Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: Valley View Adoption Guide 2026
Planning to adopt a dog near Cleveland, looking for a lost pet, or trying to reach the County Dog Warden? Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter (CCAS) is the county-operated dog shelter located at 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125.
CCAS is a dog-only shelter. It provides a temporary home for stray and lost dogs, handles county dog licensing, supports reunification and investigates qualifying dog-related incidents.
If you are visiting to adopt, the most useful detail is easy to miss: the adoption desk closes 15 minutes before the shelter closes. Give yourself enough time to meet the dog, speak with staff and complete the paperwork.
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The hours below are published by the County Shelter. Monday is different from an ordinary closed day because the official adoption process page identifies a lost-dog reclaim exception.
| Day | Official public hours | Adoption desk / useful reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Exception for reclaiming lost dogs. Call before arriving. |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
| Sunday | Noon–4 PM | Adoption desk closes at 3:45 PM. |
How to Adopt a Dog From Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
CCAS does not process adoption applications online. Dogs are adopted in person on a first-come, first-served basis. The website helps you decide whom to meet, but it does not reserve a dog for you.
Look at available dogs
Open the County’s official Adopt a Dog page. Review available dogs, ages and notes. Take a screenshot or record the dog’s name so you can ask staff about the right animal.
Read the adoption rules and questionnaire
Visit the official Adoption Process page. Download the questionnaire if convenient, fill in your household information and bring it to the shelter. The adoption itself still happens in person.
Check housing and household requirements
Confirm landlord or HOA restrictions first. If you have children nine years old or younger or already own dogs, read the specific meet-and-greet rules below.
Visit Valley View during adoption hours
Go to 9500 Sweet Valley Drive. Tell staff which dog you are interested in. An adoption counselor will review your questionnaire and talk with you about a suitable match.
Meet the dog and discuss behavior
Ask about energy level, leash behavior, known medical needs, response to other dogs and how the dog may settle into your home. A nervous shelter dog may behave differently after a few quiet days in a new environment.
Complete the agreement and pay
If approved, complete the shelter’s required paperwork and pay the applicable current adoption fee. Ask whether the dog is already spayed or neutered and cleared to leave that day.
Adoption Requirements: Children, Resident Dogs and Housing
Adopter must be 18+
The County lists a minimum adopter age of 18 years.
Young children must meet the dog
Children aged nine years and younger who live in the household must meet the dog as part of the adoption process.
Successful dog meet-and-greet
Current household dogs must complete a successful meeting with a potential adoption.
Check landlord restrictions
Check breed, size and weight restrictions before visiting. Do not assume every rental permits every breed.
In-person adoption is still required
The County says out-of-state residents can adopt, but they must visit in person. Dogs are not shipped or delivered.
Allow more than a quick stop
The initial questionnaire and staff conversation may take around 15–20 minutes, with additional time for meetings and paperwork.
Dog and Puppy Adoption Fees in Valley View
These are the regular fees currently displayed on the official County Adoption Process page. A short-term promotion does not replace the published regular fee.
| Adoption | Regular fee | Medical and licensing inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Dog aged 4 months or older | $95 | Core vaccinations, dewormer, age-dependent heartworm test, spay/neuter, microchip and current-year Cuyahoga County dog license. |
| Puppy under 4 months | $170 | Shelter-listed adoption medical preparation and licensing, subject to age and veterinary requirements. |
Stray Hold Periods and What “Two Families in Line” Means
This is one of the most useful things to understand before falling in love with a dog online. A stray dog may still belong to a family looking for it. Adoption interest does not cancel the owner’s reclaim rights.
| Dog status | Published holding rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Stray dog without identification | Minimum 72 hours | The owner has an initial opportunity to reclaim before adoption eligibility. |
| Dog with current license | 14 days | County FAQ identifies a longer licensed-dog reclaim period under Ohio law. |
| Known owner through microchip or pet ID | 7 days under CCAS policy | The shelter allows additional reclaim time when ownership can be identified. |
| Dog still on stray hold | Up to two adoption choices | Two interested families can be listed in order if the owner does not reclaim. |
| Adoptable dog not on stray hold | No ordinary adoption hold | Available dogs are adopted first-come, first-served in person. |
If the shelter gives you a return window to adopt a dog after a stray hold, follow that window carefully. Missing it may forfeit your place.
Lost or Found a Dog in Cuyahoga County?
Losing a dog can make a normal day feel overwhelming. The best response is to start searching immediately, document the missing location and use the county’s lost-and-found reporting system.
If your dog is missing
- Search the immediate neighborhood and nearby hiding places.
