Clermont County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this guide to adopt a dog, check shelter hours, report a stray or nuisance dog, handle a lost/found pet, understand adoption fees, use HomeSafe dog licensing, and find nearby cat/rescue resources.
Important scope note: Clermont County Animal Shelter is the county’s public dog kennel. For cats, use the county resource list or local cat rescues rather than assuming the county dog shelter handles every cat situation.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Clermont County Animal Help Cards
Start with the card that matches your situation. This is faster than guessing whether you need the adoption kennel, dog warden, auditor, dispatch, or a rescue.
Clermont County Shelter Scope: Dogs First, Cats Need a Different Route
The official county page describes Clermont County Animal Shelter as a public no-kill kennel for stray, lost and neglected dogs. It takes in about 800 dogs a year on average.
County dog shelter
Use the county shelter for dog adoption, lost dogs, found dogs, stray dogs and dog nuisance situations.
Cat help
Do not assume the county dog kennel is the right cat intake route. Use the county resource list and local cat rescues for cat-specific help.
Rescue network
The county resource page lists dogs/cats, dogs-only, cats-only, open-admission shelters and low-cost clinic options.
Clermont County Animal Shelter Hours, Address and Contacts
Public hours are short, so call before driving if you are coming near closing time, during holidays, or for a dog that may already be adopted or reclaimed.
| Day / contact | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 4025 Filager Road, Batavia, OH 45103 | Adoption visits, found dogs, reclaim questions during public hours. |
| Daytime phone | 513-732-8854 | Adoption, lost/found dog, stray dog, nuisance question. |
| After hours | 513-732-2231 | Non-emergency dispatch when shelter is closed. |
| Tuesday-Friday | 12pm-4pm | Public visits and daytime calls. |
| Saturday | 11:30am-4pm | Weekend adoption or reclaim visit. |
| Sunday / Monday / holidays | Closed to the public | Use after-hours non-emergency dispatch for urgent stray reporting. |
| Adoption email | kennel@clermontcountyohio.gov | Ask about adoptable dog availability or rescue partnerships. |
| Dog warden email | dogwarden@clermontcountyohio.gov | Send stray, found, nuisance or location details. |
| Dog license phone | 513-732-7150 | Clermont County dog license questions. |
Clermont County Dog Adoption Fees
The official FAQ says adoption price varies by the dog’s age.
| Dog type | Adoption fee | Ask before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dog | $120 | Ask about behavior notes, dog-to-dog tests, medical notes and first-week setup. |
| Puppy | $170 | Ask about vaccines, training needs, spay/neuter timing and puppy supplies. |
| Senior dog | $85 | Ask about senior care, medication, mobility, diet and quiet-home needs. |
How to Adopt a Dog from Clermont County Animal Shelter
Use this order to avoid a wasted trip.
Open adoptable dogs
Start with the Clermont County Animal Shelter Petfinder page. Screenshot the dog’s name and photo.
Confirm availability
Email kennel@clermontcountyohio.gov or call 513-732-8854 before driving.
Visit during public hours
Go Tuesday-Friday 12pm-4pm or Saturday 11:30am-4pm. The shelter is closed to the public Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
Ask the right questions
Ask about age, medical notes, stray-hold status, behavior, activity level, children, other dogs, cats, fencing and training needs.
Prepare the ride home
Bring a secure leash, collar/harness, ID, payment method and a safe vehicle plan.
Plan the first 72 hours
Keep the new dog quiet, use a leash in the yard, feed the same food if possible, and schedule a vet visit.
When Can a Stray Dog Be Adopted?
The official FAQ explains that Ohio law controls when a stray dog becomes legally available for adoption.
Basic stray hold
A stray dog is legally available for adoption after 72 hours of impoundment, unless an exception applies.
Current-tag owner extension
If the current-year registered owner calls during the three-day period, an extension up to 48 hours can be granted.
Identified owner rule
If the owner can be identified from current-year registration but contact attempts fail, the dog may be held up to 14 days before becoming county property.
Lost or Found Dog in Clermont County
The official lost/found guidance focuses on fast reporting, clear photos, ID checks, microchip scanning and local posting.
If your dog is missing
- Email both dogwarden@clermontcountyohio.gov and kennel@clermontcountyohio.gov.
- Call the shelter at 513-732-8854.
- Search online lost/found networks and local posts.
- Check local veterinary offices and pet stores.
- Hang lost-pet fliers near the last known area.
- Use DocuPet HomeSafe if your dog has a current license tag.
- Remove or update posts and fliers once your dog is found.
If you found a dog
- Approach slowly and calmly only if safe.
- Contain the dog with a leash or fenced yard if you can do so safely.
- Check for ID tags if safe.
- File a found report by calling 513-732-8854 or emailing dogwarden@clermontcountyohio.gov.
- If the dog has a DocuPet tag, call HomeSafe at 1-877-239-6072.
