The Ross County Dog Kennel, located in Chillicothe, Ohio, is a public animal-control facility dedicated to providing safe shelter for stray and lost dogs. Its mission is to ensure public safety while helping homeless dogs find loving families.
Whether your dog has gone missing or you are looking to adopt a rescue dog, this kennel should be your first point of contact in Ross County.
What is Ross County Dog Kennel?
This facility temporarily houses dogs that are:
- Stray or roaming at-large
- Picked up by county animal control officers or the Sheriff’s Office
Owners can reclaim their lost pets, and the public can adopt available dogs. The kennel is self-funded, meaning it does not rely on general tax revenues for its operations.
Address: Ross County Auditor’s Office 2 N. Paint St, Suite G Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Phone: (740) 702-3080
Dog Licensing in Ross County
Ohio law requires:
- All dogs 3 months or older must have an annual license.
- Licenses must be renewed by January 31 each year.
- The license tag should be attached to your dog’s collar at all times.
Holding Periods:
| Condition | Holding Period |
|---|---|
| With Tag | 14 days |
| Without Tag | 3 business days (before adoption, rescue or euthanasia) |
Licenses can be obtained at the Ross County Auditor’s Office, directly at the Dog Kennel, or at other authorized locations throughout the county. For more information, contact the Dog Warden’s Office at (740) 772-5929
Ross County Dog Kennel Office
2308 Lick Run Road, Suite B
Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-772-5929
Ross County Auditor’s Office
One Government Way
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Phone: 740-702-3000
2026 dog licenses are currently available for purchase. Residents can obtain licenses online via the official government website or in person at authorized locations.
This guide is designed to provide clear, simple, and up-to-date information about the Ross County Dog Kennel. No paid services are offered through this website for official services, please contact the Ross County Dog Kennel or the Auditor’s Office directly.
Adoption at Ross County Dog Kennel
The Ross County Dog Kennel maintains a detailed list of dogs available for adoption, including breed, age and availability dates. Residents looking to adopt can view the list in person at the kennel or contact the office for the latest updates.
Adoption Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $80 |
| Dog License | $26 |
| Total | $106 |
Spay/Neuter Policy:
- Dogs not already spayed or neutered will undergo surgery arranged by the kennel.
- Adopted dogs are picked up after recovery from the veterinary clinic.
Adoption Rules:
- Dogs are adopted as-is, including any known behavioral or medical issues.
- Multiple applicants for the same dog are entered into a lottery system to determine adoption.
- Adopters must be 18 years or older, present valid ID, and pay the full adoption fee.
Services Provided
The Ross County Dog Kennel offers a variety of essential services:
- Stray Intake: Dogs found roaming the streets are collected by animal control.
- Lost Dog Reclaim: Owners can reclaim lost pets with proper ID and proof of licensing.
- Medical Care: Dogs receive a health assessment, vaccinations and medical treatment as needed.
- Adoption Support: Staff provide behavior notes, meet-and-greet opportunities, and guidance to adopters.
Note: Due to high intake, the kennel may temporarily not accept owner-surrendered dogs.
Animal Welfare & Laws
Ross County Dog Kennel strictly follows local and state humane treatment regulations, ensuring:
- Clean and safe kennels
- Proper ventilation and temperature control
- Humane handling of all animals
- Secure management of aggressive or bite-case dogs
Kennel Capacity & Upgrades
The kennel can experience overcrowding, particularly during high-intake months. Recent improvements funded through county grants include:
- Isolation areas for sick or aggressive dogs
- Renovated adoption-ready kennels
- Dedicated dog-washing rooms
- Enhanced heating, ventilation, and meet-and-greet spaces
These upgrades have improved animal health, comfort and adoption rates.
Dog Confinement Rules in Ross County
When Must Your Dog Be Under Control
According to Ohio Revised Code 955.22, dog owners must keep pets confined to their property or under proper control at all times. Walking your dog on a leash counts as reasonable control, but letting dogs roam freely does not.
Where the Law Applies
All of Ohio, including Ross County. Whether in urban neighborhoods or rural farmland, dogs must be properly supervised. Some municipalities may have additional local ordinances.
Why Confinement Matters
Proper control protects:
- Neighbors’ property
- People and other pets from injuries
- Livestock in rural areas
- Your dog from traffic, other animals, or being impounded
Owners are legally responsible for any incidents caused by uncontrolled dogs.
How Residents Can Help
Community involvement is key to reducing overcrowding and improving animal welfare:
- Adopt or Foster: Provides loving homes and reduces kennel crowding.
- Volunteer: Assist with walking, cleaning, and socializing dogs.
- Donate Supplies: Food, leashes, towels and cleaning products help the kennel run smoothly.
Rabies Vaccination for Dogs in Ross County
When Should Your Dog Be Vaccinated?
All dogs must receive a rabies vaccination by 3 months of age, administered by a licensed Ross County veterinarian.
Where to Vaccinate
Any licensed veterinarian in Ross County can provide the rabies vaccine. Residents can search online or check local directories for clinics.
Importance of Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is fatal and transmissible to humans and animals. Vaccination:
- Keeps your dog legally compliant
- Protects your family and community
- Reduces the risk of serious diseases
- Supports responsible pet ownership
Key Points:
- Mandatory by 3 months of age
- Must be given by a licensed Ross County veterinarian
- Protects pets and humans
- Required for public safety and legal compliance
Finding a Stray Dog
If you find a stray dog in Ross County:
- Contact the Ross County Dog Kennel or Sheriff’s Office immediately.
- Local rescue organizations may also provide intake and assistance.
Conclusion
The Ross County Dog Kennel in Chillicothe, Ohio, serves as a reliable community resource for stray and lost dogs. It provides safe shelter, medical care, dog licensing, and adoption services, ensuring that dogs are treated humanely and given the best chance to find loving homes.Residents can actively support the kennel by adopting or fostering dogs, volunteering or donating supplies, helping reduce overcrowding and promoting responsible pet ownership throughout Ross County.
It’s important to stay informed about dog licensing requirements, adoption fees and kennel procedures to ensure pets safety, comply with Ross County regulations, and support the welfare of community animals.
FAQ’s
How long does Ross County Dog Kennel hold a stray dog?
Stray dogs with a valid license tag are held for 14 days, while untagged dogs are held for 3 business days before adoption, rescue or other placement.
Can I surrender my dog to Ross County Dog Kennel?
Currently, the kennel does not accept owner-surrendered dogs due to high intake and limited capacity.
Does my dog need a license?
Yes. Your dog can be up to three (3) months old before it is required to get a license. All dogs over three (3) months of age must be licensed.
What happens if multiple people want the same dog?
The kennel uses a lottery system to fairly determine the adopter when multiple applicants are interested in the same dog.
What documents are required to reclaim a lost dog?
To reclaim your dog, you must present valid ID, proof of dog license, and pay any applicable fees.
Why should I get a license for my dog?
Because it’s the law! And a license is a lost dog’s ticket home! When your dog has its license attached to its collar, its assigned license number is all that is necessary for our office to identify the dog’s owner.
How do I get a duplicate license? How do I replace a lost license?
If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate license from the County Auditor’s Office for a small fee. Please contact your County Auditor’s office for the necessary form.