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Animal Shelters & Rescues in Columbus, OH

11 of the 72 dog parks, shelters, trainers and boarding kennels we list in Columbus are shelter and rescue services.

Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.

  1. CHA Animal Shelter

    3765 Corporate Dr, Columbus, OH 43231

    Mon-Fri 12am-2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm

    Call Website Directions

  2. Pets Without Parents

    629 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43214-4127

    Mon–Sun 12pm–8pm

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  3. Cat Welfare Association

    741 Wetmore Rd, Columbus, OH 43214

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  4. Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

    4340 Tamarack Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229

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  5. Golden Endings Golden Retriever Rescue

    1043 Elmwood Ave, Columbus, OH 43212-3255

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  6. Livengood Service Dogs

    1308 Pinnacle Dr, Columbus, OH 43204

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  7. Unlimited Pawsibilities Inc

    3570 Fishinger Blvd, Columbus, OH 43026

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  8. Ark of Redemption Cat Rescue

    1879 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

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  9. Ark Of Redemption Cat Rescue

    1041 Mediterranean Ave, Columbus, OH 43229-2543

    Website Directions

  10. Homeport

    3443 Agler Rd, Columbus, OH 43219

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  11. The Vet Clinic

    5949 N High St, Columbus, OH 43085

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Check visitor policies early. Municipal facilities usually allow walk-in visits during public hours, but private rescues often require an approved application before scheduling a meet-and-greet.

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Good to know

What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?

Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.

How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.

Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?

Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.