SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio – Summit County officials are highlighting a strong year at Summit County Animal Control, where 514 dogs were adopted and 156 were redeemed by their owners in 2025, according to a news release from County Executive Ilene Shapiro.
The county said adopted dogs receive key services as part of the adoption process, including spay/neuter (if needed), vaccinations, de-worming, blood work and microchipping. Each adoption also includes a county dog license, which the release noted can help identify pets if they are lost.
Adoption events and community outreach
Animal Control hosted 12 adoption events in 2025 aimed at lowering adoption costs and raising awareness about animals needing homes. Events cited in the release included Dog Days of Summer, Paws & Petals and You Lucky Dog.
The agency also held a free ice cream social to kick off the annual “Clear the Shelters” campaign, a nationwide pet adoption initiative promoted by NBCUniversal.
Pet Food Pantry serves hundreds of households
To help prevent pets from being surrendered due to the rising cost of pet food and supplies, Animal Control continued hosting Community Pet Food Pantry events. The drive-thru events serve an average of 200 households each, supporting “hundreds of pets throughout Summit County,” the release said.
The pantry is supplied through a partnership with Greater Goods Charities. Since the partnership began at the end of 2022, the county said Animal Control has distributed “hundreds of thousands of pounds” of food and supplies directly into the community.
The next Pet Food Pantry event is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Animal Control facility.
“Warm Up with a Pup” adoption promotion
Animal Control is currently offering a “Warm Up with a Pup” adoption promotion, with dog adoptions reduced to $28 (regularly $94), according to the release.
Residents can view adoptable animals on Petfinder and through the Summit County Executive’s Facebook page.
Volunteer opportunities and adoption hours
Animal Control also offers a year-round volunteer program. Volunteers help with walking, grooming and accompanying pets during their stay. Those interested can email their name, age, phone number and a brief statement of interest and intent to volunteerac@summitoh.net.
Summit County Animal Control is located at 250 Opportunity Parkway in Akron. Adoption hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: noon to 3 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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