Warren County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets Guide
Looking for the Warren County Animal Shelter? This page covers the Humane Association of Warren County in Lebanon, Ohio, plus the important Dog Warden difference for loose dogs and serious dog concerns.
Get the address, hours, adoption steps, intake rules, stray dog/cat instructions, foster help, low-cost clinic clues, volunteer requirements, donation routes, and call scripts before you drive.
Which Warren County Animal Shelter Is This?
Several U.S. counties are named Warren County. This article covers the Warren County, Ohio shelter in Lebanon because that is the official shelter result for “Warren County Animal Shelter” in this context.
Correct agency
Humane Association of Warren County, also described as Warren County’s animal shelter and adoption center.
Service identity
HAWC says it has served Warren County and Southwest Ohio for more than 50 years and is the county’s only animal shelter and adoption center.
Do not mix states
Do not confuse this with Warren County shelters in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey or other states.
Address, Hours, Phone Numbers and What Each One Is For
| Need | Official detail | Use it for | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter address | 230 Cook Road, Lebanon, OH 45036 | Adoption visits, surrender/intake, stray dog intake, events, clinic and volunteer orientation. | Search the exact address, not just “Warren County shelter.” |
| Adoption & animal information | 513-695-1176 | Adoptable pets, shelter hours, pet questions and visit planning. | Have the pet name or screenshot ready. |
| Donations & public relations | 513-695-2121 | Donations, legacy giving, public support and outreach questions. | Use for giving questions, not urgent animal-control calls. |
| Public hours | Monday-Saturday 11AM-6PM; Sunday closed | Adoption visits, general shelter access and most visitor questions. | Arrive early enough for meet-and-greet and paperwork. |
| Dog Warden / dispatch | Warren County Dispatch 513-932-4080 | Serious dog concerns and Dog Warden routing. | Use the Dog Warden route for dog-control issues, not the adoption desk. |
Adopting from Warren County Animal Shelter: Simple Steps
HAWC describes adoption as a guided process: browse pets, meet the pet, complete paperwork, and go home with support. Use this action route to avoid a wasted trip.
Browse pets online or visit in person
Check adoptable pets first, then visit Monday-Saturday 11AM-6PM. Save the pet’s name, photo, listing notes and any health or behavior details.
Ask for the pet by name
Tell staff which pet you saw and ask whether the pet is still available, on hold, recently adopted, in foster or not ready to meet.
Spend one-on-one time
HAWC says it facilitates meet-and-greets to help confirm whether the pet fits your home and lifestyle.
Submit application and paperwork
Be ready for the application, approval, adoption contract, fee and basic household questions.
Ask what comes with the adoption
The official adoption page says fees help cover care and essential veterinary support. Ask what is complete for that specific pet: spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, flea/tick, dewormer or medications.
Bring transport gear
Use a secure cat carrier or a safe dog leash/harness/crate plan. A new pet may be stressed by parking lots, traffic and unfamiliar people.
Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
This makes the page more useful than a directory listing. Use these questions during the meet-and-greet.
If adopting a dog
- Is the dog good with other dogs, cats or children?
- Has the dog shown leash pulling, fear, guarding or separation stress?
- Is a meet-and-greet with my current dog recommended?
- What food is the dog eating now?
- Is the dog already altered and ready to go home?
- What is the first-week decompression plan?
If adopting a cat
- Is the cat shy, social, bonded, active or independent?
- Has the cat lived with other cats, dogs or children?
- Does the cat need a quiet starter room?
- What litter and food are being used now?
- Are there medical, FIV/FeLV, dental or medication notes?
- Should the cat be kept separate from resident pets at first?
Humane Association vs Warren County Dog Warden
This is a common searcher confusion. The shelter helps with adoption, intake, pet support and community programs. The Dog Warden route is for dog-control and enforcement concerns.
| Situation | Best route | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Humane Association of Warren County | Shelter and adoption center. | Visit 230 Cook Road or call 513-695-1176. |
| Ask about a shelter pet | HAWC adoption desk | Staff can answer pet-specific availability questions. | Use the pet name/listing screenshot. |
| Found stray dog | HAWC intake or Dog Warden depending on urgency | HAWC says found stray dogs can be brought directly to the shelter; serious dog concerns route through Dog Warden. | If safe and during intake hours, bring to shelter. For serious concerns call dispatch. |
| Loose, aggressive or serious dog concern | Warren County Dog Warden | Dog Warden handles public safety/enforcement. | Call Warren County Dispatch at 513-932-4080. |
| Donation, legacy giving or support | HAWC donations/public relations | HAWC relies on community support and donations. | Call 513-695-2121 or use official donate page. |
Lost or Found Pet in Warren County, Ohio
HAWC says it helps reunite lost pets with families. Move quickly, because the first few hours matter.