- Open the official Lost and Found page.
- Follow the County’s lost-dog report process and review incoming animals.
- Give the dog’s license number, microchip, color, approximate size, photographs and last-seen location.
- Call 216-525-7877 if you identify a possible match or need reclaim instructions.
If you found a loose dog
- Keep yourself and others safe. Do not chase a frightened dog into traffic.
- Record its exact location or cross streets.
- Call County Dispatch at 216-525-4810 for the correct Dog Warden response route.
- If safely possible, note any visible collar or dog-license tag.
- Ask whether and how the dog should be transported or contained.
Cuyahoga County Dog Warden, Dispatch and Important Contacts
CCAS lists a main shelter number and a separate Dispatch line. The Dispatch number should not be presented as a verified 24-hour emergency veterinary service.
| Department or issue | Official contact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter | 216-525-7877 | Adoption, shelter, lost-dog reclaim and general information. |
| CCAS Dispatch | 216-525-4810 | Dog Warden / field-service routing and dog-related concerns. |
| Dog bite investigations | 216-525-7877 | County dog-related incident investigation questions; DogInvestigations@cuyahogacounty.gov. |
| Dog license assistance | 216-443-3192 | License purchases, renewal, records and registration help. |
| Cleveland APL Humane Investigators | 216-771-4616 | The County’s published route for reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect. |
| Immediate emergency | 911 | Immediate danger to human life or other emergencies requiring police, fire or emergency medical responders. |
Dog Bite Reporting and Dangerous-Dog Investigations
The official County guidance says dog bites must be reported to the applicable health authority within 24 hours. Its guidance also explains a standard 10-day quarantine requirement for a dog that has bitten, subject to the health authority’s determination.
Get appropriate medical attention first
Wounds and rabies or infection risks need professional assessment. Do not delay care while trying to determine whether the dog is licensed.
Report within 24 hours
Use the County Dog Bite Investigations page. Follow the health-department reporting guidance for the jurisdiction where the bite occurred.
Preserve useful information
Note the exact location, time, dog description, owner/contact details if known and the events surrounding the bite.
Use the official dog incident report for dangerous behavior
The County page provides a reporting route for nuisance, dangerous or vicious dog concerns. An allegation does not automatically mean the dog receives a legal designation.
Cuyahoga County Dog License Fees and Renewal Process
Ohio requires dog owners to license their dogs. The County lists three standard terms, and keeping a current license can help a missing dog return home.
| License | County-listed fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $20 | Standard annual option. |
| 3 years | $60 | Available through eligible County purchasing channels. |
| Permanent | $200 | One-time permanent license option. |
| Late purchase | $20 penalty | The County lists a $20 penalty outside the applicable purchase period. |
Check the license term
Open the official Dog Licensing page. Compare the one-year, three-year and permanent options.
Check whether a penalty applies
The annual renewal window runs from December 1 through January 31. Newly acquired dogs or new county residents generally have 30 days to license without a late penalty.
Choose how to apply
The County offers online purchase, mail-in application and participating neighborhood locations. Three-year and permanent licenses are not sold through neighborhood resellers.
Keep the tag attached
Update your contact details and keep the current tag on your dog’s collar. A readable tag can make reunification faster if your dog escapes.
For registration questions call 216-443-3192 or email doglicense@cuyahogacounty.gov.
Veterinary Services, Medical Staff and Low-Cost Pet Care
Shelter medical care and public veterinary appointments are not the same thing. CCAS provides medical preparation for dogs in its adoption program and publishes a separate directory of community veterinary resources.
What adopting dogs receive
County adoption fees include listed vaccinations, deworming, age-dependent heartworm testing, spay/neuter, microchipping and licensing. Ask for the specific dog’s medical record.
Low-cost veterinary help
The County publishes a Veterinary Resource Guide covering low-cost wellness, spay/neuter, microchips, dental care, financial help, pet pantries and other related services.
Does CCAS Accept Owner-Surrendered Dogs or Cats?
Owned dogs
CCAS says it typically does not accept owner surrenders. Its principal duty is to receive lost and stray dogs, so capacity must remain available for them.
If you need to rehome an owned dog, contact the shelter for guidance before transporting the animal.
Cats and other animals
CCAS is dog-only and does not operate a normal cat adoption program. For cat adoption or surrender, the County points residents toward other animal-welfare organizations, including Cleveland Animal Protective League.
Foster a Dog or Try the Dogs Day Out Program
Help a shelter dog recover and settle
CCAS invites prospective dog foster caregivers to contact foster@cuyahogacounty.gov to arrange an appointment. Foster care can provide the kind of quiet home environment that a busy shelter cannot always offer.
