A federal judge has blocked another attempt by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to dramatically change how billions of dollars in federal homelessness funding are distributed.

A Columbus man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges involving dogfighting and methamphetamine distribution. Joel Brown admitted to keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes in Franklin County. The investigation began in 2024 after a complaint to Columbus Humane prompted law enforcement to search a property where Brown was keeping dogs.

A longtime provider of affordable veterinary care in central Ohio has closed its doors. Shelter Outreach Services of Ohio (SOS Ohio), a nonprofit clinic serving rescue organizations and pet owners, announced its closure in late July. The organization cited a nationwide veterinarian shortage, rising operating costs, and increasing demand for affordable veterinary services as factors.

Earlier this year, Ohio Animal Advocates reported on changes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) affecting how the agency handles housing complaints involving emotional support animals (ESAs). As advocates continue to examine the policy, one distinction is especially important: the Fair Housing Act has not changed.

Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases known to humanity. It is also one of the most preventable. In the US today, fewer than 10 human deaths occur each year from rabies. That progress did not happen by accident. It happened because of vaccination of pets, strong animal control programs, and public health tracking. And at the foundation is spay/neuter.

The Dog Days of Summer are the hottest of the year, and a time when it’s especially important to keep your dogs and other animals cool. As Ohio, and the United States, experience all-time high temperatures and extreme heat advisories, pet owners may struggle to ensure that their animals stay healthy and happy amidst the hot weather. 

Ohio dog owners have new legal responsibilities under Avery's Law, which took effect on March 18, 2026. The law, passed unanimously by the Ohio General Assembly, strengthens penalties for dangerous dog incidents while giving law enforcement greater authority to intervene after attacks—or even threatening behavior.

For many people entering inpatient treatment for substance use disorder, one heartbreaking question can become a barrier to getting help: Who will take care of my dog? That's where Dogs Matter comes in. The fear of surrendering or abandoning that companion can cause people to delay—or avoid—life-saving treatment altogether.

A veterinary emergency can happen when you least expect it, and the cost of care can quickly become overwhelming. If you're struggling to afford emergency treatment for your pet, financial assistance may be available. Ohio Animal Advocates has compiled a list of nonprofit organizations that offer emergency veterinary expense grants.

When advocating for affordable spay/neuter programs, compassion matters, but so do the numbers. Our partners at United Spay Alliance have released The Financial Case for Spay/Neuter: A Guide for Advocates, a free resource designed to help advocates demonstrate how investing in prevention can save local governments money while reducing pet overpopulation.

Veterinary care has become significantly more expensive over the past decade, with costs rising much faster than overall inflation. While advances in veterinary medicine, staffing shortages, and higher operating costs all play a role, another factor is receiving increased attention: the growing number of veterinary practices owned by private equity firms and large corporations.

Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) partnered with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) to deliver a statewide training series focused on The Link Between Human and Animal Violence. Thanks to the support of the Animal Welfare Institute and Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.