If you lost a pet
- Search your own property first: garage, shed, porch, deck, bushes, vehicles, crawl spaces.
- Call HAWC at 513-695-1176 with pet description and your contact information.
- Call or check the Warren County Dog Warden route for lost dogs.
- Update your microchip company immediately.
- Post on local Warren County / Lebanon / Mason / Franklin / Springboro lost-pet groups.
- Use clear photos, cross streets, date, sex, color, collar and microchip status.
- Visit in person if online photos are unclear.
- Bring proof: photos, vet records, microchip number, license or adoption paperwork.
If you found a pet
- Do not approach an aggressive or traffic-endangered animal.
- Take photos before moving the pet if safe.
- Check tag/collar only if safe.
- Keep the pet separate from your own animals.
- Ask a vet, shelter or Dog Warden route about microchip scanning.
- Report the exact found location, not just your home address.
- Do not give the pet to a stranger without proof of ownership.
- If you found a dog, HAWC says stray dogs can be brought directly to the shelter during intake hours.
Pet Surrender and Managed Intake at HAWC
HAWC uses managed intake to reduce overcrowding, illness, stress and length of stay, and to save space for pets and strays with the greatest need.
| Official intake point | What it means | What to bring | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment-only surrender | HAWC’s surrender page says pet surrender is by appointment only. | Driver’s license or state ID, medical records, vet history, completed pet profile, blanket/bed if possible. | HAWC says it cannot process intake without identification. |
| Dog/cat surrender window | Monday-Saturday 11AM-4PM; closed Sundays. | Only yourself and the pet. | Children, other family members and friends are not permitted during intake. |
| Animals from other organizations | HAWC says it does not accept dogs or cats from other organizations. | Contact the original rescue/shelter/breeder first. | You may be asked to return the pet to the original organization. |
| Surrender fees | HAWC says fees are required when surrendering a pet. | Ask current fee before appointment. | Fees support shelter operations because HAWC says it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit not supported by tax dollars. |
Found a Stray Dog or Stray Cat: HAWC Intake Difference
The official intake page separates stray cats and stray dogs. Follow the right route.
Found a stray dog
- HAWC says there is no need to fill out the stray-cat form for a stray dog.
- If safe, you may bring the stray dog directly to the shelter.
- Intake hours listed for stray dogs: Monday-Saturday 11AM-6PM.
- Call 513-695-2537 if you have questions.
- For aggressive or dangerous dog concerns, use the Dog Warden route.
Found a stray cat
- Start with HAWC’s stray-cat form.
- Answer finder information and location questions as accurately as possible.
- Keep the cat separate from your pets if temporarily holding.
- Ask about microchip scanning and next intake step.
- Do not assume every outdoor cat is lost; check for ear tip, ownership signs and neighborhood context.
Clinic and Pet-Help Resources
HAWC’s official clinic and pet-help pages are useful for people trying to keep a pet instead of surrendering.
Expanded clinic
HAWC describes an expanded clinic with more space, new veterinary equipment, treatment areas and quiet recovery spaces.
Spay/neuter focus
The clinic page highlights affordable sterilization services and an on-site surgical suite to help manage pet population.
Lower-income program
HAWC says qualifying lower-income spay/neuter clients are responsible for a $35 deposit at scheduling, with proof of low-income status presented at the appointment.
Pet-friendly housing
The Pet Help page lists pet-friendly housing resources by area, including communities such as Franklin, Monroe, Lebanon, Loveland and Maineville.
Temporary hardship
HAWC says owners facing temporary financial hardship can reach out so the team can explore support options to keep pets safe with families.
Nearby resources
The official resource page lists regional rescues, county shelters and low-cost veterinary options around Southwest Ohio.
