Columbus Humane

Columbus Humane Adoptable Pets. Animal Cruelty Investigations. Owned Pet Support. Open for adoptions (cats, dogs, rabbits and pocket pets) 2-7pm weekdays and Noon-5pm Sat/Sun.

Admission services through the Animal Support Center by appointment only (614)777-7387 ext. 208.

We’re just three weeks away from the 20th annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival, and this year is going to be a bi...
08/23/2026

We’re just three weeks away from the 20th annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival, and this year is going to be a big one.

We’re taking over Bank Run Metro Park for a morning of scenic trails, happy dogs, local pet-loving vendors, food trucks and plenty of fun for the whole family.

And yes, dogs are not only invited, but encouraged!

After the 5K or 1-mile walk, stick around for:
- Pick-a-Toy and pet portraits
- Local pet artists and vendors
- Food trucks
- A doggy cool-off zone sponsored by Crooked Can Brewing Company
- A chance to step inside our Cruelty Investigations van
- And a special appearance from Germain Motor Company as we celebrate 20 years of Defend Your Friend

Whether you’re running for a personal record, walking with your best friend or just coming out for a fun morning with your dog, your participation helps Columbus Humane fight animal cruelty and help animals in need and advocate for their well-being.

Sunday, September 13
Bank Run Metro Park
Festival opens at 8 AM | 5K & 1-mile walk at 9 AM | Event ends at noon

And don’t forget to kick off Defend Your Friend week with us at Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall on September 6 from 12–4 PM!

Grab your race bib, enjoy the dog-friendly patio, spin the prize wheel and have a beer. $1 from every beer purchased will support Columbus Humane.

Ready to join the pack? Register now at the link in bio or columbushumane.org

Meet Penny, Chester, Beans, Peaches, Honey and Waffles!After coming to Columbus Humane from difficult living conditions,...
08/21/2026

Meet Penny, Chester, Beans, Peaches, Honey and Waffles!

After coming to Columbus Humane from difficult living conditions, these beagles are learning that new people, new places and new experiences can be safe, positive and maybe even pretty fun!

Their future families should be ready to move at their pace and gently introduce new experiences as they build confidence. With positive reinforcement, consistency and a little TLC, these sweet beagles will continue learning that the world is a safe place.

Because they’re still adjusting, we’re asking that meet and greets be limited to serious adopters only. Our adoption counselors are here to answer questions, share what we know about each beagle and help you find the right match.

The remaining beagles are still receiving ongoing care, and we’ll continue to share updates as they make progress and become ready for their next steps.

Thank you for showing up for these dogs and for every animal in our care. Whether you’re sharing their story, volunteering your time or helping provide the resources they need, you’re part of what makes a new beginning possible. We’re incredibly grateful to have you with us every step of the way.

A few simple ways you can help:

- Donate soft dog treats: Treats give our team a positive way to build trust, encourage interaction and help dogs in our care gain confidence as they adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Brands like Bil-Jac and Zuke’s are great, but any soft dog treats will do! Check out our amazon wishlist here: a.co/0dM33suV

- Register for Defend Your Friend 5K: Join us September 13 at Bank Run Metro Park for the 20th annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival. Walk, run and bring your dog for a morning celebrating the bond we share with our pets while raising critical funds for animals in need. Register at columbushumane.org.

And if you’re struggling to care for your animal, need resources or aren’t quite sure where to turn, please reach out at 614-777-7387 or visit columbushumane.org.

A new home, the same mission! Join us for the 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K at Bank Run Metro Park in Lockbourne on ...
08/20/2026

A new home, the same mission! Join us for the 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K at Bank Run Metro Park in Lockbourne on Sunday, September 13. Bring your dog, family and friends to run or walk the 5K or 1-mile course, then stick around for our Dog Festival!

Can’t make it? Choose virtual participant at checkout to get your event T-shirt while supporting animals in our community.

Festival: 8 AM | 5K & 1 Mile: 9 AM
Registration prices go up soon, so sign up today!

Kick off race week at Columbus Brewing Company (Kelton Ave location) on Sunday, September 6 from 12PM - 4PM. Pick up your race bib, enjoy the dog-friendly patio and spin our prize wheel for fun Columbus Humane goodies. Plus, $1 from every beer purchased will be donated to Columbus Humane, helping us fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and support pets and people in our community.

