All About Animals in Home Pet Care

04/11/2026

03/21/2026

With Avery’s Law going into effect today, there’s a lot of misinformation circulating—some of it dangerously inaccurate.

Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths:
❌ FALSE: Shelters, humane societies, rescues, and dog wardens are “exempt” from liability.
✅ FACT: There is NO blanket exemption.

In reality, agencies that harbor dogs will face greater exposure to liability due to the volume of dogs they handle and the often unknown or incomplete behavior histories.

The only distinction in Avery’s Law between “animal shelters for dogs” and private owners is a heightened standard of “recklessness” (instead of negligence) if an “animal shelter for dogs” asks specific intake questions and could not have reasonably known a dog’s prior history. This is not immunity from the law, but rather a narrow legal standard that still carries significant responsibility and risk. Regardless of if prior history exists, animal shelters for dogs are subject to criminal prosecution for dog injuries and bites that occur while a dog is in their care, the same as any other dog owner.

Avery’s Law codifies expanded criminal liability for dog injuries and bites beyond private dog owners and includes “keepers” and “harborers.” Thus, in addition to shelters and rescues, it applies to trainers, groomers, dog sitters, veterinarians, and any other commercial business that handles dogs even on a temporary basis.

If you are handling dogs in any capacity, you are now operating with increased legal risk and should consider:
✔️ Updating intake forms and other contracts
✔️ Thoroughly verifiying behavior history when possible
✔️ Reviewing liability insurance coverage
✔️ Strengthening handling protocols and safety measures

Risk management should be part of your daily operations to protect your staff, volunteers, organization, business, and the dogs in your care.

03/09/2026

Happy Belated 7th Birthday to these two knuckleheads. Everyone got cow femurs and rare sirloin burgers.🐺🎂🐺

01/15/2026

Please help us help Dutch!
Dutch is an 8 year old saint Bernard. He was surrendered to us this past Friday. Dutch spent his 8 years living outside and was a breeding dog. One of his owners passed away and the other has declining health. We've been doing our best to help out the owner over the past year or so, pulling the dogs in as space allowed. Friday we took the last 3 that needed help. Dutch, Ellie and Shelby. Today was supposed to be a good day for Dutch. He got a bath, blow dry and brush out, getting rid of that old barn smell. He had chicken for lunch. Treats from some sweet volunteers. Then we noticed it... the giant distended abdomen. The dry heaving that wasn't producing vomit. The panting. The obvious discomfort. Dutch had bloated! None of our veterinarians are able to do the surgery for bloat. We called Rainbow Veterinary hospital and rushed him there this afternoon. They began performing surgery right away. There was no question that he deserves a chance! Today was supposed to be the day his life began to change. He was clean. He had snacks. He was happy. Until he wasn't. Bloat happens so fast!
We got the update that he made it through surgery! Everything went great and Dutch is waking up. Our estimate for surgery was between $4,000-6,000. We know thats a lot of money. We know Dutch is one dog. One 8 year old, large breed dog that probaby only has a couple more good years under his belt. Many shelters probably would have euthanized him. Giving him wasn't even a question to our team! Dutch deserves to learn how to be a house dog! A human to love and bond with. A family that can give him love, care and attention everyday. We know it's a big ask, but if anyone can donate towards his care, it would be greatly appreciated!
We also want to thank everyone that has donated in any capacity. The dollar or two... or 10 or 20 extra you give when you purchase your dog license. The hundreds and even thousands of dollars some of the wonderful people and businesses. We would never be able to save these dogs without you ALL. Thank you from us, our dogs and especially Dutch!

Columbiana County Dog Pound
8455 County Home Rd, Lisbon, OH 44432
(330)424-6663

Unfortunately, we do not have any way to donate via online payment platforms such as PayPal. Donations have to made in person or checks can be made out to CCDP and mailed in.

Here is one of the only good photos we have of sweet Dutch. He was supposed to have a photo shoot this afternoon. Instead he spent his afternoon getting surgery.

We will update everyone on Dutch as soon as we can. ❤️❤️❤️

01/15/2026

About a decade ago, scientists discovered that coyotes mate with just one partner in their lifetimes. But more recent research has turned to the sadder side of their lifelong love: the grief of widowhood. After the death of a mate, these canids exhibit clear behavioral and brain changes, which researchers hope may help explain how stress and loss affect other long-term, pair-bonded species—including humans.

Learn more about coyote widowhood: https://on.natgeo.com/3NvG75d

01/10/2026