Each year we rescue thousands of dogs who have been lost, discarded, abandoned, injured or neglected. Most are lost dogs who have not been reclaimed by their original owners. We do everything we can to find a loving and responsible new home for every adoptable dog or puppy.

All of our dogs available for adoption have already been spayed (females) or neutered (males). We strongly encourage you to spay or neuter your pets!

Click here to search for adoptable dogs

Things to Know Before You Visit...

• Plan to come at least an hour or more before closing.  It takes time select your new best friend, and several minutes fill out the necessary paperwork and process an adoption.

The shelter is generally very crowded between 6-7 pm on weekdays so please be patient as you may have to wait to see the dog you've chosen. Plan to come in early and allow a little extra time if you want to take the dog home that same day.   

• Bring all family members along to meet the dog you are considering for adoption---this includes all kids. Your new dog will be part of the family, and we want to make sure it gets along well with everyone else who lives in the household. This also includes roommates, and their dogs.

• Once you have decided on a dog, we will also ask you to bring in any existing dogs you have in the home to meet the new dog before finalizing your adoption. We have several "get acquainted areas" where the dogs can meet. We also have shelter kitties who live here, so if your household includes cats you can introduce the dog you've chosen to a cat.
  
  
• Bringing along copies of your present or previous dogs'  vet records, shots, etc. will speed up your new adoption process. We do check vet records for all current and previous pets in your household to make sure they are receiving good ongoing medical care. If your present dog is not up-to-date with vet care, we will ask you to do that first before approving any new adoption.

• If you rent, bring along a copy of your lease showing that dogs are permitted and any breed or weight restrictions, or your landlord's phone number.
  
• Bring your wallet and a photo ID!  We accept cash, checks or credit cards. There is an additional $3 transaction fee if you are using a credit card.
   
• You can also download our adoption form and fill it out before you come. If you would like to fax us your application before visiting, our fax # is 614-462-6658.
  
  

Adoption Application

Not sure what kind of dog is right for you?
Take the Meet Your Match® survey to find out!
Meet Your Match® is a program of ASPCA®.

Are You Ready To Adopt A Dog?

At the Shelter...

We have more than 300 dogs available for adoption, some are here at the shelter, and some 150 more are living in foster homes.

1. Pick up an "Adoption” pass at the front desk and visit our four adoption wards of dogs available for adoption. All of our adoption wards--- A, 1, 2 and 3--- have bright green doors. 
   
   Don’t forget to check out our bulletin boards by the adoption wards! These boards post foster dogs that are also available for adoption, but may not be out on the adoption floor because they are living in foster homes.  We also post new dogs available for adoption but not on the adoption floor yet.
   


2. Once you find a dog you like, remember the the dog’s cage number and return to the front lobby to fill out an application.  We will call a kennel attendant or adoption counselor to get the dog out for you to meet. We encourage you to spend a few minutes in one of our new "get acquainted" areas with the dog you are considering to make sure that it is a perfect match.
   
   
3. While you are finalizing the adoption transaction & buying a dog license, the dog you are adopting will go to our clinic for a final physical exam, rabies shot and an initial series of preventive immunizations. 

The vet tech on duty will review the information on your dog’s health record with you. Owners are advised to take their new pet to a veterinarian within 10 to 14 days of adoption for a follow-up examination, especially for dogs that have been recently spayed or neutered.All dogs available for adoption have already been spayed or neutered, microchipped and given vaccinations.  You will also receive a complimentary collar, leash and an information packet with some food or treats (as supplies last) and discount certificates on special services. Only one dog per household can be adopted at a time. 

Adoption Fees
Dogs under 5 years old: $117 (includes licensing, shots, spay/neutering, microchip and adoption fee) Dogs 5 years or older: $67 (includes licensing, shots, spay/neutering, microchip and adoption fee) We accept cash, checks or credit cards with proper identification at the Franklin County Dog Shelter for adoptions and license tags. 

Yes, we DO get pure breed dogs at the shelter! Print our poster