Lose your dog? Or find a loose pooch in Summit County? What you need to know

There is a lot of confusion about how animal control works in Akron and Summit County, as well as what dog owners should do to prevent their four-legged friends from ending up on the streets or in the county pound.

Here’s what you need to know:

Is Summit County Animal Control owned or run by the city of Akron?

No. Summit County Animal Control, though located in downtown Akron, is owned and operated by Summit County.

All cities and villages within the county (besides Barberton) have a contract with Summit County that allows the dogs they capture to be held in the county facility. It’s like the justice system in that each city has its own police department, but contracts with the county for use of its jail.

What is the phone number for Summit County Animal Control?

Summit County Animal Control’s phone number is 330-643-2845. That is different from Akron’s 311 number (or 330-375-2311), which can be used to reach Akron’s animal wardens.

What should I do if I lose my dog?

Contact your local police department and dog warden (provided your community has one) and give them a description of the dog, where and when it was lost and your contact information. Most cities keep an internal list of dogs reported missing in case officers find one.

Post that same information on social media, specifically the local lost and found Facebook pages and Nextdoor. Be aware that posting your personal contact information could attract scammers.

Routinely check the Facebook pages of Summit County Animal Control and other local rescues, as they post new arrivals regularly. Also visit Summit County Animal Control.

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“We always tell people if you don't see it on social media, come down and look. Come down. But a lot of people do not want to come down. They just don't want to leave their house,” said Christine Fatheree, director of Summit County Animal Control. “They’re like, ‘Well can't you look for us?’ And it's like, ‘Well, you're the only one that knows your dog and I'm telling you we have eight that meet that description.’”

Continue contacting local animal welfare facilities like pet stores, veterinarians, rescue groups and groomers so that your dog is on their radar. Put up flyers and continue searching for ways to spread the word while simultaneously searching for your dog.

What should I do if I find a loose dog in Summit County?

Contact your local police department and dog warden (provided your municipality has one) and give them a description of the dog, where and when it was found and your contact information.

Post that same information on social media, specifically the local lost and found Facebook pages and Nextdoor.

Much of what happens next depends on where you live. Some area communities, such as New Franklin and Richfield, have one or more holding kennels to keep found dogs until their owner can be located or a rescue or Summit County Animal Control can take them.

Animal control gone astray: Akron seeing too many loose dogs, not enough shelter space

Others, like Akron, don’t have kennels but send stray dogs with no known owners or major health concerns to Summit County Animal Control, provided the facility is not at capacity. If the facility is full or it is after hours and no one can be contacted, you may be asked to hold on to the dog until the county facility has room or an owner is found.

Summit County Metro Parks has its own contract with Summit County Animal Control. Those who find a loose dog in a metro park should contact a park ranger at 330-867-5511 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. or 330-475-0029 after hours or on weekends.

In any location, if an injured or sickly dog is found, you should contain it and also contact the Humane Society of Summit County at 330-487-0333.

Can I just release a loose dog I find?

Do not release the dog back to the streets, even if instructed to by a governmental body, rescue or otherwise. It’s possible that the person who finds a dog could be categorized as a “keeper” or “harborer” of the dog for some period of time. Should that dog hurt someone after you’ve let it loose, you could be liable for damages, according to Jim Slater, co-founder and personal injury lawyer at Slater & Zurz.

What is the adoption process at Summit County Animal Control?

Prospective adopters should visit Animal Control's Facebook page to view adoptable animals.

They can also visit the facility and see photos and descriptions of adoptable dogs on the front of the building and at the kiosk in its lobby. Those who would like to walk through the kennels may do so but must be escorted by a staff member.

If a person looking to adopt wants to walk through the kennels and is refused, Craig Stanley, director of administrative services for Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, suggests reaching out to management.

Adoption fees at Summit County Animal Control are $94 for dogs and $60 for cats, though the facility often runs seasonal specials.

Flea treatments, intestinal deworming and most vaccinations are given to animals upon entering the facility; blood work, spay/neuter operations and vaccinations for rabies are provided at the point of adoption. All adopted animals are also microchipped at no additional cost. Microchips are registered with 24Petwatch.

Do I need a license for my dog in Ohio?

Ohio law requires citizens who own, keep or harbor a dog more than 3 months old to purchase a dog license. People who don't may be penalized with a $18 late fee. The transgression can also escalate to fines, legal citations and jail time.

Licensing your dog provides several protections if your pet gets lost and ends up at Summit County Animal Control. Dogs with a license:

• Are held for 14 days as opposed to three days, meaning they cannot be adopted out or euthanized (for non-medical reasons) before two weeks have passed.

• Can only be euthanized if recommended by a veterinarian.

• Must be treated if it arrives sick.

Having a license also helps loose dogs reunite with their owners more quickly. Because having the license tag physically on your dog’s collar is the only way for the county to know it’s licensed, ensuring that tag is attached to the dog at all times is crucial.

How can I get a dog license in Summit County?

Dog licenses are sold at numerous locations throughout Summit County. To find the location nearest you, visit the Fiscal Office website. Owners can buy one-year, three-year and permanent dog licenses for $18, $54 and $180, respectively.

How can I volunteer at Summit County Animal Control?

Those looking to apply for the Summit County Animal Control volunteer program must download and complete its application and release form. Email completed applications and releases to volunteerac@summitoh.net.

Following a review of an application, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule your first meeting. At your mandatory in-person volunteer orientation, you will be required to complete a record check waiver.

I’m struggling to afford food, spay and neuter services or other care for my pet. What should I do?

There are many local pet food pantries, low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and other animal welfare assistance programs that can be accessed with the click of a button.

Learn more in this article about how to care for your pet on a tight budget.

Pay It Forward For Pets is providing free spay and neuter procedures for up to 100 pit bulls and pit bull mixes in the Akron community. For information, call 330-760-0763.

What should I do if I have a wildlife issue?

Call the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 330-644-2293. Summit County Animal Control does not handle wildlife issues.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What to do if you lose your dog or find a loose pooch in Summit County