Dog Shelter Director Stepping Down

Kaye Dickson, Director of Franklin County Animal Care and Control and the County Dog Shelter has resigned her position, effective March 8th, 2016. In a resignation letter to the county commissioners, who oversee the shelter, Dickson indicated that she will be returning to Arizona to consider a run for political office. Dickson said that she has enjoyed her time in Franklin County, and getting to work with all of the dedicated staff and volunteers at the shelter, as well as the thriving animal welfare community in Franklin County. Dickson was hired in February of 2015, and previously served as Director of Pinal County, Arizona Animal Care and Control, and as a Commander in the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is one of the busiest in the state, taking in more than 10,000 canines annually, and has grown and improved its service both to the animals in its care, and to the public it serves in recent years. In 2011, the shelter moved into a new, $18 million, 48,000 square-foot shelter facility. As an open admission facility, it accepts all dogs, regardless of age, health, or temperament, and it is the only 24/7 shelter in Ohio. In 2015, the shelter posted record numbers of adoptions for 7 consecutive months, as well as record numbers of adoptions per day, and for the year. The shelter’s “Live Release” rate has also improved to a record 82%, and it has expanded and strengthened its volunteer program and relationships with local animal advocacy and rescue groups.

County Administrator Kenneth Wilson said that the county will decide soon on the search procedure for a new director for the agency and shelter.