Medina County Shelter Achieves 100% Dog Placement Rate in 2025

Warden credits growing volunteer involvement as shelter prepares for community outreach events.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:05pm

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The Medina County Dog Shelter in Ohio did not euthanize a single dog in 2025, marking the second time in three years the facility has recorded a 'no-kill' year. According to statistics presented to the Medina County Board of Commissioners, the shelter impounded 197 dogs last year and successfully placed every animal through adoptions, owner redemptions, and transfers to rescue organizations.

Why it matters

The Medina County Dog Shelter's achievement of a 100% placement rate for dogs highlights the positive impact that increased volunteer involvement and community outreach can have on reducing euthanasia rates at animal shelters. This is an encouraging trend that other shelters may look to emulate.

The details

Of the 197 dogs impounded at the Medina County Dog Shelter in 2025, 84 were adopted, 93 were returned to their owners, and 14 were transferred to rescue organizations. Six dogs were carried into 2026, but none are expected to be euthanized. The shelter has seen growing volunteer involvement in recent months, with volunteers logging about 280 hours since December to help with tasks ranging from dog care to facility improvements.

  • In 2023, the shelter impounded 245 dogs, with no dogs euthanized that year.
  • In 2024, the shelter handled 219 impoundments, with one dog deemed dangerous being euthanized that year.
  • In 2025, the shelter impounded 197 dogs and achieved a 100% placement rate, with zero dogs euthanized.

The players

Del Saffle

Medina County Dog Warden who shared the shelter's annual statistics and credited growing volunteer involvement for the facility's success.

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What they’re saying

“We put zero down. We have a 100% placement.”

— Del Saffle, Medina County Dog Warden

What’s next

The shelter is preparing for upcoming community outreach events, including its annual Christmas in July adoption celebration and a March 21 visit from a Daisy Girl Scout troop that plans to deliver homemade treats for the dogs.

The takeaway

The Medina County Dog Shelter's achievement of a 100% dog placement rate in 2025 demonstrates the positive impact that increased volunteer involvement and community engagement can have on reducing euthanasia rates at animal shelters. This success story serves as an inspiration for other shelters to strive for similar outcomes through collaborative efforts with their local communities.