- Ask a local veterinarian to scan for a microchip at no charge.
- If you cannot hold the dog, bring it to the shelter during public hours or call to schedule pickup.
Stray or Nuisance Complaint Steps
For nuisance situations, the county asks callers to leave clear location details. You may remain anonymous, but contact information helps if wardens need follow-up.
| Problem | Use this route | What to include | Expected follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stray dog seen safely | 513-732-8854 | Dog description, street address, direction of travel, photo if possible. | Dog warden response based on urgency. |
| Aggressive dog or unsafe approach | 513-732-8854 or 513-732-2231 after hours | Exact location, danger level, whether anyone is at risk. | Do not attempt capture yourself. |
| Nuisance situation | 513-732-8854 | Address/location and detailed message. | County says phones are checked during open hours and complaints usually receive response within 48 hours depending on urgency. |
| Continued issue after warden response | Contact shelter again | Previous report details and what continued. | County asks residents to report continued issues again. |
Dog License, DocuPet and HomeSafe
Clermont County uses DocuPet as its official pet licensing partner. A current tag can help reunite lost dogs faster through HomeSafe.
License or renew
Use the Clermont County DocuPet portal to license a dog for the first time or renew an existing license.
Found tag hotline
If you find a dog with a DocuPet tag, call HomeSafe at 1-877-239-6072.
Auditor questions
For dog license questions, call Clermont County Auditor at 513-732-7150.
Surrender, Rehome and Cat/Rescue Options
Because the county shelter is the public dog kennel, surrender and cat questions should be handled carefully. Call first and use the county resource list for the correct rescue or clinic.
Before asking about surrender
- Call the shelter first; do not assume walk-in intake.
- Prepare vet records, behavior notes and photos.
- Ask about rehome, rescue transfer or foster alternatives.
- Be honest about bite history, medical issues and dog-to-dog behavior.
For cats and non-dog help
- Use the county’s resource page for dogs/cats, cats-only rescues and low-cost clinics.
- Contact cat rescues directly and ask about intake rules.
- For low-cost medical/spay-neuter help, check the resource list first.
- For urgent animal welfare or safety situations, call the appropriate local authority.
Before You Leave Home
Dog screenshot, photo ID, payment, leash/collar, household questions.
Clear photo, tag number, microchip number, last location and zip code.
Photo, exact address found, safe hold plan, tag/microchip check.
Address, repeated dates/times, description, photos or videos if safe.
Map: Clermont County Animal Shelter
Use this map for adoption visits, found-dog drop-off planning and reclaim questions during public hours.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I saw [dog name] listed for adoption. Is this dog still available, what is the adoption fee, and what should I bring during public hours?Lost dog
Hi, my dog is missing near [street / township / zip]. Description: [size, color, collar, tag, microchip]. Has a matching dog been reported or brought in?Found dog
Hi, I found a dog at [exact address]. The dog is [safe/aggressive/injured]. I can/cannot safely hold it. What should I do next?Nuisance complaint
Hi, I need to report a dog nuisance at [address/location]. The issue is [stray/aggressive/repeated nuisance]. Dates/times: [details].Official Clermont County Animal Links
The most important details are summarized above. Use these links to verify live availability, current county instructions and licensing.
Clermont County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Clermont County Animal Shelter located?
Clermont County Animal Shelter is located at 4025 Filager Road, Batavia, OH 45103.
What is Clermont County Animal Shelter’s phone number?
The daytime shelter phone number is 513-732-8854. After-hours non-emergency dispatch is 513-732-2231.
What are Clermont County Animal Shelter’s public hours?
The shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 4pm and Saturday from 11:30am to 4pm. It is closed to the public Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
Is Clermont County Animal Shelter mainly for dogs?
Yes. The official county page describes it as a public dog kennel for stray, lost and neglected dogs. For cats, use the county resource list and local cat rescue options.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
The official FAQ lists dog adoption fees as $120 for adults, $170 for puppies and $85 for seniors.
When can a stray dog be adopted?
The official FAQ says a stray dog is generally legally available for adoption after 72 hours of impoundment, unless current registration or owner-identification exceptions apply.
Who do I email about adopting a dog?
For adoption questions, email kennel@clermontcountyohio.gov.
Who do I contact about strays or nuisance situations?
For strays or nuisance situations, call 513-732-8854 during daytime hours, use 513-732-2231 after hours, or email dogwarden@clermontcountyohio.gov.
How do I report a found dog with a license tag?
If the dog has a DocuPet tag, call HomeSafe at 1-877-239-6072 or use the DocuPet found-tag reporting route. You can also contact the shelter or the county auditor.
Does the shelter accept donations and volunteers?
Yes. The official FAQ says the shelter accepts donations, and volunteers support dog walking, bathing, feeding and fostering. Volunteer orientation and training are required.
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.