BATAVIA, OHIO (Oct. 8, 2025) – Staff with the Clermont County Animal Shelter shared an update with commissioners during today’s public session, highlighting the number of dogs currently in care and showcasing one of the long-term dogs that is available for adoption.

Watch Kennel Supervisor Darlene Williams as she gives some details about Antoni, a 60-pound mixed breed male who has been in county care for more than 400 days. Adoption fees for Antoni, also known as Anthony, are sponsored, which means a donor will cover the cost for fees.

In other news, the shelter will hold its next volunteer training session on Saturday, Oct. 18.

two improvement projects are slated to begin at the shelter this fall.

A remodeling project to accommodate a new industrial-style washer, dryer and dishwasher is scheduled to start next week. The $78,920 project, which includes interior electric and plumbing upgrades as well as drywall and flooring work, is funded by a donation and county capital funds.

Another project, which will more than double the number of outdoor kennels at the shelter, is expected to start next month.

The $141,000 expansion will be located within the outdoor kennel area’s existing footprint. It will allow for 30 additional kennels, up from the shelter’s current total number of 23 outdoor kennels. The new kennels will be installed in an open area between the existing kennels. They will be about the same size as the existing kennels but made of special materials designed for dogs to reduce wear and tear from biting and chewing.

Shelter staff use the outdoor kennels to temporarily house dogs outside while crews clean the indoor kennels. The outdoor kennels are important because they also give the dogs the opportunity to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Due to space constraints, staff currently take dogs to the outdoor kennels a few at a time while they hose down, clean and refresh the indoor kennels. Staff clean the indoor kennels every morning and more frequently, if needed.

The expansion is important because it will allow staff to relocate most of the dogs in the shelter’s care at once, rather than a few a time.  This will allow staff to clean the indoor kennels much more efficiently.