Ashland County Dog Shelter Reports Record Success, Bright Future Ahead
ASHLAND — From financial recovery to record adoption rates and innovative new programs, the Ashland County Dog Shelter is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. During a detailed update before the Ashland County Commissioners Thursday morning, Dog Warden Deputy Curtis Hall, Kennel Manager Shannon Hamilton, and Assistant Kennel Manager Ellie Powell painted a picture of progress, teamwork, and hope for the future.
A Financial Turnaround
When Hall stepped into his role as dog warden in July 2024, the shelter was struggling with budget uncertainty. On May 16, 2024 — before the current leadership team was in place — the shelter had received a $130,251 transfer from the county’s General Fund just to cover anticipated expenses.
Since then, Hall and his team have tightened expenses, streamlined operations, and focused on increasing revenue through dog licensing, adoptions, and donations.
As of July 31, 2025, the shelter’s fund balance stood at $86,887.44. With wages and operating costs for the remainder of the year projected at about $95,105, that initially left the shelter facing a shortfall of roughly $8,200. But Hall stressed that those numbers were calculated under the assumption that no more revenue would come in.
That, he said, simply isn’t the case.
Dog licenses alone brought in nearly $196,000 so far this year, covering 8,790 regular licenses as well as kennel, permanent, three-year, and dangerous dog tags.
Adoption fees, license renewals, and community donations are expected to close the gap.
By Hall’s estimates, the projected shortfall is now closer to just $354 — and donations are already flowing in.
“This is going to work out,” Hall told commissioners. “We just need time to be consistent, to build community trust, and we’re going to be fine. We’ve got the recipe; now we just have to cook the food.”
Hall did not shy away from pointing out what he sees as the next critical step for financial sustainability: credit card readers. Without them, he said, the shelter is limited in how much revenue it can realistically generate.
“There is no way this is ever going to climb above the $200,000 to $230,000 ceiling without credit card access,” Hall explained. “We’re not trying to upset anybody — we’re just telling the truth. Nearly every business in Ashland County runs on card transactions. For us to succeed long-term, we need that tool too.”
By the Numbers: Dogs, Adoptions, and Outcomes
The Ashland County Dog Shelter has been busy in 2025 — and the numbers show it.
166 total dogs have come through the shelter this year.
72 dogs adopted into new homes.
74 dogs reclaimed by their original owners.
19 dogs transferred to rescue organizations.
Only four euthanizations (plus one court-ordered case), keeping the shelter’s live release rate at 97.65% — a number far above many county shelters across Ohio.
For Hamilton, these numbers are a point of pride, reflecting not only strong adoption efforts but also the shelter’s dedication to cooperation with other agencies.
“We’ve been able to take in dogs from overcrowded shelters in Ohio that were facing tough choices,” Hamilton said. “Some of those dogs came to us already spayed, neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, which meant no additional cost to us. When those dogs are adopted, every dollar goes directly to supporting our mission.”
Just as encouraging: no employee turnover this year. Hamilton credited a “good, steady team” committed to the animals’ well-being.
Innovative Programs Making a Difference
Assistant Kennel Manager Ellie Powell has spearheaded several new initiatives aimed at making dogs more adoptable and healthier during their stay.
Foster-to-Adopt Success
In 2025, the shelter launched a foster program — and it has been a resounding success. Of all dogs placed in foster homes this year, all but one have turned into foster-to-adopt placements.
“These dogs are living in real homes, adjusting to kids, other pets, and daily routines,” Powell explained. “By the time they’re adopted, they’re already wonderful companions.”
Playgroups and Socialization
The shelter also introduced dog playgroups, giving dogs supervised opportunities to socialize and exercise together.
“Playgroups provide mental enrichment and help us show potential adopters how a dog interacts with others,” Powell said. “It makes them more adoptable — whether it’s at a dog park, daycare, or just out on a family walk.”
Lyme Disease Testing
Another major step forward: systematic Lyme disease testing. Out of 41 dogs tested this year, 36% showed positive results. Those dogs received treatment while in care, preventing further suffering and equipping adopters with important health information.
Two dogs diagnosed earlier in the program had fatal forms of Lyme disease, Powell said, emphasizing the importance of this testing.
Looking Ahead: Veterans and Service Dogs
One of the shelter’s most ambitious projects is slated for 2026: a Veteran Service Dog Program. The goal is to pair five veterans each year with specially selected shelter dogs, trained as companions or service animals.
The program is being designed with sponsorship support, meaning it could be offered at little or no cost to veterans.
“This could be something truly life-changing,” Hall said. “Not just for the dogs, but for the veterans who will gain loyal companions and assistance animals.”
A local trainer is already working with the shelter to establish criteria for selecting suitable dogs. Veterans have also begun volunteering their support.
“This is something that could really make a difference in our community and something we can be proud of,” Hamilton added.
Community Connections
The shelter has worked hard to stay visible and engaged across Ashland County:
ACCESS Summer Kickoff — where Hall famously took a pie in the face for a fundraiser.
Armstrong Outdoor Show at the county fairgrounds.
Armstrong Community Spotlight — quarterly updates and dog features on local cable.
WMFD in Mansfield — biweekly TV bios highlighting adoptable dogs.
Fundraising partnership with Ashland County Pictures to support “Margo,” a dog hit by a car whose medical care required community donations.
Upcoming events include:
Mapleton Schools Career & Volunteer Day (Aug. 22, 2025)
Ashland Noon Lions Club (Sept. 3, 2025)
Ashland County Fair Booth (Sept. 14–20, 2025)
Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Adoption Event (Oct. 25, 2025)
New Tools and Assets
In 2025, the shelter also gained key assets to improve operations:
A used Ford Explorer, ensuring staff have reliable transportation for animal care and rescues.
A new computer system for the animal care room, helping staff track vaccinations and health records more efficiently.
A brand-new website — ashlandcountydogshelter.org
Overcoming Challenges — Including the Heat
One question from commissioners touched on a hot topic — literally: how the shelter has managed summer heat in kennel pods.
Hamilton explained that while the building itself is air-conditioned, the pods required creative problem-solving. By shutting off air exchange fans during extreme heat and using industrial fans to pull cool air into the pods, staff have kept average kennel temperatures between 77–78°F, even during heat waves.
“It’s not perfect, but it works,” Commissioners Denny Bittle said. “And it’s financially responsible compared to the huge costs of fully air-conditioning the pods.”
Shelter Dogs in the Spotlight — and in Service
One of the most inspiring stories shared was about a shelter dog adopted into a foster arrangement with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. That dog is now being trained as a search-and-rescue K-9, proving that shelter animals can rise to the highest callings.
“It just goes to show these dogs can be incredible working animals,” Assistant Kennel Manager Ellie Powell said. “They’re smart, driven, and want to succeed.”
Commissioner Denny Bittle
President, James Justice
Vice President, Michael Welch
Commissioners Praise Progress
Ashland County Commissioners praised the team for their accomplishments.
“It’s just amazing to me how, in one year, the face of this dog shelter has completely changed because of you three,” said Commissioners Denny Bittle. “From finances to adoptions to dog care, everything has gone way above expectations. You’re doing a tremendous job.”
A Shelter Reborn
What was once a struggling county operation is now a model of resilience and innovation. With strong community partnerships, careful financial management, and a passionate staff, the Ashland County Dog Shelter is poised not only to sustain its progress but to build an even brighter future.
As Hall put it, “Everybody calm down — it’s going to be okay. We’ve got the recipe. Now we just have to go do it.”
And judging by the numbers, the programs, and the wagging tails leaving the shelter, they already are. 🐾
