter make sure the pet will be a good fit for you.
- Adoption Interview: A staff member will talk to you about your application and give you more info about the pet.
- Complete the Adoption: If approved, you’ll pay a fee and sign papers to take your pet home.
- Bring Your Pet Home: After the paperwork, you can take your new pet home and start your life together.
Adoption Fees and What They Include
The cost to adopt varies, but usually covers:
- Spay/Neuter Surgery
- Vaccinations
- Microchip
- First Vet Exam
- Starter Kit (leash, collar, and food)
Tips for a Smooth Adoption
Adopting a pet is a big commitment. Here are some tips to help:
- Prepare Your Home: Make sure your home is ready by removing hazards and setting up a comfortable space.
- Start a Routine: Pets feel safe with a routine, so establish feeding, walking, and playtimes early.
- Be Patient: It may take time for your new pet to adjust. Patience and kindness will help them settle in.
Lost and Found Services
What to Do If You Lose Your Pet
Losing a pet is scary, but the shelter is here to help. Here’s what to do:
- Search Nearby: Start looking in your neighborhood, as pets often stay close to home.
- Check the Shelter: Contact or visit the shelter to see if your pet was brought in.
- Make Flyers: Post flyers in your area and on social media. Include a picture and your contact info.
- Use Online Tools: Websites like Petfinder and local community groups can help spread the word.
What to Do If You Find a Lost Pet
If you find a lost pet, here’s how to help:
- Look for ID: Check for tags or a microchip. If there’s no ID, take the pet to the shelter or a vet to be scanned for a chip.
- Contact the Shelter: Report the found pet to the shelter and bring it in for care.
- Post Online: Share details about the found pet on social media and lost pet websites.
- Keep the Pet Safe: Keep the pet safe and comfortable until the owner is found.
Lost and Found Pets Database
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter keeps a Lost and Found Pets Database to help reunite pets with their owners.
The database is updated regularly and can be searched by various details like the date found, the animal’s description, and where it was found.
Example of Lost and Found Pets Database
| Date Found | Animal Description | Location Found | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/01/2024 | Brown Labrador Mix | Valley View | Shelter: (216) 525-7877 |
| 09/02/2024 | White and Grey Cat | Cleveland | Shelter: (216) 525-7877 |
This table is available online and is a helpful tool if you’ve lost a pet.
Animal Control Services
What Animal Control Officers Do
Animal Control Officers (ACOs) at the shelter play an important role in keeping both animals and people safe. Their duties include:
- Catching Stray Animals: ACOs help capture stray or dangerous animals and bring them to the shelter.
- Investigating Animal Abuse: ACOs investigate cases of animal cruelty and work with police to stop it.
- Educating the Public: ACOs teach the community about responsible pet ownership, vaccinations, and more.
Reporting a Stray or Dangerous Animal
If you see a stray or dangerous animal, report it to the shelter. Here’s how:
- Call the Shelter: Contact the shelter’s hotline and give details about the animal and its location.
- Stay Safe: Don’t try to capture the animal yourself, especially if it seems aggressive. Wait for an ACO to arrive.
- Follow Up: You can check with the shelter later to see what was done about your report.
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering help control the pet population and prevent unwanted animals from ending up in shelters.
The shelter offers resources for low-cost spay/neuter services and strongly encourages pet owners to take advantage of them.
Community Programs
Workshops and Events
The shelter hosts workshops and events to teach people about caring for pets and keeping them healthy. Some programs include:
- Pet Care 101: A class for new pet owners on the basics of caring for pets, including feeding and training.
- Spay/Neuter Awareness: An event that explains the benefits of spaying/neutering.
- Kids and Pets: A fun event teaching kids how to safely and kindly interact with pets.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the shelter is a great way to help animals in need. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Dog Walking: Help exercise and socialize dogs.
- Adoption Events: Help organize and run events to find homes for pets.
- Shelter Help: Assist with office tasks, cleaning, and caring for animals.
How to Get Involved
If you want to volunteer, visit the shelter’s website or contact them to learn more about available opportunities. Volunteers usually need to attend an orientation and commit to a regular schedule.
Success Stories: Pets Finding New Homes
The shelter has many happy stories of pets finding loving families. Here are a few:
- Bella the Beagle: Bella, an older beagle, found a loving family who wanted a gentle companion. She quickly became a cherished part of their lives.
- Max the Mixed Breed: Max, a lively mixed breed, was adopted by a young couple who love outdoor activities. Now, Max enjoys hiking and playing in his new backyard.
- Luna the Labrador: Luna was rescued from a tough situation and, after receiving care at the shelter, was adopted by a retired couple who give her all the love she deserves.
These stories show the positive impact of the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter on both the animals and the families who adopt them.
How the Shelter is Funded
Where the Money Comes From
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is funded by public money, donations, and fundraisers. These funds help the shelter care for animals and run community programs.
- County Funding: Part of the shelter’s budget comes from county funds.
- Donations: The shelter accepts donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations to cover costs like medical care and food.
- Fundraising Events: The shelter raises money through events like charity walks, auctions, and online campaigns.
How You Can Help
You can support the shelter in several ways:
- Donate Money: You can make a one-time or regular donation to help the shelter.
- Give Supplies: The shelter also needs food, toys, bedding, and other items.
- Join Fundraisers: Participate in the shelter’s events to raise money and awareness for animal welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Shelter’s Hours?
The shelter is open during the following hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
How Can I Report Animal Cruelty?
If you suspect animal cruelty, call the shelter’s animal control hotline with as many details as possible to help with the investigation.
What Should I Do If I Find a Stray Animal?
If you find a stray animal, report it to the shelter. You can also bring the animal to the shelter for care until the owner is found or the pet is adopted.
Can I Surrender My Pet to the Shelter?
If you need to surrender your pet, contact the shelter for information on how to do
so. They will work with you to find the best solution for your pet.
How Can I Contact the Shelter?
You can reach the shelter by:
- Phone: (216) 525-7877
- Email: info@cuyahogacountyanimalshelter.com
- Visit: 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125
Conclusion
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is dedicated to helping animals in need and finding them loving homes. Whether you’re looking to adopt a pet, find a lost one, or learn more about animal care, the shelter is here to help.
Consider adopting, volunteering, or donating to support the shelter’s mission and make a difference in the lives of animals in Cuyahoga County.