Foster, Volunteer and Shelter Help
HAWC has both foster and volunteer routes. They are different commitments.
| Program | Official detail | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer | Must be 18 or older; orientation is required. | Dog walking, dog/cat handling and shelter help. | HAWC does not accept volunteers needing high-school community service hours or court-appointed credit. |
| Orientation | Classes are held in the Education Room across from the main shelter entrance and typically take 1-2 hours. | New volunteers. | Class registration opens at the beginning of each month. |
| Foster | HAWC says foster families are the bridge between homelessness and a forever home. | Adult dogs, adult cats, puppies, kittens, medical needs and bottle babies. | HAWC says it provides food, supplies, medical care, guidance and support. |
| Purple Paws Fosters | Foster route for pets displaced by natural disasters, domestic violence, homelessness or hospitalization. | Temporary crisis support. | Ask HAWC what is currently active and available. |
| Doggie Day Field Trips | Day outings give shelter dogs a kennel break and new environment. | Approved volunteers/fosters. | Follow current HAWC sign-up rules before taking a dog offsite. |
Donate, Legacy Giving and Pet Guardianship
HAWC says it relies on donations to provide medical care, food, shelter and second chances for pets in need.
Donate now
Use the official donation page for one-time giving, recurring support or wish-list support.
Stocks and IRA giving
The official page explains appreciated-stock gifts and IRA giving for supporters who want tax-aware giving options.
Fur-Ever Friends
HAWC offers a pet guardianship program for supporters who want a plan for their pet’s future if they can no longer provide care.
Local Insider Tips Before You Visit
Do not arrive at 5:55
Hours end at 6PM. Meet-and-greet, questions and paperwork need time. Arrive earlier if you are serious about adopting.
Screenshot pets
Listings change fast. Save the pet name, photo and notes before calling or visiting.
Plan Cook Road route
Use the exact address: 230 Cook Road, Lebanon, OH 45036. Warren County searches can pull results from other states.
Renters check first
Confirm pet rules, breed/weight limits, deposits and pet rent before the meet-and-greet.
Bring transport
Use a cat carrier or dog leash/harness/crate plan. Do not rely on carrying a new pet loose.
Use the right phone
Adoption desk for pets; donation line for giving; Dog Warden dispatch for serious dog concerns.
Map to Humane Association of Warren County
Use this map for route planning. For pet-specific availability, intake or urgent dog-control concerns, call the correct official number first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [pet name] listed with the Humane Association of Warren County. Is this pet still available, and what should I bring if I visit today?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [cross streets/city] on [date]. The pet is [description] and may be microchipped. Has a matching pet been brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot temporarily hold the pet. What is the correct HAWC or Dog Warden step?Surrender
Hi, I need help with possible surrender or rehoming for my [dog/cat]. I live in [city]. Do I need an appointment, what fee applies, and what records should I bring?Official Warren County Animal Shelter Links
Use these for live pet availability, appointments, forms, event updates and final action.
Warren County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is the Warren County Animal Shelter in Ohio?
The Humane Association of Warren County is located at 230 Cook Road, Lebanon, Ohio 45036.
What is the phone number for Warren County Animal Shelter adoption questions?
The adoption and animal information phone number for the Humane Association of Warren County is 513-695-1176.
What are the Humane Association of Warren County hours?
The official public hours are Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 6PM. The shelter is closed on Sundays.
Is the Humane Association of Warren County the same as the Dog Warden?
No. The Humane Association of Warren County is the shelter and adoption center. The Warren County Dog Warden route is for serious dog-control concerns and dispatch routing.
What number do I call for the Warren County Dog Warden?
The official Warren County Dog Warden result lists Warren County Dispatch at 513-932-4080 for 24/7 on-call routing.
How do I adopt a pet from Warren County Animal Shelter?
Browse pets online or visit the shelter, ask for the pet by name, spend one-on-one time, complete the application and paperwork, pay the current fee, and bring safe transport for the pet.
Does the official site list a fixed adoption fee table?
The official adoption page explains that adoption fees help cover care and essential veterinary support, but a single permanent fee table is not consistently published in the accessible page text. Call 513-695-1176 for the current fee for a specific pet.
Can I surrender a dog or cat to the Humane Association of Warren County?
Yes, but the official intake page says pet surrender is by appointment only. Intake is Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 4PM, and you must bring a driver’s license or state ID.
What should I do if I found a stray dog in Warren County?
If the dog is safe to handle, HAWC says found stray dogs can be brought directly to the shelter during intake hours, Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 6PM. For aggressive or serious dog concerns, use the Dog Warden route.
How can I help if I cannot adopt?
You can foster, volunteer, donate, support the clinic, join orientation when available, share official adoptable-pet listings, or ask about HAWC programs such as Purple Paws and Doggie Day Field Trips.
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.