The Animal Control Office handles animal surrenders, cremations, owner claims, complaints, licenses, and lost & found reports. Our officers work hard to ensure the safety and care of the county's animal population, educate the public, and uphold the law. The Animal Control office is located at door # 4, on the west side of the building. If you have any questions, please call (419) 423-1664, extension 23. The office business hours are as follows:
Monday thru
Friday--10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday--10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday--Closed
* Our officers are
on call twenty-four hours a day.
* Urgent calls after hours should be referred to the Findlay
Police Department @ 419-424-7152
or Hancock County Sheriff (419) 422-2424.
* All calls pertaining to wildlife issues should be directed to the
Wildlife Division of Hancock
County (419) 424-5000.
Animal Surrenders
- There is a $25.00 fee for
owner surrenders per animal. For out-of-county
surrenders there is a $50.00 fee per animal.
- We keep animals as long as they are happy, healthy, and we have sufficient
room. We cannot guarantee any animal will be adopted (euthanasia is a
possibility--we are not a no-kill shelter). All animals are evaluated on
an individual basis in regards to behavior and health. The Humane Society operates on
donations. All contributions are welcomed and greatly appreciated.
All animals are an expense to the Humane Society.
Cremations*
- Group cremations (remains will
not be returned) $50.00 per animal.
- Private cremations (remains will be returned in a decorative wooden urn)
$125.00 per animal.
*Cremations are not available at this time due to maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Owner Claims
- To owner claim your
animal, there is a $50.00 fee for the first day and $20.00 for each additional
day.
- Stray dogs without identification can be held for seventy-two hours only, then
they are screened for adoption.
- If owner claiming a dog, you must purchase a current year's license if you do
not own one.
- Citations may be issued.
Lost & Found
- We do our best to reunite lost
pets with their owners.
- If an animal is missing, it is the pet owner's responsibility to contact the
Humane Society immediately following pet's disappearance.
- Since there are no laws regarding cats in Hancock County, they legally belong
to the Humane Society immediately after surrendering. Dogs wearing a current
year's license will be held for fourteen days. Dogs without a current
year's license will only be held for seventy-two hours, then screened for
adoption; therefore, it is imperative to contact the Humane Society as soon as
possible.
- We encourage all owners of missing pets to come in and see if your pet may be
in our care.
- If you have placed a lost or found report and the status of the animal
changes, please contact the Humane Society.
Door-to-Door
License Checks
Humane Society & SPCA of
Hancock County is currently administering Hancock County dog license
checks. Any resident in Hancock County owning a dog must purchase a
license. Each dog per household is required to have one. We
ask that all dogs wear their licenses at all times. If they should ever
become lost, it is the easiest way for the owners to be contacted. It is
also state law, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, section 955.21. You may be
issued a citation if your dog is not wearing his or her current year's license,
pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, section 955.10. You may also be cited for
not owning a license(s). We will be conducting door-to-door checks
throughout the community, city and rural. Please purchase your license as
soon as possible to avoid citation. Cats do not require a license in Ohio.
All licenses, regardless of spay or neutering, are being sold
at $15.00 each. The Humane Society charges a $0.75 processing fee
per sales transaction. All licenses must be purchased before January 31 of
each year to
avoid a penalty charge of $15.00.
What Happens When Your Dog Runs Loose?
- If your dog is not under reasonable control, he
or she may be picked up by animal control.
- The Humane Society will hold your dog in custody for up to 72 hours, required
by Ohio law.
- If your dog is wearing his or her current county license, the Humane Society
will hold your dog for 14 days.
- To claim your dog, it will cost you $50.00 the first day and $20.00 each
additional day. If your dog does not have a valid license, you must
purchase one before your dog can be released, costing you and additional $30.75.
- 1st encounter with your dog--You will be warned
to keep your dog confined on your property and possibly fined.
- 2nd encounter with your dog (1st offense)--You will be issued a citation to be paid in Municipal Court.
- 3rd encounter with your dog (2nd offense)--You will have a mandatory court
appearance in Municipal Court and up to a $150.00 fine, not including court
appearance fees, per animal.
Keeping your dog under reasonable control is a lot less hassle and expense than letting him or her run loose!
