Humane Department
Animal Charity is the only humane society in Mahoning County. We receive no government funding. Our Humane Agents covers all 412 square miles of Mahoning County.
Our humane agents are available to all police departments in Mahoning County 24/7 when they suspect abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Animal Charity is not government funded and relies on donations to operate. Please consider donating so Animal Charity can continue to be a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals.
Humane societies are governed by ORC 1717 which can be found here.
If you feel there is a companion animal that is being neglected or abused please report it. You can call us at 330-788-1064 ext 17. You can email us at [email protected]. You can also fill out the below form below. Please note we MUST have a physical address in the report. If you cannot find the house number, please list the house numbers on either side. All reports will be investigated but having the proper address is required.
Our humane agents are available to all police departments in Mahoning County 24/7 when they suspect abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Animal Charity is not government funded and relies on donations to operate. Please consider donating so Animal Charity can continue to be a voice for Mahoning County’s companion animals.
Humane societies are governed by ORC 1717 which can be found here.
If you feel there is a companion animal that is being neglected or abused please report it. You can call us at 330-788-1064 ext 17. You can email us at [email protected]. You can also fill out the below form below. Please note we MUST have a physical address in the report. If you cannot find the house number, please list the house numbers on either side. All reports will be investigated but having the proper address is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who investigates animal cruelty and neglect?
Animal Charity employs Humane Agents who have been certified through the State of Ohio and appointed by the court to enforce Ohio animal protection laws (ORC 959). They are appointed by Mahoning County’s Probate Court. We respond to 1,000+ calls a year and our services are supported entirely through donations/fundraising.
What is the difference between the Humane Society and the Dog Warden?
The Dog warden handles the following types of calls: Dogs Running at Large (Strays), Dog License and rabies vaccination enforcement, Nuisance/Dangerous/Vicious dogs as it relates to O.R.C, Injured Stray dogs, Bite cases of Stray dogs(owned dogs by request), Lost & Found dogs. The County dog warden is funded via sales of dog licenses.
The Humane Society handles: Complaints of animals being abused, starved, abandoned (when the animal is confined to a property), exposed to the elements, in need of veterinary treatment, or hoarding cases involving companion animals.
I’ve found a stray dog. Can you pick it up/can I drop it off ?
Animal Charity does not take stray dogs. By law you must notify the Dog Warden of any stray. If it is during business hours call the Mahoning County Dog Pound. If it is after hours you may call local police or if you are able, hold on to the dog until the next business day and call the dog warden at that time. .
My neighbors moved out and left their animal behind. What should I do?
You can report it to Animal Charity at 330-788-1064 or via our contact form on our website. Our Humane agent will come out to evaluate the situation and post a notice for contact. If contact from the homeowners isn’t made, we will pursue legal means to get the animals out of the home.
Can't you just break the window/door and take them?
No, that would be a violation of the law. If we need to enter a residence and the owner is not there to give permission, we must obtain a search warrant.
There are stray cats living in my neighborhood. Will you come get them?
Animal Charity does not take stray cats. We recommend that you participate in a TNR (trap neuter return) program and stop the cycle of reproduction. Both Animal Charity of Ohio and Angels for Animals have programs that can help you get them fixed at affordable prices. There are local cat rescues that may be able to help you but please be aware that there is no agency that will take stray cats and “promise” to not euthanize them. Stray cats are a community problem that can be improved through spay/neuter.
I’ve heard Youngstown has a tethering law. Do you enforce that law?
At this time we do not enforce the City of Youngstown’s tethering ordinance. Please contact the Youngstown Police Department for any tethering concerns.
Can I surrender my pet to Animal Charity?
We do not accept owner surrenders. We recommend contacting local rescues for assistance.
I have a problem with wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, bunny’s etc? Who do I call?
We recommend visiting Ohio Department of Natural Resources web Page and following their advice.
The easiest way to remember what your humane society does versus the dog warden is simple.
Humane Societies protect animals from people, and the Dog Warden protects people from animals.