“Help us help them.” Animal Charity of Ohio reduced adoption fee through July
Ohio and Pennsylvania rank among the top five states with the best pet adoption rates in 2024, according to Nick Jordan, founder of Your Service Animal.
Ohio ranks fifth with 293,048 pet adoptions in total, and 341,599 shelter intakes, according to data collected from state animal shelters.
In Pennsylvania, the highest-ranking state on the list, there were 237,994 pet adoptions and 274,784 brought into the shelters in 2024.
But in the Mahoning Valley, humane society agents keep getting calls about pets in neglectful and abusive situations.
The Animal Charity of Ohio is based in Youngstown.
Agents have been on a mission to prevent animal cruelty, working with local legislators on a bill to strengthen punishments for abusing animals in Ohio.
They’re the only humane society in Mahoning County and need the community’s help with donations, fosters or adoptions.
“Unfortunately, we see far too many animals abandoned like this — left to fend for themselves when their families move or face life changes. No animal should ever be treated as disposable,” humane society agents wrote.
On June 10, Animal Charity of Ohio rescued 14 dogs in an emergency intake; the animals were severely neglected, dehydrated and needed quick medical attention from veterinarians.
On June 19, humane society agents went to Salem to take in three female dogs found “living outside on choker chains, severely neglected and starved.”
On the same day, agents rescued a dog named Brownie 2 who’d been abandoned in Youngstown in an enclosure filled with mud without any access to clean food or water.
“This is the reality we face far too often—but every life we save matters,” humane society agents wrote.
Until July Fourth, fees are reduced for adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens at the humane society.
The Animal Charity of Ohio is also asking for donations of Milkbone brand soft treats, Purina Pro Plan canned puppy food, enrichment items canned whipped cream, Busy Bones, spray cheese, blueberries, strawberries and Pedigree canned dog food, including gravy and pâté varieties.
Donations can be dropped off at 8469 Southern Blvd at Building 3 in Boardman between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8AM–4PM for perishable items.
Outside of these hours, non-perishable items can be dropped off by any door for a staff member to grab between caring for animals.
If you see animal abuse, submit a report by calling (330) 788-1064 or send a detailed email including any observations or evidence to acohumanedepartment@gmail.com.
The more details the humane society agents are provided, the better they can assess the situation.
“Your report helps us protect vulnerable animals and provide them with the care and safety they deserve,” agents wrote. “Whether it’s neglect, abandonment, or direct abuse, every case is important, and every voice matters. Help us help them.”