We’re kicking off Defend Your Friend 5K week with a happy hour at Columbus Brewing Company!Join us Sunday, September 6 f...
08/20/2026

We’re kicking off Defend Your Friend 5K week with a happy hour at Columbus Brewing Company!

Join us Sunday, September 6 from 12–4 PM at the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall for Race Bib Pickup Happy Hour. Grab your race bib, enjoy the dog-friendly patio and spin our prize wheel for some fun Columbus Humane goodies.

Not attending the Defend Your Friend 5K? You can still join us! Come out for a beer, bring your friends and pups and help us kick off race week while supporting Columbus Humane.

Even better, $1 from every beer purchased will be donated to Columbus Humane, helping us fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and support pets and people in our community.

Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall
200 Kelton Avenue
Columbus, OH 43205

Whether you're racing with us or just raising a glass for the animals, we’d love to see you there!

Defend Your Friend 5K Registration: columbushumane.org/dyf

We have some exciting updates to share: four of our beagles have officially been cleared for adoption!Meet Penny, Cheste...
08/19/2026

We have some exciting updates to share: four of our beagles have officially been cleared for adoption!

Meet Penny, Chester, Honey and Waffles (pictured in order).

As we’ve shared, these dogs came to us after experiencing some difficult living conditions. While they are ready to begin their next chapter, they are still adjusting to new experiences and building confidence.

To help make their shelter stay as calm and comfortable as possible, we’re asking that meet and greets be limited to serious adopters who are ready to make a commitment to these dogs. When you visit, our adoption team will be happy to share more about each dog’s personality, needs and whether they may be a good fit for your family.

Because of their backgrounds, these beagles will need patient, committed families who are willing to help them build confidence, continue working on leash skills and use plenty of positive reinforcement as they settle into their new lives. If that sounds like the kind of journey you’re ready to take with a dog, we’d love to help you learn more.

Have questions about Penny, Chester, Honey or Waffles? Stop by during adoption hours and speak with one of our adoption counselors. They’ll be happy to introduce you to these sweet dogs and help you learn more about what they need to thrive.

The remaining beagles are still receiving medical care, and we’ll keep you posted as they’re ready for their next steps.

Thank you for continuing to show up for these dogs and all the animals in our care. Whether you’re sharing their story, volunteering your time or helping support their care, you’re part of what makes their next chapter possible. We’re so grateful to have you with us every step of the way.

Not to be confused with the famous Harry Houdini, this Houdini is much more interested in finding a cozy spot than makin...
08/18/2026

Not to be confused with the famous Harry Houdini, this Houdini is much more interested in finding a cozy spot than making a great escape.

Her favorite tricks include slow exploration, accepting treats like a pro and settling in beside her favorite humans. And while she may not be able to pull a disappearing act, she does have one trick left: teleporting herself into a loving home.

Stop by the shelter to meet Houdini and see if you’re the missing piece to her next great adventure.

3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct., Hilliard, OH
Tuesday-Saturday | 12-6 p.m.

Hi friends! Thank you for continuing to follow along with the 12 beagles we recently welcomed from Wilson County Animal ...
08/18/2026

Hi friends! Thank you for continuing to follow along with the 12 beagles we recently welcomed from Wilson County Animal Control in Tennessee, where more than 50 beagles were surrendered after a breeding situation became more than their owner could manage.

For these dogs, this is the beginning of a new chapter. They’re still settling in while our teams get to know each dog and assess their individual medical and behavioral needs. They are not yet ready for adoption, but we’ll continue to share updates as they make progress.

As our behavior team has gotten to know them, it’s become clear that many, if not all, may have had little or no experience walking on a leash. For a dog learning to navigate new people, places and experiences, something as familiar as a walk is a big step!

Many are also receiving ongoing medical care, including dental procedures, as they recover and prepare for their next chapter.

Right now, one of our biggest needs is Freedom No-Pull harnesses in large and X-large sizes. A properly fitted harness can provide comfort and security as these dogs learn to walk on leash and build confidence through positive experiences.

We’re also always in need of Easy Cheese (spray cheese). High-value treats like these can help make veterinary care and other new or stressful experiences more positive, helping dogs feel safer and more comfortable over time.

Amazon Wishlist: a.co/0dM33suV

There’s another important part of this story we hope you’ll carry with you: Sometimes, caring for an animal becomes harder than we expected.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to meet your pet’s needs, please reach out. We’re here to help connect people and pets with resources and support whenever we can.

