In our community, we are lucky to have both animal control services and animal rescue organizations working hard to protect animals and public safety. While both share a love for animals and a mission to improve their welfare, they serve very different roles. Understanding these differences can help residents know who to call in various situations — and how they can help support both.
What is Animal Control?
Animal Control is a government agency responsible for enforcing domestic animal-related codes and ordinances. Our department, as part of Summit County, is tasked with ensuring the safety of both animals and the people who live around them. Our responsibilities include:
- Responding to reports of aggressive, stray, injured, or dangerous animals
- Enforcing local animal ordinances, such as licensing, leash laws, and vaccination requirements
- Investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect
- Capturing and quarantining animals that may pose a public health risk, such as those involved in bites or suspected of having rabies
- Managing lost and found pets, and helping reunite them with their owners
- Working closely with law enforcement when needed
We operate under legal authority and public health mandates, often in situations that require immediate action or involve risk.
What is an Animal Rescue?
Animal rescues are nonprofit organizations or volunteer-based groups dedicated to saving animals from homelessness. These groups often take in animals from shelters, reservations, or unsafe environments and provide them with medical care, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
Rescues often:
- Pull animals from shelters and place them in foster homes or make them available for adoption
- Focus on specific species or breeds (e.g. dog rescues, cat rescues, bird rescues)
- Rely on donations and volunteers to operate
- Do not enforce laws or handle aggressive/dangerous animals
While rescues are a vital part of the animal welfare system, they do not have legal authority to investigate cruelty or enforce animal ordinances. Instead, they work with organizations like Animal Control to ensure animals get a second chance in a loving home.
Working Together for Animal Welfare
Animal Control and rescues often collaborate to give animals the best outcomes possible. For example:
- When our officers rescue a stray or neglected pet, we may transfer it to a rescue organization for specialized care and adoption after the mandatory stray hold.
- Rescues may alert Animal Control if they encounter a case of cruelty or an unsafe environment.
- Both help educate the public about responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and proper animal care.
When to Call Animal Control vs. Animal Rescue
Situation Who to Call
Stray or aggressive animal Animal Control
Animal bite or rabies concern Animal Control
Suspected animal abuse or neglect Animal Control
Wildlife in or around your home. Wildlife Department/Critter control
Want to adopt Animal Control/Animal Rescue
Want to foster a pet. Animal Rescue
Looking to volunteer or donate Animal Rescue/Animal Control
Need help rehoming a pet Animal Rescue
Final Thoughts
At Summit County Animal Control, we are proud to serve our community by promoting safety, compassion, and respect for all animals. We thank the many rescue organizations who support this mission and work alongside us every day.
By understanding our distinct roles, the public can make informed choices — and together, we can build a safer community for both people and animals.