ELYRIA, Ohio – The Lorain County Dog Kennel reached full capacity this week after taking in 15 dogs within 36 hours as adoption rates remain critically low.
With every cage at the facility occupied, some larger dogs are being held in kennels intended for smaller breeds. Lorain County Dog Warden Andrew Laubenthal told cleveland.com that staff may have no choice but to place some dogs in portable crates as soon as Wednesday —spaces even more confined than the undersized kennels currently in use.
“We’re as full as we can get,” Laubenthal said. “Placing dogs in cages that aren’t appropriate for them isn’t ideal for a kennel operation, but it’s better than that dog running loose and getting injured by a car or being neglected.”
Since Laubenthal became warden four months ago, the kennel has taken in 258 dogs. With summer typically bringing an increase in stray animals, he fears the worst is yet to come.
To combat the overcrowding, Friends of Lorain County Animal Kennel, a non-profit volunteer group, has issued an urgent plea for adoptions.
“We need YOU. More importantly, these dogs NEED YOU as we are running out of options,” the group said in a Facebook post.
How to adopt
Those interested in adopting can view available dogs and their adoption dates by visiting the kennel’s Dogs to Adopt page or calling 440-326-5995.
The adoption fee is $106 and includes vaccinations and a county dog license. All adopted dogs must be spayed or neutered. For dogs that still require surgery, the procedure is free at Lorain Animal Clinic. Adopters only pay $62 for post-operative care and pain medication.
The kennel is located at 301 Hadaway Court in Elyria. Hours of operation are:
- Tuesday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Closed: Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays
Please note that the kennel will be closed Thursday in observance of Juneteenth.
Ways to Support
The Lorain County Dog Kennel does not receive money from the county’s general fund. Instead, it operates through dog license sales, adoption and redemption fees and public donations.
Monetary donations are accepted onsite via cash, check, or credit card. Online donations can be made through the kennel’s website.
Those who prefer to give supplies can purchase from the kennel’s Amazon wishlist or donate directly at the facility. Urgently needed items include:
- Dog collars and leashes
- Chew toys, bones and treats
- Canned and dry dog food
- Bleach and cleaning supplies
- Washable dog beds and towels (all sizes)
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