Ross County officials formalize 5-day courtesy boarding with humane society

The Ross County dog-warden office described a new five-day courtesy boarding agreement with the Ross County Humane Society intended to help owners who face emergency hospital stays or other short-term crises.

Dog warden said the shelter has taken in 235 dogs so far this year and that 149 were euthanized, then explained the new form: “She will board them for 5 days,” after which, if owners do not reclaim pets and no emergency extension is arranged, the animals are forfeited to the humane society. The form is intended to give sheriff’s deputies and other arresting officers a clear five-day deadline for owner retrieval rather than leaving animals in long-term custody.

Commissioners and staff asked whether the courtesy boarding carries a daily fee and what would happen after five days. The dog warden said that, as written, the courtesy agreement will not charge a daily fee for bona fide emergencies but that standard shelter fees would apply if owners do not make arrangements or request extensions; each case will be considered individually.

Supporters in the meeting praised the move as adding structure to past ad hoc practices. One commissioner commended the form, saying it represents an improvement over previous approaches that had created tension between the dog warden’s office and the humane society.

The board did not adopt new countywide rules at the meeting; the item was presented as an operational update. The dog warden said the policy is intended to help return animals to owners quickly while reducing long-term shelter crowding.