What is the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League?
The Ashtabula County Animal Protective League (ACAPL) is a nonprofit humane society that also serves as the stray and court hold facility for the Ashtabula County Dog Warden, the Ashtabula City Dog Warden. We also provide community intake for owner surrenders and strays when we have capacity/space to do so. The ACAPL works to protect, rescue, and care for animals in need across Ashtabula County. Our mission is simple, to provide temporary homes for the parent-less pets of Ashtabula County until we can find them the best possible "furever" home. Along with this mission, we promote spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership and companion pet education.
Where are you located, and what are your hours
Our shelter is located at 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Please call us if you have any questions and leave a message if you don't get ahold of us and would like a call back - 440.224.1222. We are open to the public from 12-5 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as 12-4 pm on Wednesday and Sunday.
How many animals do you help each year?
As of September 30, 2025, over 920 animals have come through our doors into our care this year. In 2024, 1080 animals entered the ACAPL's care.
Do you spay/neuter pets for the community?
We would love to be able to offer low-cost community spay/neuter out of our own facility; however, until we can hire a Veterinarian to provide these services and construct a space appropriate to do so at our shelter, we have partnered with PetFix which sends transportation to our facility once per week to take either cats or dogs to their location in Euclid for spay/neuter. For more information, please check out the program details here.
Is the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League a "No Kill" Shelter?
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 has been increasing since 2018 and is above 94% so far in 2025 (as of October).
Are you part of the county government?
No. The ACAPL is an independent nonprofit organization that holds a county contract to serve as the county dog pound but receives limited funding from that contract. Most of our work is supported through donations, adoption fees, grants, and community support such as volunteers and fosters.
How is the ACAPL funded?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 85% of the funding used to serve and care for animals comes from private donations, adoption fees, and grants. Only 15% of our funding comes from contracts with the City of Ashtabula and Ashtabula County. All of our lifesaving programs and services are made possible by the ongoing generosity of the public - Thank You! If you'd like to learn more about supporting our lifesaving work, click here.
How does the adoption process work?
You can view all our animals currently available for adoption right here on our website! Check out the Adoptions page. You can apply online by filling out an application. We will reach out to you within 48 hours to the contact listed on your application to see if we have a match for you. If you are applying for a specific animal, please list that pet's name on your application. We sometimes receive dozens or even hundreds of applications for a specific pet, and we review applications to find the applicant who is the best fit for the animal in order to make a lasting match.
We do not place holds on animals. Adoptions are processed on a first-approved, best-fit basis. Please feel free to stop in during our public open hours, and in most cases, you can leave same-day with your new best friend! Walk-ins are accepted but for quicker service, please call and schedule an appointment or fill out an application so we can call you to schedule an appointment.
Can I bring my current pets to meet a potential new pet?
- Yes! Meet-and-greets are required if have another dog(s) in the home and are looking to adopt another dog to ensure compatibility.. We do not allow cats to be brought to our shelter to meet our adoptable cats and dogs. Although we cannot typically guarantee whether a dog is "cat-friendly" or if a cat will get along with another cat, we can provide information and support to help make the introduction and transition as smooth as possible.
What does the adoption fee include?
Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, FIV/FeLV testing (for cats) and heartworm testing (for dogs), microchipping, and basic health care prior to adoption.
Can I surrender my pet to the shelter?
When we have capacity/space, we may accept owner surrenders. Although we cannot guarantee we'll be able to take your pet, to begin the surrender process, please fill out the Surrender Form on our website.
Why can't I just bring an animal that needs help to the shelter?
Our shelter operates at or near capacity year-round. Unfortunately, due to space and funding constraints, we cannot help every person or animal, although we do our best to provide assistance and resources even when we cannot take in an animal. Appointments for owner surrender animals help us manage intake safely and ensure every animal receives appropriate care.
I lost my pet — what should I do?
Check our Facebook page where we post found animals, call us to leave a description of the animal, contact local police departments, and visit the shelter in person. Bring proof of ownership such as a dog license, photos, or vet records.
I found a stray dog — what should I do?
If you found the dog in Ashtabula County, please contact the dog warden at 440.576.6538. You can also try searching the area for an owner and posting photos and a description of the dog on Facebook or other lost/found websites to try to get them back to their owner.
I found a stray cat — what should I do?
Healthy, friendly outdoor cats often have homes nearby. Feral cats (unsocialized) belong outside but we do strongly encourage you to TNR (trap-neuter-return) so that the cat(s) don't continue reproducing outdoors. Contact Winky Cats for more information.
If the cat appears injured or in danger, contact us for guidance before bringing it in.
How can I volunteer or foster with the ACAPL?
Volunteers are vital to our mission! Visit our Volunteer page to learn about roles such as dog walking, cat care, laundry, events, and more.
Fosters help save lives by opening their homes temporarily to animals recovering from illness, injury, or overcrowding. Learn more and apply on our Foster page.
How can I donate?
Donations can be made online, by mail (please send to 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004), or in person. Visit our Donate page to give securely.
Do you accept donated items?
Yes! We accept pet food (opened containers/bags are okay as long as the food/treats are in original packaging), cleaning supplies (bleach, scrub brushes, etc. - no ammonia or laundry detergent), blankets, toys, collars and leashes, pet clothing, and more. We do not accept pillows, cushions, or rugs. See the Full List of Items we accept. View our Wish Lists on Amazon and Chewy for current needs.
Can I sponsor an animal or event?
Yes — sponsorships help offset the cost of care for individual animals or support fundraising events. Visit our Sponsorship page to learn more.
How can I report suspected animal cruelty or neglect?
Due to extremely limited funding and capacity, we have paused humane operations outside of the City of Ashtabula. Our contract with the City of Ashtabula for 2025 specifies that we provide humane services in the municipality, which is why operations continue in the city. To report cruelty or neglect inside the City of Ashtabula, please call dispatch at 440.992.7172.
We are working diligently each day toward increased funding and capacity that will allow us to resume humane operations throughout the county. You can Read More about why this decision was made in the best interest of the animals we are currently serving.
