The Stark County Humane Society in Louisville, Ohio is the county's primary shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals. If you are looking to adopt a pet, volunteer, foster, surrender an animal, or report animal cruelty, this guide covers everything you need to know about the shelter's operations, adoption process, fees, and how to get involved. Serving Stark County for over 100 years, the organization saves more than 3,400 animals each year without any government funding.
The Humane Society operates independently on donations, bequests, adoption fees, and volunteer support — no tax dollars. That independence gives the shelter flexibility in its programs but also means community involvement is essential to keeping the doors open. The facility houses dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and rabbits, plus occasional small animals, all awaiting adoption.
Location & Contact
Stark County Humane Society Shelter
5100 Peach Street NE, Louisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 453-5529
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7077, Canton, OH 44705
Website: starkhumane.org
The shelter is in Louisville, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Canton. Check the website or call ahead for current visiting hours — hours can shift seasonally or due to volunteer staffing. Off-site adoption events happen weekly at Petsmart Belden Village and Petsmart Massillon (in their Love a Pet Centers, open 7 days a week), making it easier to meet shelter animals without traveling to Louisville.
Adoption Process & Fees
Adoption at the Stark County Humane Society is straightforward, with fees kept low to encourage adoption over abandonment or impulse buying from other sources.
Adoption Fees (by age, as of 2026):
- Puppies and kittens: around $25
- Adult dogs and cats: around $10-$20
- Senior pets: often reduced or waived
- Specials: fees may be reduced during "Empty the Shelter" events or holiday promotions
Spay/Neuter Deposit: If the pet is not already spayed or neutered, adopters leave a $35 refundable deposit. The shelter works with Humble Creatures Veterinary Clinic to perform spay/neuter surgeries. Once the pet is altered and proof is provided, the $35 is refunded. This system ensures every adopted pet is eventually spayed or neutered — a key part of reducing shelter populations county-wide.
What the adoption fee includes: Age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchip registration, and in many cases spay/neuter already completed. Compare that to purchasing from a breeder or pet store, where these medical costs are typically extra.
Adoption Steps
Visit the shelter or an off-site adoption event to meet available animals. Staff introduce you to pets that might fit your home, lifestyle, and experience level. If you want to bring an animal home, you complete an adoption application — basic questions about housing, family, other pets, and general care plans. For dogs especially, home introductions with existing pets may be recommended. Applications are reviewed, and most approvals happen same-day or within 24 hours. After approval, pay the fee and take your new family member home.
Surrendering an Animal
If you can no longer keep your pet, the Humane Society accepts owner surrenders. Call ahead to confirm space availability — the shelter is often full. Surrender fees may apply to cover medical care and boarding costs. Bring any veterinary records, food the pet is used to, and information about temperament, training, and medical history. The more detail you provide, the faster staff can match the animal with the right adopter.
The shelter is committed to giving animals time to find homes — no arbitrary deadline dates. Animals that come in scared, sick, or undernourished receive medical care, rehabilitation, and patience until they are ready for adoption.
Reporting Animal Cruelty or Neglect
One of the Humane Society's original missions is enforcing cruelty and neglect laws. If you witness or suspect animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment in Stark County, contact the shelter directly at (330) 453-5529. Humane agents investigate reports, work with law enforcement when criminal charges are appropriate, and help remove animals from dangerous situations.
Signs of potential neglect include visible injuries, extreme thinness, lack of food or water, exposure to extreme weather without shelter, or confinement in unsanitary conditions. Providing specific details (address, description of animal, what you observed, dates) helps agents investigate efficiently.
Volunteer & Foster Opportunities
The Humane Society depends heavily on volunteers. Opportunities include direct animal care (walking dogs, socializing cats, bathing puppies), facility maintenance, fundraising event support, transport for off-site adoption events, and administrative help. Anyone age 16+ can volunteer independently; younger volunteers can participate with a parent or guardian.
Fostering is especially valuable during busy seasons like "kitten season" (spring through summer) when tiny, fragile kittens need round-the-clock care that shelter staff cannot always provide. Foster homes take animals temporarily — healing from injuries, preparing for adoption, or giving puppies and kittens safe space to grow strong enough for adoption. The shelter provides food, supplies, and veterinary care; foster families provide time and a loving home.
To volunteer or foster, contact the shelter directly. Orientation sessions introduce you to shelter operations, safety protocols, and how you can best help.
Donation & Support
Since the Stark County Humane Society receives NO government aid or funding from national charitable organizations, local donations matter directly. Every dollar donated stays in Stark County supporting local animals. Donations are tax-deductible. Ways to support include:
One-time donations (online, mail, or in-person), monthly recurring gifts, membership (Friend $15, Supporting $25, Patron $60, Sustaining $100 annually), supply drives (dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, blankets, toys), bequests through estate planning, and sponsorships (including "Shower the Shelter Babies" for kitten season). The shelter also accepts aluminum can recycling as a creative way to support operations.