Cleveland Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Cleveland animal-help guide before visiting the City Kennel, scheduling a CITY DOGS meet and greet, reclaiming a lost dog, reporting a stray or welfare concern, checking license/microchip costs, or deciding whether Cleveland APL is the right route.
Official quick route: Cleveland Animal Care & Control is at 9203 Detroit Road, Cleveland, OH 44102. Main animal-control line: 216-664-3069. CITY DOGS adoption questions: 216-664-3476 or citydogs@clevelandohio.gov.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- City kennel vs Cleveland APL
- Who to call first
- Kennel and adoption hours
- Adoption fees and included services
- CITY DOGS adoption steps
- Dog-to-dog meet rules
- Lost/found dog steps
- Reclaim, license and microchip costs
- Animal-control complaints
- Cruelty, surrender and APL route
- Wildlife and injured animals
- Dog license notes
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
City Kennel vs Cleveland APL: Do Not Mix These Up
Cleveland searchers often need one of two different organizations.
City of Cleveland Animal Care & Control
Government division for Cleveland animal-control issues, stray dog pickup, lost-dog reclaim, city kennel dogs and CITY DOGS adoption/volunteer program.
- Address: 9203 Detroit Road, Cleveland, OH 44102.
- Animal-control line: 216-664-3069.
- CITY DOGS adoption line: 216-664-3476.
- Email: citydogs@clevelandohio.gov.
Cleveland Animal Protective League
Nonprofit shelter at 1729 Willey Avenue. Use for Cleveland APL adoptions, admissions/surrender route, animal welfare clinic, humane investigations and broader companion-animal services.
- Main APL phone: 216-771-4616.
- APL adoption hours: Monday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
- Owner-surrender/admissions questions may route through APL admissions.
- Animal cruelty/neglect reports should use APL humane investigations route.
Clickable Cleveland Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card uses the official City/CITY DOGS/APL route.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, posting online, bringing in a found dog or contacting the wrong agency.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a CITY DOG | 216-664-3476 or citydogs@clevelandohio.gov | “I want to meet [dog name/ID]. Is this dog still available?” | Submit meet request and check spam/junk folder. |
| Lost dog may be at city kennel | 216-664-3069 | “My dog is missing near [cross streets]. Has a matching dog come in?” | Check the stray dog list and visit in person if possible. |
| Found a lost dog in Cleveland | 216-664-3069 | “I found a dog at [exact location]. It has/does not have tags.” | Secure only if safe; ask if dog should be brought to kennel. |
| Stray dog pickup / dog welfare concern | 216-664-3069 | “There is a stray/welfare concern at [address].” | Give description, address, direction and safety risk. |
| After-hours animal-control issue | 216-621-1234 | “This is an animal issue after hours; please contact Animal Control.” | Use urgent route only when needed. |
| Animal cruelty or neglect | Cleveland APL: 216-771-4616 | “I need to report suspected animal cruelty/neglect at [location].” | Give evidence, dates, address and animal condition. |
| Owner surrender | APL admissions: 216-771-8825 | “I need help with possible owner surrender. What options and fees apply?” | Ask about wait time and support resources first. |
Cleveland Kennel and CITY DOGS Adoption Hours
Kennel open hours and adoption meeting windows are not exactly the same.
| Day | Cleveland City Kennel hours | CITY DOGS adoption meet windows | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am-3pm | Not listed in CITY DOGS appointment schedule | Use for kennel/lost-dog questions; schedule adoption for another listed day. |
| Tuesday | 10am-6pm | 11am-6pm | Best longer adoption appointment day. |
| Wednesday | 10am-3pm | 11am-3pm | Shorter appointment day; arrive prepared. |
| Thursday | 10am-6pm | 11am-6pm | Best longer appointment day. |
| Friday | 10am-3pm | 11am-3pm | Shorter appointment day before weekend. |
| Saturday | 10am-3pm | 10am-3pm | Bring household and resident dog if required. |
| Sunday | 10am-3pm | 10am-3pm | Useful weekend meet window; confirm availability first. |
Adoption Fee and Included Services
Use the current CITY DOGS adoption fee, not old promotion prices.
| Item | Official detail | User action | Ask before leaving |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY DOGS adoption fee | $61 | Pay by cash or card. | Confirm if any temporary promotion is active today. |
| Included dog services | Heartworm test, microchip, spay/neuter, vaccination and yearly Cuyahoga County license. | Ask for records before leaving. | Heartworm status, vaccine dates, microchip registration and license info. |
| Collar / leash | New dog has a collar to wear home; adopters are encouraged to bring a leash, and the kennel can provide one if needed. | Bring a non-retractable leash if meeting with resident dog. | Transport safety if two dogs are riding home. |
| APL adoption fees | Cleveland APL says fees vary by species, breed and training. | Use APL page for cats, small animals and nonprofit adoption route. | Ask total adoption package and dog-license add-on if applicable. |
CITY DOGS Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so the visitor does not arrive without the right people, dog or timing.
