As winter gives way to longer days and the first signs of spring, we’re reminded that this season is all about renewal, growth, and fresh opportunities. Spring also marks an important time to reconnect, recharge, and refocus on the vital work we do for animals and communities across the state.
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We’re especially excited for our upcoming Virtual Annual Meeting and our 3rd Annual Leadership Summit. Our Annual Meeting is on March 26, 2026, from 3:00 to approximately 4:00 p.m. We will reflect on our accomplishments over the last year and present our new strategic plan; review recent legislative activity; elect members to our Board of Directors; and set the stage for another year of impactful work. Click here to register.
The 3rd Annual Leadership Summit will be May 14 & 15, 2026 in the beautiful Hocking Hills. We look forward to gathering with dedicated colleagues from across Ohio to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of animal welfare in the year ahead. Read on for details . . .
Both of these events give us an opportunity to come together, share insights, celebrate progress, and strengthen our collective impact. Thank you for your support! |
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LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - MAY 14 & 15 |
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Lead with Purpose. Inspire Change. Registration is now OPEN for our third annual, in-person Ohio Fed Leadership Summit, May 14-15, 2026, at the beautiful Hocking Hills Lodge & Conference Center. |
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The goal of the Leadership Summit is to create an opportunity for leaders in animal welfare in Ohio to come together and talk about what is happening in their communities, discuss ways they are currently addressing community needs, share ideas, and, hopefully, lay the groundwork for future collaborations. We are excited to build upon the meaningful discussions we've had at past Summits and see where your collective thoughts guide us. Won't you join us? Day One will feature a 2.5-hour session titled Leading with Heart: Unlocking Communication through Emotional Intelligence. This interactive keynote session led by Ohio Fed Member Meaghan Colville, Director of Shelter Operations at Cincinnati Animal CARE, will explore how emotional intelligence and communication styles shape effective leadership in animal welfare organizations. After the session, enjoy an optional group hike or downtime before dinner with other leaders from around the state.
Day Two will consist of a mix of large group discussions and breakout sessions, offering attendees a choice of topics chosen from those submitted by the registrants in advance. All sessions will be a free-flowing exchange of ideas where you can safely share your thoughts and ask questions among supportive colleagues. Come prepared with things your organization has tried and questions you have for other leaders from around the state.
Registration is limited to 50 attendees from Ohio Fed member organizations (non-members can be waitlisted) and is open to leaders who hold top leadership positions within their organization (no more than two people per organization). We hope to see you there! |
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Platinum/Workshop Sponsor: |
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Preparing for Avery's Law, effective March 20, 2026; Annual Statehouse Day on April 28th
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AVERY'S LAW
HB 247, a bill sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller and Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe, goes into effect March 20, 2026. The bill, otherwise known as "Avery's Law," revises Ohio's dog law, particularly focusing on dangerous and vicious dogs and regulations regarding registration, classification and owner responsibilities.
On February 24, Ohio Fed hosted a webinar for more than 300 registrants that reviewed the expanded civil and criminal liability for injuries caused by dogs, and how to comply with the changes coming in mid-March. Our thanks to DanaMarie Pannella of Holland & Muirden for developing the presentation with input from Sharon Harvey, CEO of the Cleveland APL, and Licking County Dog Warden Larry Williams.
ANNUAL STATEHOUSE DAY
Our annual Statehouse Day will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. This important advocacy event brings Ohio Fed members from across the state to the Statehouse to meet directly with legislators and discuss key bills impacting animal welfare.
In addition to sharing our perspectives on current legislation, we take this opportunity to educate lawmakers about Ohio Fed’s mission and the expertise of our members. By building relationships and offering ourselves as a trusted resource, we help ensure that when animal-related issues arise, legislators have informed partners they can turn to for guidance. Interested in joining us? Email us and let us know.
Member Benefit: If members would like to receive legislative updates as they happen, please email ohiofedhs@gmail.com and ask to be added to the list for advocacy alerts. |
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UPDATED RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
Both the Ohio Animal Cruelty Law Enforcement Manual and the Ohio Animal Law Handbook are being updated and the 2026 versions should be ready by mid-March. If you recently placed an order for these publications, they will be mailed ASAP.
