South Cuyahoga News

The Cuyahoga county animal shelter announced a celebration of the groundbreaking ceremony that begins their $2.7 million expansion project.

The expansion is geared toward enhancing the shelter's services and creating a secure and compassionate environment for its animals. This project includes the addition of training and meeting spaces, a backlit building sign, new fencing and gates, and the installation of artificial turf for outdoor dog play areas. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, at the shelter's location: 9500 Sweet Valley Dr., Valley View, Ohio 44125. Figures in attendance will include Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Sunny Simon, and Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter Administrator Mindy Naticchioni.

The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter serves as a short-term shelter for dogs picked up by county dog wardens after being found on the streets, working as a facility dedicated to housing stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals, primarily dogs. These dogs are held for 72 hours, providing owners an opportunity to reclaim them. If unclaimed after this period, the dogs may become available for adoption. The shelter ensures all animals adopted are spayed or neutered, and have received their vaccines. Other informational or care items may also be included in the adoption. 

The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter (CCAS) emphasizes the value of every animal under its care, meticulously tracking all intakes and outcomes in alignment with nationally recognized standards. In 2019, CCAS achieved an impressive 94.3% live release rate, finding new homes for 1450 dogs, reuniting 211 dogs with their owners, and transferring 62 dogs to partner agencies for placement. Notably, CCAS adheres to a no-euthanizing-for-space policy, collaborating with partners to relocate healthy, friendly, and adoptable animals when the facility reaches capacity. The live release rate is calculated following the ASPCA's method, and the shelter actively participates in Shelter Animals Count, allowing access to regional data for transparency and accountability.