Check adoptable dogs first
Open the City/CITY DOGS adoptable dog list. Screenshot the dog name, ID and profile before calling or submitting the meet request.
Submit a Meet and Greet request
The City asks adopters to complete the Meet and Greet request form and then check spam/junk folders for follow-up from the team.
Bring the right household members
CITY DOGS asks that everyone in the household, including children and current dogs, be present for the meet when possible.
Prepare for outdoor meetings
Adoption appointments are usually outdoors except during inclement weather. Dress for weather and bring a non-retractable leash for resident dogs.
Bring government photo ID
A valid driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID is required for adoption paperwork.
Plan the ride home
If another dog attends the meeting, do not let newly met dogs ride loose together. Use separate vehicles, a crate or physical separation.
Dog-to-Dog Meet Rules
This is one of the most useful details for adopters with a resident dog.
Bring resident dogs
If you already have a dog, CITY DOGS usually asks you to bring that dog to the meet.
Use safe gear
Meetings usually start with an on-leash tandem walk. Bring a non-retractable leash and flat collar or harness.
Manage stress
If your dog is stressed by the kennel environment, ask staff if your resident dog can wait outside or in the car at first.
Lost or Found Dog in Cleveland
Use the city kennel list, direct phone call, social posts, flyers and in-person check together.
If your dog is lost
- Call 216-664-3069 and report details about your missing dog.
- Check the City’s stray dog list often; CACC says it is updated throughout the day, usually within an hour when a new dog is booked.
- If there is any chance a dog is yours, visit in person because photos, age and breed guesses may be imperfect.
- Post clear photos and cross streets on Lost/Found Facebook pages, PawBoost and Petco Love Lost.
- Post physical flyers in your neighborhood and talk to neighbors; CACC notes many dogs are found close to home.
- Follow Cleveland Animal Care & Control Facebook posts for impounded dogs.
If you found a dog
- Secure the dog only if it is safe to do so.
- Check tags, license, rabies tag or ID tag.
- Ask a vet office or shelter to scan for a microchip.
- Call 216-664-3069 with a detailed description and exact found location.
- The Cleveland City Kennel is the place to bring stray dogs found within City of Cleveland, unless staff gives special instructions.
- Post online and hang physical flyers even if the dog goes to the kennel.
Reclaim, License and Microchip Costs
Reclaim costs can depend on license, microchip and daily care details.
Minimum 72-hour hold
CACC holds stray dogs for at least 72 hours. During the hold, dogs may also be transferred to Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, which can legally complete the hold.
License fee may apply
For reclaim, the city lists license cost as $21 from December 1-January 31 and $41 from January 31-November 30.
Microchip required
CACC lists microchips as $10 and required for any dog being reclaimed.
Cleveland Animal-Control Complaints
Use CACC for city ordinance and stray-dog response. Use APL for cruelty/neglect investigations.
| Need | Official route | Use for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stray dog running loose | Cleveland Animal Care & Control | Stray dog pickup inside City of Cleveland. | Call 216-664-3069 |
| Dog welfare concern | Cleveland Animal Care & Control | Report concern about a dog’s welfare or animal ordinance issue. | Call 216-664-3069 |
| Barking dog | Cleveland Animal Care & Control | Provide dog owner’s address. Officer may issue a written notice of complaint. | Call 216-664-3069 |
| After-hours stray issue | Cleveland Police route | City FAQ says after hours police can contact Animal Control Officer. | Call 216-621-1234 |
| Animal bite | Animal Control / medical care | Wash wound, seek medical attention and report bite details. | Call 216-664-3069 |
Cruelty, Neglect, Cats and Owner Surrender
This section prevents the common mistake of sending every issue to the city kennel.
| Need | Best route | Why | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal cruelty or neglect | Cleveland APL | City FAQ says Cleveland APL has trained cruelty investigators for these claims. | Call 216-771-4616 and provide address, photos, dates and visible animal condition. |
| Owner surrender | Cleveland APL admissions | APL is the nonprofit surrender/admissions route, separate from City Animal Control. | Call 216-771-8825 and ask current wait time, fees and alternatives. |
| Cat or small-animal adoption | Cleveland APL | City/CITY DOGS adoption content is dog-focused; APL handles broader adoption programs. | Check APL adoption center hours and current animal listings. |
| Low-cost clinic or microchip | APL / vets / local partners | City FAQ points residents to APL and veterinarians for microchips; APL also has clinic services. | Call before visiting because clinic/admissions hours differ from adoption hours. |
Wildlife and Injured Animals
Do not handle wildlife or injured animals if it creates risk.