Both resources were developed as reference guides for humane agents, dog wardens and other law enforcement officers. Visit the Law Enforcement section of our Resources page for details.
Member Benefit: Members receive a discount on both publications. |
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MICROCHIP DISCOUNT
Organizational members of the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation are eligible for these special PetPoint discounts: |
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50% discount on new client on-boarding fee (retail ranges from $500-$1,500)
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$5.95 for standard microchips on orders of 100+ (retail is $6.35)
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$6.63 for 15-gauge chips on orders of 500+ (retail is $7.95)
Ask your PetPoint representative for details! |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
The following shelters and organizations joined Ohio Fed during the first quarter of 2026:
- Lawrence County Animal Shelter
- Ohio Alley Cat Rescue
- Seneca County Dog Warden
- City of Massillon Animal Control
- Stop the Suffering
Click here for a list of all organizational members. |
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE FED
After nearly 20 years of transformational leadership, Cleveland APL's President & CEO and Ohio Fed Board President Sharon Harvey has announced that she will be retiring at the end of this year.
Since joining the Cleveland APL in 2007, Sharon has guided the organization through extraordinary growth, expanding their impact, strengthening lifesaving programs, broadening access to pet care, deepening community partnerships, advocating for stronger animal protection and welfare laws, and helping position the Cleveland APL as a trusted leader in animal welfare.
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Congratulations to Sharon Harvey on this major and well-deserved milestone! |
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Likewise, Sharon has devoted her time, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Ohio Fed Board of Directors for more than 20 years. When her final term as past president concludes at the end of 2026, she will leave an extraordinary legacy defined by collaboration, advocacy, and mentorship. Her vision and steady guidance were instrumental in shaping Ohio Fed into the respected, statewide membership organization that today unites and supports animal welfare agencies and organizations across Ohio. Cheers! |
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After four years of planning and fundraising and 18 months of construction, Ross County Humane Society’s new 7,500-square-foot facility is nearly complete, with move-in set for this month.
For years, they cared for about 1,500 animals annually in an aging metal pole barn built in the late 1990s that no longer met their needs. The $3.5 million investment replaces it with a modern space modeled after Gigi’s in Canal Winchester, featuring a two-table surgery suite, isolation areas, four housing wings to reduce stress and illness, improved traffic flow, and abundant natural light.
Years in the making, the project reflects a major community effort to strengthen animal welfare in Ross County. Congratulations to everyone involved! |
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Licking County Humane Society (LCHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Tomsich as its new Executive Director, effective March 16, 2026. With more than 15 years of experience in animal welfare, Tomsich brings a strong record of collaborative leadership and operational excellence to guide LCHS into its next chapter of service. |
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Most recently, Tomsich served as Vice President of the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center, where she led programming and operations for a 100,000-square-foot facility dedicated to caring for animals impacted by cruelty, neglect, and natural disasters nationwide. She has also held senior leadership roles at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Arizona Humane Society.
She succeeds long-time Ohio Fed Board Member and Past President Lori Carlson, who served as LCHS Executive Director from 2011 to 2026 and led significant growth in their capacity to serve animals and the community. |
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Jane Tomsich, LCHS' new Executive Director |
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LCHS is also excited to share that the Frank B. Murphy Memorial Dental Unit is well on its way to becoming a reality, with a planned launch date of June 2026.
The dedicated dental room, which will include a dental sink, anesthesia machine, and dental x-ray, will allow LCHS veterinary staff to provide comprehensive oral health assessments for the animals in their care.
This exciting addition was made possible through the generosity of supporters who participated in the "Raise the Paddle" program at LCHS's annual Fur Ball Fundraiser, held in November 2025.
Do you have news to share? Click here to submit your news for the next issue.
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Member Benefit: Ohio Fed members are eligible to purchase a Webinar Bundle, which offers unlimited registrations for one year, and always receive discounted registration fees on our educational programs. |
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THANK YOU!
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We wish to thank Petco Love for their continued sponsorship of our webinar program!
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