Dogs Available for Adoption

Our Adoption Process

You must be 21 years of age. You must be willing to make a ten- to twenty-year commitment to the dog. We do not adopt out of the state of Ohio or to members of the military. We do not adopt out dogs as gifts. All dogs will be INDOOR companions. You must have a secure fenced yard or be committed to multiple daily leash walks in all kinds of weather (snow, heat, ice, pouring rain, etc.) If you are living in a rental property you must provide written proof of landlord approval and payment of any pet deposit.   All current pets in the household MUST be spayed/neutered and current on all shots. Veterinarian references are verified.   Our adoption contract legally binds you to provide the dog with proper veterinary care, including a yearly wellness exam, up-to-date required vaccinations and emergency care if necessary. You will also keep the dog on monthly heartworm prevention. Our adoption process intentionally takes several steps and cannot be completed in one day. Expect this process to take 1-2 weeks from the time you submit an application to the time the dog will be in your home. We reserve the right to deny an application without explanation.

Note to Adopters

Lassie and Cleo and Rin Tin Tin and Toto don’t show up in rescue. We don’t get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained, perfectly behaved dog. We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively “trained,” and badly treated. Most Rescue dogs have had it. They’ve been pushed from one lousy situation to another. They’ve never had proper veterinary care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company. They’ve lived outside, in a crate, or in the basement. They’re scared, depressed and anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick. Some have given up.

But we are Rescue and we don’t give up. We never give up on a dog. We know that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings. Our dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next Westminster champion. So please, please don’t come to rescue in the hopes of getting a “bargain,” or indeed of “getting” anything.

Come to Rescue to give, to love, to save a life — and to mend your own spirit. For Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible. I can promise you this — a rescue dog will make you a better person.

By Diane Morgan

Our Partners

Alleviate the financial stress associated with your pet's unexpected medical expenses and generate funds for our shelter at the same time! Simply apply for a ShelterCare Pet Insurance Program by using the ShelterCare banner-link. Here's how it works: ShelterCare Pet Insurance Programs cover you when your pet needs essential veterinary care from an illness or injury. Also, every time a completed application for a ShelterCare program is generated through our shelter's website, we automatically receive a $25 donation to help cover common needs like blankets, litter and food. This donation is of no cost to you and provides us with essential funds. Make the right move and enroll today!