About Cincinnati Animal CARE

Cincinnati Animal CARE is Hamilton County’s only animal shelter, dedicated to serving people and pets through lifesaving, compassionate, and community-centered care.

Who we are:

Cincinnati Animal CARE, also known as Cincy CARE, is Hamilton County’s only open, stray-intake municipal animal shelter responsible for the county’s dog warden and Animal Control services. As the sole taxpayer-funded provider of these services, we are committed to ensuring all animals in our community are valued, protected, and have a safe place to call home.

We are a dynamic and progressive organization aiming to deliver exceptional animal services to our community. We enforce animal laws and prioritize public safety while striving to be a community resource providing education and support to the people and animals of Hamilton County.

rachel chertoff rvt registered vet tech with dog in a cast

Our History

Cincy CARE assumed responsibility for Hamilton County animal services in August 2020, committed to the humane no-kill philosophy. The nationally recognized definition of no-kill is saving the lives of 90% or more of the animals that enter an animal shelter's doors. We believe that lifesaving is a community ethic and implement a collaborative, holistic approach to animal sheltering and Dog Warden services. Click here to view our current lifesaving statistics!

Cincy CARE provides temporary care to thousands of animals annually through dedication, hard work, and compassionate care. Our network is composed of an incredible group of animal welfare professionals and passionate volunteers, foster caregivers, and donors, who without, our work would not be possible. 

Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We rely on the generosity of individuals for support. Donations are tax-deductible under section 501(c)3 of the IRS code. Our tax ID number is 85-2177478.

Our Mission & Vision

OUR VISION

We envision a community where all animals are valued, protected, and have a safe place to call home.  

OUR MISSION

We meet the immediate needs of animals in our community through individualized care, life-saving solutions, and temporary shelter, en route to a safe, compatible home. 

As your Hamilton County Animal Shelter, we’re making our vision a reality by reuniting lost companion pets, reducing the stray population, and offering opportunities for homeless animals to be adopted or rescued. As a resource center, we provide the public with information, programs, and services to promote compassionate animal caregiving. We recognize that every home is unique, and many different types of individuals, families, and lifestyles can offer a loving environment for an animal.

Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter, providing stray dog services via the Hamilton County Dog Warden, animal adoptions, and community resources for the communities in Hamilton County.

Cincinnati Animal CARE 2023 Stats

28,397

volunteer hours logged

We have an active volunteer base of over nine-hundred community members dedicated to helping the homeless animals of Hamilton County!

3,690

animals adopted

Our volunteers have logged over twenty-two thousand volunteer hours from January to June, with an average of 14 hours per volunteer.

838

lost animals reunited

We encourage our volunteers to continue their training to their ability and comfort level! So far in 2024, 211 volunteers have attended continuing education in dog handling, cat care and adoption support.

Leadership

Cincinnati Animal CARE’s leadership team is composed of decades of combined experience in all aspects of animal welfare. From sheltering and emergency veterinary care, to behavior assessment and animal training, these skills, combined with compassion and dedication are put to use daily, with the thousands of animals that come through our doors each year.

carolyn evans executive director cincinnati animal care

Carolyn Evans
Executive Director

Amanda Gilbert Medical Director Cincinnati Animal CARE

Amanda Gilbert
Medical Director

Meaghan Colville Shelter Director Cincinnati Animal CARE

Meaghan Colville
Shelter Director

Our directors and managers are part of a national network of animal organizations, allowing them to share and implement recognized 'best practices' and innovative approaches to sheltering and caring for animals.

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Our Crew

Our experienced teams are here to provide full-spectrum, companion animal support for members of our community from fostering and adoption to providing resources for pet guardians facing difficult circumstances. 

Our Animal Control team is staffed by professionally trained officers who are here 24/7 to respond to calls of stray, injured, abused, neglected, or unsafe animals throughout our community.

We are governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders with broad experience in the stewardship of nonprofit organizations. The board is responsible for organizational oversight, as well as developing the policies, strategies, and resources necessary to meet community needs.

Together, we are Cincinnati Animal CARE!

Compassion, Advocacy, Resources, and Education

In the News

hurricane helene cat and kitten relief transport to cincinnati animal care

In October, CAC stepped up in response to a national call for lifesaving solutions to assist in the relief efforts for Hurricane Helene’s hardest hit areas.

blog feature photo Cincinnati Animal CARE Waives Adoption Fees in Response to Population BISSELL pet foundation promo

In July, CAC reduced adoption fees to help empty the shelters as we took in 100 dogs more than any previous July in the history of the organization.

Cincinnati animal care Wins Bid for Hamilton County Animal Services and Dog Warden Contract team celebrating

In a monumental move forward for animal welfare in the county, this ten-year contract solidifies Hamilton County’s commitment to no-kill animal sheltering.

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Apply to work at CAC!

You can have a career in animal welfare! We're always searching for passionate, driven, positive individuals to join our team. Browse our open positions and apply today.

Our locations

Cincinnati Animal CARE operates two shelter locations in the Northside of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Colerain Avenue Shelter & Adoption Center

Dane Avenue Shelter & Adoption Center

Start your career in animal welfare.

Cincinnati Animal CARE is always searching for passionate, driven, positive individuals to join our team. Please view our positions below and apply today!

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