The Delaware County Dog Shelter is a county-operated dog shelter and kennel. One of our goals is to find forever homes for our adoptable strays and surrenders.
Most people choosing a pet from a shelter do so with the desire to provide it a forever home. Careful screening of those wishing to adopt can help guarantee a successful, lifetime placement with a responsible owner. We also rescue dogs to 501(c)(3) rescue groups and Humane Societies. Only adoptable dogs are adopted or rescued. We will not euthanize an adoptable dog; we will house them for an indefinite period of time to achieve this goal. We pride ourselves in being people-friendly and dog-friendly! Adopt from us for $6.00!!!
Tales of Success:
Follow Us at Delaware County Dog Shelter on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Dog Warden respond to problems involving barking dogs?
No, barking is a noise ordinance issue and would be covered by municipal or township laws via the police or Sheriff’s Office.
Who do I call about cats?
The Delaware County Dog Warden’s Office does not have the authority to control cats. Only municipalities have the ability to enact ordinances for the control of cats. The Humane Society of Delaware County and other non-profit organizations do the best they can to help and would be the contact point.
Who do I call about wildlife?
The Delaware County Dog Warden’s Office does not have the authority to control wildlife. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources can be a great asset for information. ODNR has an excellent website that can answer many questions and link to contacts at https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/nuisance-wildlife
I am from another county (not Delaware), can I bring my dog into the shelter?
Unfortunately you cannot. We will check ID’s for address when conducting business. Each county is required by the Ohio Revised Code to have a Dog Warden/Shelter, thus you will be able to seek out these functions in the county you reside.
Dog issues in the City of Delaware?
The City of Delaware has Community Service Officers (CSO) that the Delaware County Dog Warden’s Office works with closely. For dog related issues in the City of Delaware, the first stop would be to contact a CSO via the City of Delaware Police Dept.
Can I volunteer for the Delaware County Dog Warden?
Unfortunately, no positions exist for volunteers at the office. Additionally, many pet related non-profit organizations rely on good volunteers for the vitality of their programs. If you wish to volunteer in this field, we recommend you seek out these non-profits such as the humane societies and rescues.
Owner requested Euthanasia or vet care?
For owner requested euthanasia of pets, please contact a local licensed veterinarian. Also, the Delaware County Dog Shelter does not have a vet on staff, the Humane Society of Delaware County can assist in this function.
Is there a difference between the Delaware County Dog Shelter/Dog Warden and the Humane Society of Delaware County?
Yes, the shelter/warden’s office is a Delaware County governmental office, performs law enforcement functions related to dogs, is the first stop when finding a missing dog, and does not have authority for animals other than dogs. The Humane Society of Delaware County is a non-profit organization that promotes the well-being of animals, relies on donations and volunteers, has some veterinarian services, and can investigate animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty cases. Each are a completely separate entity but do work well together to promote the well-being of dogs in Delaware County.
Why do I need to license my dog?
Ohio law requires that you license your dog. A license tag attached to your dog’s collar proves ownership and is your pet’s ticket home if he gets lost. Additionally, the funds collected promote the well-being of dogs in the community by providing shelter, adoption services, and law enforcement capabilities for dog related issues.
What do I do if my dog gets lost?
Call the Delaware County Dog Warden.
What do I do if I find a lost dog?
Contact the Delaware County Dog Warden. Please be prepared to tell us the following information:
Location of where the dog was last seen. Description of the dog including breed, color, size, hair length, collar/tag information.
In an emergency (injured dog), the dog warden can be paged by the Delaware County 9-1-1 Center.
Can I let my dog run loose if he is licensed?
No. It is against the law. Ohio law specifies that all dogs must be confined to your property or under reasonable control-such as on a leash when being walked.
When should I license my dog?
The annual license renewal period is December 1 through January 31. If you have a new puppy, you must buy a license by the time it reaches three months old. If you have just moved into Delaware County or if you just acquired a new dog, you must purchase a license within 30 days.
What if I forget to renew a license?
If you forget to renew a license, you will pay a penalty fee of $12 in addition to the cost of licensing the dog.