Injured animal
City FAQ says injured wild animals should be reported to 216-664-3069. Injured animals in parks may also be reported to Animal Control or Police.
Nuisance wildlife
The City announced a nuisance-wildlife pilot program through October 31, 2026 for groundhogs, raccoons and skunks.
Vacant property wildlife
City FAQ says complaints about vacant properties attracting wildlife should be directed to 311.
Cuyahoga County Dog License Notes
Dog licensing matters for reclaim and for leaving adoption with proper paperwork.
| License topic | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| CITY DOGS adoption | Adopted city dogs come with a yearly Cuyahoga County license. | Ask for license paperwork before leaving. |
| Reclaim license cost at CACC | City lost/found page lists $21 from Dec 1-Jan 31 and $41 from Jan 31-Nov 30. | Ask what applies to your reclaim date. |
| Late dog-license penalty | Cuyahoga County says licenses bought after the deadline are subject to a penalty fee. | Renew during open enrollment when possible. |
| Transfer of ownership | Cuyahoga County lists a $5 transfer fee for transferring a current dog license to a new owner. | Use when rehoming a licensed dog. |
| Current license tag helps reunions | If a dog wears a current Cuyahoga license tag, officials can help find owner information. | Keep the tag on your dog and update contact information. |
Before You Leave Home
Dog screenshot, meet request, photo ID, cash/card, leash, household members, resident dog if needed.
Recent photos, microchip number, license tag, vet records, exact lost location and phone number.
Safe holding plan, tag check, microchip scan, exact found location and clear photos.
Cruelty evidence, surrender details, pet records, behavior notes, species and urgent timeline.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [dog name/ID] from CITY DOGS. Is this dog still available, and what is the next meet-and-greet time I can request?Lost dog
Hi, my dog is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip/license]. Has a matching dog been booked into the Cleveland City Kennel?Found dog
Hi, I found a dog at [exact location]. The dog is [safe/injured/aggressive] and has/does not have tags. Should I bring the dog to the kennel or wait for instructions?Cruelty / neglect
Hi, I need to report suspected animal cruelty or neglect at [address]. The animal appears [condition]. I have [photos/dates/details]. What is the correct reporting process?Map: Cleveland City Kennel
Use this map for route planning. For one specific dog, reclaim, found-dog intake or after-hours animal-control issue, call first.
Official Cleveland Animal Links
Use these official pages for live dogs, current hours, forms, lost/found details, city control and nonprofit APL services.
Cleveland Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Cleveland animal shelter and control office?
The official city route is the City of Cleveland Division of Animal Care & Control at 9203 Detroit Road, Cleveland, OH 44102.
What is the Cleveland Animal Care & Control phone number?
The main City of Cleveland Animal Care & Control phone number is 216-664-3069.
What is the CITY DOGS Cleveland adoption phone number?
CITY DOGS Cleveland lists 216-664-3476 for adoption questions, and the email is citydogs@clevelandohio.gov.
What are Cleveland City Kennel hours?
The kennel opens at 10am daily. It closes at 3pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
What are CITY DOGS adoption appointment hours?
CITY DOGS lists adoption appointment windows as Tuesday 11am-6pm, Wednesday 11am-3pm, Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and Sunday 10am-3pm.
How much is the CITY DOGS adoption fee?
The City’s adoption guidance lists the dog adoption fee as $61, payable by cash or card.
What is included with a Cleveland CITY DOGS adoption?
The City says adoptable dogs are heartworm tested, microchipped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and come with a yearly Cuyahoga County license.
How long are stray dogs held at the Cleveland City Kennel?
Cleveland Animal Care & Control says stray dogs are held for a minimum of 72 hours to give owners the opportunity to look for and claim their pet.
What should I do if I found a lost dog in Cleveland?
Secure the dog only if safe, check for tags, scan for a microchip if possible, call 216-664-3069 with the found location and description, and follow staff directions about bringing the dog to the kennel.
Is Cleveland Animal Care & Control the same as Cleveland APL?
No. Cleveland Animal Care & Control is a government division that handles city animal-control issues and city kennel dogs. Cleveland APL is a nonprofit organization that handles its own adoptions, admissions, humane investigations and other animal welfare services.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.