It's National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. Here's where to adopt one in Summit County

April 30 is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, and there are thousands of dogs, cats and other critters in the Akron area looking for a permanent home — it's just a matter of where to find the perfect one for you. To simplify that process, we have collected information about local shelters, rescues and databases to help you select your next four-legged companion.

Humane Society of Summit County

Ashley Botz, adoption and behavioral supervisor at the Humane Society of Summit County sits with Auntie Ann, a German Shepherd that was available for adoption at HSSC in Twinsburg in 2021.
Ashley Botz, adoption and behavioral supervisor at the Humane Society of Summit County sits with Auntie Ann, a German Shepherd that was available for adoption at HSSC in Twinsburg in 2021.

This shelter rehabilitates many of Summit County’s abused, neglected or abandoned animals. It also employs two full-time humane officers who respond to emergency calls, investigate animal cruelty and prosecute offenders as needed. In addition to dogs and cats, it also has rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters up for adoption regularly. Currently, adoptions are by appointment only.

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Details

Address: 7996 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, OH 44087

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Phone: (330) 487-0333

Website: https://www.summithumane.org/

Summit County Animal Control

The adoptable animals within this nearly 20,000-square-foot facility can be viewed on Summit County Animal Control’s Facebook page. Adoption appointments are not required, but are encouraged.

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Details

Address: 250 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday, noon to 3p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Phone: (330) 643-2845

Website: https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Division-of-Animal-Control.html

One of a Kind Pet Rescue

Many of the animals that come through this no-time-limit shelter’s doors are sick, injured or about to be euthanized at local animal control facilities. At any given time, One of a Kind Pet Rescue cares for 500 cats and 200 dogs between its two facilities and foster homes.

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Details

Address: 1929 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313

Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Phone: (330) 865-6200

Website: https://www.oneofakindpets.com/site/

Petfinder

This searchable database is a tool that helps potential adopters locate homeless animals in their area that fit their wants and needs. It even serves as a directory for nearly 11,000 animals shelters and rescues between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Adoptable pets can be filtered according to age, weight, sex, coat length and other characteristics.

Petfinder has traditional and nontraditional pets like horses, birds and rodents. The cost of each animal on the website varies according to the organization that posted them.

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Details

Website: https://www.petfinder.com/

Paws and Prayers

Thomas Habas, a foster for Paws & Prayers holds Allie, a six-month-old female Chiweenie that was available for adoption through Paws & Prayers in Cuyahoga Falls in 2021.
Thomas Habas, a foster for Paws & Prayers holds Allie, a six-month-old female Chiweenie that was available for adoption through Paws & Prayers in Cuyahoga Falls in 2021.

This local rescue group takes in dogs and cats. All the animals that the organization collects are placed in foster homes after being looked over, and treated if necessary, by a medical team. This means that pets up for adoption are not kept in a traditional shelter setting or at the organization’s office. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to fill out an adoption application on the Paws and Prayers website.

Discounted adoption fees are available to honorably discharged veterans, first  responders and repeat adopters.

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Details

Website: https://pawsandprayers.org/

Maggie’s Mission Dog & Horse Rescue

Tisha Angelo, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Second Chance Canine, with Hank, a pit bull that was available for adoption in 2021.
Tisha Angelo, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Second Chance Canine, with Hank, a pit bull that was available for adoption in 2021.

This is another foster-based rescue, so all its animals are in foster homes instead of a traditional shelter setting. Despite its name, Maggie’s Mission does find homes for more than dogs and horses; small animals like guinea pigs and hedgehogs are occasionally up for adoption too. Only adopters within a three-hour radius of Akron are considered.

People looking to adopt should fill out an adoption application on the rescue’s website.

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Details

Website: https://www.maggiesmissionrescue.org/

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

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day: Where to adopt pets in Summit County