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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the mission of the Humane Society of Summit County (HSSC)?

A: Humane Society of Summit County (HSSC) cares and advocates for the abused, neglected, and abandoned animals of our community. Through education and support, we strengthen the bond between people and animals.


Q: Does any part of my donation to the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA or other high level humane organizations go to HSSC?

A: No. We are an independent organization and do not share or receive funding from national humane organizations. Please click here donate directly to HSSC.


Q: What does it cost to run HSSC?

A: Our annual operating budget is approximately two (2) million dollars to rescue, recuperate, and adopt out animals. Our greatest expense is daily animal care, which includes: food, veterinary care and medicine, cat litter, shelter, staff support and cruelty investigations.


Q: What does HSSC need to achieve its mission?

A: Our most pressing need is donations of money, time, and animal related goods. Donations of money can be designated to operational costs or our capital projects. Donations of animal related goods includes food, toys, etc. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. Donations of time are rewarded with lots of love from animals awaiting homes.


Q: Where does HSSC get the money it needs to operate?

A: Approximately 5% is from government sources. Over 90% of our funding comes from private donations of cash and in-kind gifts of service, private grants, events and adoption fees. We receive a small portion of funding from fines imposed by the courts from animal cruelty convictions.


Q: What's the difference between the Humane Society of Summit County and the Summit County Animal Control?

A: The Humane Society of Summit County and Summit County Animal Control Shelter have different missions and operate independent shelters. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, abandoned and neglected animals of Summit County, place them in good homes, investigate and prosecute animal cruelty, and strive to set a standard of excellence and leadership in animal care, humane education, and progressive animal welfare programs. Summit County Animal Control protects citizens from healthy stray animals that are running loose and makes them available for adoption. We are Summit County’s only “animal cops” who protect animals from people under Ohio law. We work collaboratively with Summit County Animal Control as well as several other animal welfare organizations in Summit County.


Q: Is HSSC a government agency?

A: No. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. Our Tax ID is 23-7060744. Donations to us are tax deductible as allowable by law.


Q: Does HSSC euthanize animals to alleviate overcrowding at their shelter?

A: No. There is no time limit imposed on animals in our care. As long as the animal is medically and behaviorally healthy, it remains with us as long as it takes to be adopted. We partner with other animal welfare organizations and specialized rescues to help find loving homes for animals; if appropriate.


Q: Does the HSSC have law enforcement powers?

A: Yes. Our Humane Officers have authority granted by the Summit County Probate Court to enforce Ohio's Animal Cruelty Laws within Summit County.


Q: Do the Humane Officers pick up stray animals?

A: Generally, no. However, we pick up injured or ill stray animals, and those that are abandoned and confined without the ability to fend for themselves. Healthy strays running loose are picked up by Summit County Animal Control.


Have a question we haven't answered? Please Contact us and we will be happy to answer it for you.

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