About the Humane Society
& SPCA of Hancock County
Board of Directors
A Board of Directors governs the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County. This Board is composed of fifteen members holding office for a period of three years. They shall elect officers, make rules, regulations and policies to carry out the business of the Society.
The following are Board members:
Rick Aurand, President
Lori Powell, Vice-President
Jim Ferguson, Treasurer
Dave Calland, DVM, Secretary
Dick Beckett, DVM
Dave Braun
Greg Coward
Ron Hohlfelder
Diana Kirk
Barbra Nichols
Christian Pedersen
Drew Pike
Chuck Walter
David Ray
Joyce Brewer, Director Emeritus
Jack Crates, Director Emeritus
Let's Talk About Animals!!
Looking for a speaker for your next organizational meeting?
The Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County has speakers available to address youth and adult groups about a variety of animal related topics. For more information, call 419-423-1664.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the money come from to operate the Humane Society?
Since the Humane Society is a private non-profit organization, it relies on contributions from the community to operate the facility. These contributions come through fund-raising efforts, direct donations, memorials, and honorariums.
How many animals can you house in the Humane Society kennels?
There are 40 large, two-sided kennels for dogs. We can “double-up”, but that solution reduces the exercise space for dogs. Cats are housed in 10 large kennels. Our average census is from 60 to 100 depending on the number of litters we have. Litters are usually housed together.
How many days do you keep animals that are available for adoption?
We do not have a determined number of days to keep an animal. Once an animal is deemed adoptable they remain up for adoption until they are adopted unless they would become aggressive or sick.
How is it determined when an animal should be humanely euthanized?
All animals are evaluated on an individual basis in regards to
behavior and health. We cannot guarantee any animal will be adopted (euthanasia
is a possibility--we are not a no-kill shelter).
Must my dog have a license and wear it?
It is the law that you must buy a dog license each year for your dog, and the dog should wear the license at all times.
How much does it cost to buy a dog license for your pet?
If the license is purchased on or before January 31, the cost is $20.00; after January 31, the cost is $40.00. If you purchase a license at a location other than directly through the Auditor, you will be charged a $0.75 processing fee.
Where can I purchase a dog license for my pet?
A dog license is available for purchase at the County Auditor 's office, Humane Society, and Pet Supplies Plus throughout the year. Also between December 1 and January 31, licenses may be purchased at various satellite locations.
How old does my dog have to be before I am required to buy a license?
A dog must be licensed by the time it reaches 3 months of age according to the Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01. If you acquire a dog that is over 3 months of age, you must purchase a license immediately.
Is my dog allowed to run loose?
All dogs, regardless of age, must be kept confined on the premises of the owner, keeper, or harbored at all times. If a dog is off the owner's property, it must be kept under reasonable control which is best achieved by keeping the dog on a leash.
How long is a dog held at the shelter after it has been picked up by an Animal Control Officer?
If a dog is wearing a current dog license, it will be held at the shelter for 14 days. We make several attempts to contact the dog's owner. Unlicensed dogs are held only three days. Every attempt is made to reunite lost dogs with their owners. After the waiting period, dogs are evaluated for adoption.
How much does it cost to retrieve my dog from the shelter if it has been picked up by an Animal Control Officer?
The fees vary depending on whether or not the dog is licensed. For the first day, the fees can range from as little as $50.00 to $80.75 if the dog does not have a valid license. The fee increases for each day the animal is left in the care of animal control.
If an animal is turned into the Humane Society and it belongs to someone else, will the owner be notified?
Yes, there is notification if the animal has identification on it. First a telephone call is made and then a letter is sent. In the case of a current license for dogs, a registered letter is sent.
Do Animal Control Officers file criminal charges against dog owners?
Yes, citations are issued for dogs running at large and failure to license your dogs. Additionally, charges may be filed for cruelty to animals and vicious dog violations. The penalties for these offenses are much more severe and are determined by the courts.
What is a pit bull dog?
A breed of dog commonly known as a pit bull is a dog that has all or many of the same physical characteristics as an American Pit Bull Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or an American Bulldog.
Are there special laws for pit bull dogs?
Yes, all dogs commonly known as pit bulls are considered vicious under state law. These types of dogs must be confined in a locked fenced yard, a locked dog pen that has a top, or some other locked enclosure on the owner's property. The owners of these dogs must also maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance, in the event that their dog would injure a person.
Why should a dog or cat have a rabies vaccination?
This disease is easily transmitted to humans and all warm-blooded animals. The infected animal acts unpredictably and out of character. Also, it is required by state law.
When does my pet have to have a rabies vaccination?
All pets are required to be immunized against rabies by the time they reach three months of age. The rabies vaccination must be given by a licensed veterinarian.
If a pet is sick or hurt, should it be taken to the Humane Society?
The Humane Society does not have a veterinarian on staff. The pet should be taken to your veterinarian for treatment.
Is it true that a dog or cat should have a litter before having her spayed?
No. Veterinarians advise us that dogs and cats live a longer and healthier life if they are altered as soon as they are old enough.
Why should someone have their animal spayed or neutered?
Surgery to remove reproductive organs is the only way to reduce the overpopulation being experienced in the country today. Since there are not enough homes to adopt all the animals from litters, spaying and neutering is the only solution to the pet overpopulation problem.
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