Stray Cats and Dogs

Washington Township encourages the responsible control of domestic animals on public and private properties. Domestic animals, allowed to roam, can be aggressive threats and contribute to the continuing rabies problem in this region. Because domestic cats and dogs are the primary carriers of rabies to humans, we consider stray cat and dog encounters with residents and park visitors to be a serious safety concern.

We also ask people to be aware of the detrimental effects that feral and free-ranging domestic cats can have on native wildlife and natural ecosystems. Domestic cats are a significant factor in the mortality of desirable small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. For these reasons, Washington Township requires that pets be properly confined and controlled or they may be removed from park properties.

Stray or Loose Dogs

Report dogs running loose and sick or injured stray dogs to the Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control Dog at (614) 462-3400. They have one or more animal control officers on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This agency is also responsible for enforcement of dog-related laws and operates the Franklin County dog shelter at 1717 Alum Creek Drive.

Stray Cats

The Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) at (614) 777-7387 will accept stray cats and other animals for a fee if they have space available in their facility at 3015 Scioto-Darby Executive Court in Hilliard.

Don't Feed the Wildlife

Please refrain from feeding wildlife, including ducks and geese in the ponds. Regular feeding of wildlife can cause dependency on people for food, aggressive conflicts, and the spread of disease.

Observe, but avoid contact with wildlife. If you are interested in becoming a positive influence on local wildlife populations, contact the Parks Department for information on how you can be involved as a volunteer.