The cost to manage Akron’s stray dogs could rise from about $15,500 in 2025 to nearly $1.5 million in each of the next two years, based on a new contract with Summit County’s Animal Control Department, which houses the animals for the city.
Akron is also looking for an independent contractor to take in the overflow dogs when the county facility is full for an as yet underdetermined cost. Multiple city and county officials have said the county shelter is consistently out of room for additional dogs.
The shortage of space to house the city’s stray dogs was raised in Akron City Council meetings by Ward 7 Member Donnie Kammer in January of 2025.
Kammer also highlighted the city’s reliance on private dog rescues, in particular Laura Lawson’s nonprofit Rubber City Rescue, which provide shelter services when the county pound is at capacity…