Help without adopting immediately
The County advertises a Dogs Day Out program, allowing eligible participants to take shelter dogs out for an afternoon and help them gain exposure to potential adopters. See the official shelter homepage for current program details.
Verified County Shelter Leadership and Contact Roles
These names and titles come from the official County About Us page. They describe shelter operations, not a public physician appointment schedule.
Mindy Naticchioni
Shelter Administrator
mnaticchioni@cuyahogacounty.gov
Deborah Conway
Chief Dog Warden
dconway@cuyahogacounty.gov
Susan Fabian
Adoptions Supervisor
sfabian@cuyahogacounty.gov
Amanda Kopec
Behavior Supervisor
akopec@cuyahogacounty.gov
Hanna Unger
Medical Supervisor
hunger@cuyahogacounty.gov
Jose Rivera-Ortiz
Operations Supervisor
jriveraortiz@cuyahogacounty.gov
Other Ohio Animal Shelter Guides
CCAS handles county shelter and dog-warden responsibilities, while some municipalities have their own shelter arrangements. These independently researched guides can help if you need an animal service outside CCAS’s normal adoption process.
Euclid Animal Shelter
Euclid has separate municipal animal services and an adoption program for dogs and cats. Read the Euclid Animal Shelter guide for its own requirements.
Parma Animal Shelter
Parma operates a separate animal shelter with its own adoption procedures and public hours. See the Parma Animal Shelter guide before visiting.
Miami County Animal Shelter
If you need information for the Troy area rather than Greater Cleveland, visit our Miami County Animal Shelter guide.
Valley View Shelter Address, Map and Directions
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
9500 Sweet Valley Drive
Valley View, Ohio 44125
Main: 216-525-7877
Use the official address in your navigation. If you are coming for a specific dog, confirm its adoption status before a long drive. If you need accessible parking or special arrival assistance, contact the shelter in advance.
Official Cuyahoga County Shelter and Dog Warden Links
The key facts are included in this guide. Use these official pages to check live animal availability, forms, temporary adoption promotions or a newly changed policy.
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter Homepage Current operating hours, dogs, shelter announcements and service categories. Adopt a Dog Official route to adoptable dogs and adoption support. County Adoption Process Fees, application questionnaire, eligibility and dog-hold rules. Lost and Found Dogs Dog search and reporting guidance. Dog Licensing License fees, registration process and renewal guidance. Dog Bite Investigations 24-hour reporting requirement, quarantine rules and incident forms. Veterinary Resources Community veterinary assistance, low-cost care and pet support resources. About CCAS and Staff Government shelter responsibilities, dispatch and published staff roles.Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter located?
The county shelter is at 9500 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, Ohio 44125.
2. What are the Valley View Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from noon to 4 PM. Monday is closed except for lost-dog reclaim. The adoption desk closes 15 minutes early.
3. What is the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter phone number?
The main shelter number is 216-525-7877. The County lists Dispatch separately at 216-525-4810.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a dog from CCAS?
The County’s regular published adoption fee is $95 for dogs four months and older and $170 for puppies under four months. Temporary discounts may be offered.
5. Can I adopt a Cuyahoga County shelter dog online?
No. The County requires in-person adoption and does not accept online adoption applications. You may review pets and download the questionnaire beforehand.
6. Does Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter adopt out cats?
No. CCAS states it is a dog-only government shelter. It does not operate a regular cat adoption program.
7. What documents or family visits are required to adopt?
You must be at least 18. Children aged nine or younger who live with you must meet the dog, and existing household dogs must complete a successful meet-and-greet. Check housing restrictions before applying.
8. How long does the shelter hold a stray dog?
The County lists a minimum 72-hour hold for unidentified strays, seven days under shelter policy for dogs whose owner is known through identifying information, and 14 days for currently licensed dogs.
9. Who handles dog licensing in Cuyahoga County?
The County Shelter is the dog licensing authority. Standard fees are $20 for one year, $60 for three years and $200 for a permanent license. License assistance is available at 216-443-3192.
10. Does the Valley View shelter offer public veterinary appointments?
CCAS provides medical preparation for shelter dogs and offers a community veterinary-resource directory. A public veterinary appointment roster, named veterinary doctor schedule and universal exam fee were not established by the official sources reviewed for this guide.
Independent informational guide published by Animal-Shelter.org. This website is not Cuyahoga County government or the official shelter. Information researched October 11, 2026. Hours, services, fees and adoption availability may change.
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.