The County Animal Shelter, the Animal Protective League, and the Cleveland City Kennel are all separate organizations. If you have lost a dog, please contact your City shelter, since they may have it. If you have to surrender an animal, please contact the Animal Protective League because the County does not provide this service. The County Animal Shelter handles only dogs, not cats or wildlife. Dog licenses are required for indoor dogs as well as for outside dogs.
Dog licenses have to be renewed each year.
Failure to do so can result in a citation and fine. The County Kennel is a state mandated public safety agency, which is responsible for sheltering and caring for stray dogs. To provide this service, the shelter operates seven days a week with housing space for up to 76 dogs. The Kennel is part of a large network of government animal shelters. Most cities have their own animal shelters and staff and rely on the County Kennel to pick up any unclaimed stray dogs found in their community.