Thank you for giving these beagles the time, patience and care they need as they begin this new chapter.

To support their care or find resources for your own pet, visit columbushumane.org or call 614-777-7387.

Hi, friends! We need your help for some very special rabbits.Columbus Humane is looking for dedicated foster families wh...
08/17/2026

Hi, friends! We need your help for some very special rabbits.

Columbus Humane is looking for dedicated foster families who can open their homes to young rabbits for the next four months as they grow and prepare for adoption.

Recently, Portage Animal Protective League took in more than 75 rabbits after their owner reached out for help when they became overwhelmed. Columbus Humane welcomed several of these rabbits into our care, including many who are now just under 2 months old.

Foster homes give rabbits a break from the shelter environment and the opportunity to receive individualized care, explore, socialize and simply be rabbits while they get ready for their next chapter.

You don’t need to be an experienced rabbit caregiver to help. Columbus Humane provides the essentials, including food, housing, veterinary care and enrichment supplies, and our team will be here to support you every step of the way.

Foster rabbits will need a safe, secure space separate from other household pets.

Could you open your home to a few of these little rabbits? Fill out a foster application at columbushumane.org/foster-care

And if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed when it comes to caring for a pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Asking for help is an important part of responsible pet ownership, and we’re here to help connect people and pets with resources whenever we can.

Have questions about fostering? Drop them in the comments! Thank you, friends!

88 animals found new homes last week!That’s 74 cats, 12 dogs and 2 rabbits who are starting their next chapters with fam...
08/17/2026

88 animals found new homes last week!

That’s 74 cats, 12 dogs and 2 rabbits who are starting their next chapters with families of their own.

A HUGE thank you to every adopter, volunteer, foster family, supporter and staff member who helps make these matches possible. Every adoption is a community effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who shows up for animals every step of the way.

Now, we want to see your Columbus Humane alum! If you’ve adopted from us, drop a photo in the comments and tell us your pet’s name. We never get tired of seeing our former shelter pets happy and home.

And while we’re celebrating these 88 happy endings, we’re also thinking about what makes more second chances possible.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, the 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival, is coming up September 13 at Bank Run Metro Park.

When you join us, you’re not just supporting a 5K. You’re helping make a difference for animals and families across our community.

Your support helps:

- More than 3,000 animals find loving homes each year. Every adopted animal receives essential care, including spay or neuter surgery, a microchip and vaccinations, giving them the healthiest possible start in their new home.

- More than 10,000 families access essential resources each year. Through our Essential Care Center, families can access low-cost veterinary care and our Pet Food Pantry, helping keep pets healthy and with the people who love them.

- Protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Our Field Services and Humane Law Investigations teams investigate more than 6,000 cases each year, helping protect animals in need and connect pet owners across our community with valuable resources.

- Support community cats. Through our Community Cat Initiative, we’ve helped more than 1,700 cats through TNR and counting, improving their health while helping stabilize community cat populations throughout Columbus.

Every registration, donation and mile helps build a more humane Columbus.

Join us September 13 at Bank Run Metro Park for the 20th Annual Defend Your Friend 5K & Dog Festival.

Our next free vaccine clinic is coming up this Tuesday! Know someone who could use free vaccines for their dog or cat? S...
08/17/2026

Our next free vaccine clinic is coming up this Tuesday!

Know someone who could use free vaccines for their dog or cat? Share this post to help spread the word.

Join Columbus Humane on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Vineyard Columbus for free core vaccines for dogs and cats, available while supplies last thanks to the generous support of Forever Friends.

Clinic Details
- Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Vineyard Columbus
6000 Cooper Rd.
Westerville, OH 43081

Available Vaccines
- Rabies (1-year) for dogs and cats 12 weeks and older
- DAPP for dogs 6 weeks and older
- FVRCP for cats 6 weeks and older

Before You Arrive
- First-come, first-served
- Dogs must be on a leash
- Cats must be in carriers
- The line closes promptly at 2 p.m.
- Arriving early is encouraged due to expected wait times
- If your pet has experienced a vaccine reaction in the past, we recommend attending one of our Walk-In Wellness Fridays instead

Learn more and view the full clinic schedule at columbushumane.org/lowcostvaccineclinics.

Address

3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court
Hilliard, OH
43026

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 6pm
Wednesday 12pm - 6pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 6pm

Telephone

+16147777387

Website

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