What about dog bites?
All dog bites are investigated by the Delaware County Dog Warden in conjunction with the Delaware County Health Department. Any dog that has bitten someone is subject to a mandatory 10 day rabies quarantine period. This quarantine period can be done at a local vet, dog pound or in the owners’ home providing that the adequate criteria can be met.
It is state law that any dog bite must be reported to the appropriate authorities which include the Dog Warden, local police, Sheriff’s Department or the Health Department.
A dog bite is described as any time a dog breaks the skin of a person with it’s teeth. Medical treatment is always suggested and a bite report will be recorded at this point.
Any doctor or medical facility is obligated under the Ohio Revised Code to fill out a bite report and forward such to the appropriate authorities.
If I pick up a lost, injured dog, what do I do? Should I take it to a vet?
Immediately contact the Delaware County Dog Warden.
If someone comes to claim their dog, do you charge a fee to pay for its boarding, food, etc. while at the pound?
Yes. Fees can be assessed for boarding, redeeming, and licensing an unlicensed dog.
If the dog is not claimed at the shelter, what do you do next? How long does it remain at the shelter? Does it go somewhere else?
Dogs that have been seized by the county dog warden and impounded shall be kept, housed, and fed for three days for the purpose of redemption, as provided by section 955.18 of the Revised Code.
The Dog Warden does work with outside adoption agencies and the public to adopt dogs redeemed. An adoption agency, if interested, could take the dog who has not been redeemed past the required 3 day period. Click the link in the website to see our adoptable dogs.
What is your procedure for handling a neglect/abuse case?
If a dog warden has reason to believe that a dog is being treated inhumanely on the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, the warden shall apply to the court of common pleas for the county in which the premises are located for an order to enter the premises, and if necessary, seize the dog. If the court finds probably cause to believe that the dog is being treated inhumanely, it shall issue such an order. (Ohio Revised Code 944.12)
Do you board dogs for the general public?
No, we do not board dogs for the general public.
What kind of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards.
What are some Delaware Dog Shelter quick links?
ORC 955 – https://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955
Pet FBI – https://petfbi.org
Humane Society of Delaware County – https://www.hsdcohio.org
Health Dept – www.delawarehealth.org
Dept of Agriculture – www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/ai.aspx
Delaware City – https://www.delawareohio.net
I was found near Wingate Dr and 315. Do you know where I Live? ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you think those are battle scars?
Poor baby
Pet FBI Ohio
Good morning, everyone!
We would like to remind everyone that our office will be closed this Thursday for Juneteenth. We will re-open for normal business hours on June 20, 2025. Have a great day! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
That is a holiday now? Oh my gosh!
I was reportedly found on Chagrin Loop near Hyatts Rd. Do you know where I live? ... See MoreSee Less
21 CommentsComment on Facebook
Those are like $18 like Roman was
I’ll take him
Sweet pup
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Update... reclaimed by owner
I was found on Whites Ct. near Orange Rd and I need your help finding my home. Do you know where I live? 06/17/2025 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Shared
Good morning....
We would like to introduce everyone to Mossy!
Mossy is approximately a 5 year old Lab mix breed that was recently vetted through the Humane Society of Delaware County. He is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations.
The previous owner described him as laid back, calm, patient, and a loyal companion.
Mossy wants everyone to know he is excited to meet them and ready to start a new chapter in his life with his new family. If you are interested in meeting him please call the shelter or stop by for a meet and greet. We hope to see you soon. ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
He’s such nice boy!
The 2nd pic reminds me of the dog from the movie Coco 😍
Aww he's handsome 🙂
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Update.. Reclaimed by family. 06/14/2025
I was found on the corner of Liberty and Belle Ave in Delaware, Ohio. Do you know where I live? Intake date 06/12/2025 ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
THIS is our dog, I called the non emergency line and they told me to get ahold of y'all last night, no one has returned my call, you can check your pm for his description
Glad pup is safe and out of this heat. How can people not notice their dog is missing!? Thanks for being sick wonderful dog wardens.
The poor puppy looks really sorry.
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