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Ashland dog shelter reports rising adoptions, Lyme tests increase and staff ask for food and medical donations
Summary
Kennel manager Shannon Hamilton told commissioners the shelter saw 108 adoptions and 111 reclaims in 2025 and described increased Lyme testing and treatment costs that are partially covered by a nonprofit; Hamilton urged continued donations for dog food and medical needs.
ASHLAND, Ohio — Shannon Hamilton, kennel manager for the Ashland dog shelter, reported to the Ashland County Commissioners on April 9 that the shelter closed 2025 with 108 adoptions and 111 reclaims, sent 30 dogs to rescue and recorded six behavioral or medical euthanasias for the year.
Hamilton said the shelter tracked about 574 dogs leaving the facility across roughly 2½ years, with a breakdown of roughly 45% adoptions, 42% reclaims, 11% rescues and about 2% euthanasia over that span. "We ended up the year with a 108 adoptions, a 111 reclaims," Hamilton said.
Why it matters: the shelter’s statistics show a steady level of placements but an emerging public-health and cost issue: Hamilton described a rise in Lyme disease detections since the shelter started routine testing late in 2024, and she described the typical treatment protocol and costs.
Hamilton said routine testing has allowed staff to catch infections earlier; when a dog tests positive the typical course is a 30-day doxycycline regimen and a follow-up test. She told commissioners that No Paws Left Behind, a nonprofit partner, covers treatment costs when dogs test positive; Hamilton estimated the combined testing and treatment expense averages about $180 per case and urged residents to donate to help cover those bills.
Hamilton also highlighted the shelter’s volunteer and rescue partnerships — including Lake Erie Labs, Rescue Bin and Great Lakes Boxer Rescue — and listed upcoming outreach/adoption events in April and May. She said the shelter’s most acute material need remains dog food and pointed out the shelter maintains a public wish list for specific brands (Purina dog chow, in the green bag).
Hamilton raised a concern that reclaim rates in 2026 appeared lower than historical norms and asked the public to ensure pets are tested and reclaimed when possible. Commissioners and staff discussed the increased incidence of Lyme-positive dogs locally and agreed public testing of privately owned dogs would be prudent.
The board thanked Hamilton and recorded the donation acceptance on the agenda. Hamilton concluded by encouraging continued community support for food, medical donations and volunteer time.
