589 Industrial Rd Youngstown, OH 44509 330 / 740-2205

Contact Us Dog License Application Myths about Shelter Dogs How To Adopt a Dog Licensing Your Dog Controlling Your Dog Immunizing Your Dog Against Rabies
Adopting Shelter Dogs If you are thinking about adopting a companion animal, you may want to consider adopting a dog form the county shelter. Since there are many myths surrounding shelter adoptions, the following information may aid in your decision. MYTH #1: If the dog is at the county pound, there has to be something wrong with it. FACT: There are many reasons why a dog owner chooses to surrender a pet to the shelter. Those reasons may range from allergies, to divorce, to job transfer, to an unexpected personal tragedy, such as the loss of a job, home, or loved one. Many of the previously owned dogs are well behaved, well socialized, and housebroken. Since they are young adult dogs well past the "puppy stage", they are excellent candidates for senior citizens or households whose irregular schedules would not fare well in the housebreaking area. Dogs surrendered by their owners that display aggression, ill health, or any obvious physical or behavior problems are not candidates for adoption. MYTH #2: Dogs adopted from the county pound are not healthy. FACT: Between 800 and 1,000 dogs are adopted from the Mahoning County Pound yearly. Approximately 2% of all dogs adopted have experienced health problems that would be considered serious. MYTH #3: All dog pound dogs are mutts. FACT: While most dogs found at the shelter are in fact mixed breeds, many of them are not every dog that could be found on the top ten list of the most popular breeds in the country, have all been adopted from the shelter. Those breeds include but are not limited to Poodles, Border Collies, Labs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. How To Adopt a Dog The adoption kennel is located at the Mahoning County Dog Wardens office at 589 Indutrial Road, on the west side of Youngstown. Those wishing to visit the kennel may do so bewteen 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Adoption fees start at $25.00 (license fees are not included.) Kennel personnel is available to assist in the selection. The dog may be returned or may be replaced. No veterinary services are provided to adoptable dogs at the shelter, with the exception of puppies; they will have been vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Licensing Your Dog WHEN? Every Year. All dogs 3 months of age and older must be licensed each year by January 31. Dogs acquired after January 31 must be licensed immediately to avoid penalties. WHY? Licensing is a requirement of Ohio law. The license, attached to your dog's collar, will identify you as the owner should the dog be lost. If the dog is impounded by the Dog Warden's office and is wearing its tag, you will be notified. Dogs not wearing their current license tags are held only 3 days for redemption. WHERE? Dog Wardens Office, 589 Industrial Rd., Youngstown, Ohio or the Auditors Office, Mahoning County Court House, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 P.M. Other agencies are also available throughout the County. Phone our office at 740-2205 for a complete listing. Controlling Your Dog WHEN? At all times. The Ohio Revised Code specifies that all dogs must be kept confined to your property or under reasonable control at all times. WHERE? Everywhere. Because the confinement law is a State requirement, a dog must be controlled in both urban and rural areas of the county. Municipalities may have additional regulations regarding dog control. WHY? As a courtesy to others and to protect your dog. Imagine how your neighbor must feel when your dog runs through his garden, messes in his yard, knocks over his trash can, or bites his child. In rural areas, imagine if you were the farmer who had his animals killed or injured by dogs. All of these things can and do happen in Mahoning County. It is the fault of no one except the irresponsible dog owner. It's also dangerous for your dog to ran at large. Dogs are no match for cars. The dog owner is held responsible for both personal injury and property damage done by their dog. Immunizing Your Dog Against Rabies WHEN? When your dog becomes 4 months of age. All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian according to a regulation of the Mahoning County General Health District. WHERE? Any Licensed Veterinarian in Mahoning County. Check the yellow pages listing under Veterinarian. WHY? Rabies can be contracted by any warm blooded animal including man. It is almost always fatal. Rabies immunization helps to prevent the spread of this disease from animal to animal and from animal to man.