Q: Is Rescue Village a “No Kill” facility?

A: Rescue Village is a limited admissions, unlimited stay facility which means, we do not euthanize (humanely put to sleep) an animal for space or time constraints. Once animals are placed for adoption, they remain in our shelter until a home is found unless their health or temperament dramatically changes. Animals surrendered to our facility are evaluated based on their health and temperament. Animals that pose a safety threat to our staff or community or animal’s with illnesses or injuries beyond our resources are euthanized by lethal injection.

Q: Do you provide veterinary care (vaccinations, spay neuters, etc) for owned animals?

A: No. Staff veterinarians are here to provide the animals at Rescue Village with veterinary care. Their primary role is to perform spay and neutering surgeries of all cats, dogs and rabbits prior to adoption. Rescue Village is not able to provide medical care to privately owned animals.

Q: What is the low-cost Spay/Neuter Program?

A: In cooperation with a selected number of area veterinarians, we offer low-cost spay/neuter certificates for $25. You must complete an application and qualify (based on Federal Poverty Guidelines) for this low-income service. Applications can be completed in person at the shelter during regular business hours. Proof of income is required.

Q: I FOUND a stray DOG, what do I do?

A: A stray dog found within Geauga County should be taken to the Geauga County Dog Warden/Dog Shelter located at 12513 Merritt Road Chardon, Ohio 44024, #440-286-8135. Stray dogs found outside of Geauga County should be taken to their local county shelter. Rescue Village is not a stray dog facility and does not accept stray dogs.

Q: I FOUND a stray CAT, what do I do?

A: A stray cat can be placed on our stray cat waiting list by calling 440-338-4819,ext 10. Priority is given to emergencies and Geauga County residents. Rescue Village is not able to accomodate feral cats. A feral cat was either born outside and never lived with a human family or he is a house cat who has strayed from home and over time has thrown off the effects of domestication and reverted to a wild state. Feral cats can not easily be re-socialized and are often unadoptable.

Q: I want to bring my pet to Rescue Village. What is the process?

A: You must first complete and submit a surrender profile form. Once the form is submitted, it is carefully reviewed by the Rescue Village Intake personnel. Priority is given to emergencies and Geauga County residents and a waiting list exists. All animals brought to Rescue Village are scheduled by appointment. Breed rescue groups or other animal shelters may be referred; pet owners are encouraged to work within their local network of friends and family to actively seek out a new home for their pet while waiting for an opening at Rescue Village.

Surrender Profiles can be acquired at Rescue Village or you can download and print out a PDF version:

Cat Surrender Form
Dog Surrender Form

Q: Does Rescue Village have exotic pets or birds for adoption?

A: No. Rescue Village is not equipped to properly care for exotic animals. Often times rabbits are available for adoption but birds, lizards, snakes and rodents are not commonly found at RV.

Q: What is the TNR Program?

A: Geauga Humane Society facilitates a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats. This program uses humane traps to capture feral (wild) cats living outside. Once trapped, the cats are brought into Rescue Village where a volunteer veterinarian sterializes them. After recovering from surgery, the feral cat is returned outside where it is fed, monitored and given shelter by the caregiver. Please call Sarah Westman at 440-338-4819, ext 14 to request a trap and enroll.

Q: I want to adopt a pet from Rescue Village. What is the process?

A: You are welcomed to visit our shelter to view our terrific cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. Prospective adopters are asked to complete profiles to help the shelter staff match them with just the right animals. Adoption fees apply and most pets can be taken home the same day. More information and a list of adoptable pets is located on our "Adopt" page.

Adopter Profiles are available in person or you can download and print out a PDF version. Please bring completed Adopter Profile Form with you during your next visit. Profile forms are kept on file for up to three months.

Cat Adoption Form
Dog Adoption Form