How Many Animals Do You Adopt Out Each Year?
Is the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League a "No Kill" Shelter?
The Ashtabula County Animal Protective League serves as the shelter for Ashtabula County Dog Warden, the Ashtabula City Dog Warden, and community intake for owner surrenders and strays. We provided unlimited stay shelter which means we do not euthanize (humanely put to sleep) any animal for space or time constraints. Adoptable animals remain in our shelter until a home is found or unless their health or temperament dramatically changes. Animals surrendered to our facility are evaluated based on their health and temperament. There are some circumstances where animals cannot be placed for adoption such as when animals show signs of highly aggressive or unsociable behavior or when a veterinarian determines that an animal’s physical health greatly impairs their quality of life in an untreatable way (severe medical issues). Every animal is treated with dignity and respect and our staff works tirelessly in each situation to achieve the best outcome possible. Our live outcome rate, which has been increasing since 2018 was 94% in 2020. (Asilomar Live Release Rate).
How is the ACAPL funded?
Where does the ACAPL get its funding?ACAPL is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive funding from Ashtabula County and the City of Ashtabula for intake from the respective Dog Wardens, however, the majority of our funding comes from private donations, private foundations, and corporate sponsorships, or fees for services such as adoptions. All of our lifesaving programs and services are made possible by the ongoing generosity of the public.
Why is the ACAPL not open every day of the week, or only in the afternoons on the days you are open to the public?
The shelter is cleaned and disinfected each and every day. Each dog spends time outside (above 20 degrees) in the morning while their kennels are being cleaned, top to bottom. Each cat enclosure is cleaned, sanitized and all bedding and personal items are washed daily. We also provide comprehensive medical care, including daily well checks, vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter. There's a great deal that goes on behind the scenes! Not to mention, the animals need decompression time and time to work one-on-one with our enrichment staff on socialization and basic behavior.
How does your adoption process work?
Thank you for applying to adopt at the ACAPL! We are very excited to help you find your fur-ever friend, however, please understand that for each dog or cat available we receive dozens, and sometimes hundreds of applications, depending on the breed and size.
We do our very best to provide a transparent adoption selection process. Each application is electronically time stamped upon submission, so we start with the first application received. Upon approval, which sometimes can take a few days, depending on the responsiveness of references, landlords, or veterinarian offices, we then review any specific criteria the adoptable may have, (ie fenced in yard, cat-free home, etc.). With an approved application and criteria met, we will then call you to set up a time to meet your adoptable. Once the appointment is set, we put other applications for the animal on hold. If the animal is not adopted after the meet and greet, we go the next application, and so on.
If your application was not approved for any reason (landlord, incomplete vet references, etc) we will let you know, and if circumstances change we will be happy to transition your application to 'approved.'
We know this can be frustrating, especially when you have your heart set on an adoptable! Keep in mind that you can keep your application in our 'approved' file for future animals. You can contact our adoption counselors at 440.224.1222 or adoptions@acapl.org to let them know. New animals come into the shelter daily and our goal is to find each and every one of them a fureverhome!
We do our very best to provide a transparent adoption selection process. Each application is electronically time stamped upon submission, so we start with the first application received. Upon approval, which sometimes can take a few days, depending on the responsiveness of references, landlords, or veterinarian offices, we then review any specific criteria the adoptable may have, (ie fenced in yard, cat-free home, etc.). With an approved application and criteria met, we will then call you to set up a time to meet your adoptable. Once the appointment is set, we put other applications for the animal on hold. If the animal is not adopted after the meet and greet, we go the next application, and so on.
If your application was not approved for any reason (landlord, incomplete vet references, etc) we will let you know, and if circumstances change we will be happy to transition your application to 'approved.'
We know this can be frustrating, especially when you have your heart set on an adoptable! Keep in mind that you can keep your application in our 'approved' file for future animals. You can contact our adoption counselors at 440.224.1222 or adoptions@acapl.org to let them know. New animals come into the shelter daily and our goal is to find each and every one of them a fureverhome!