Humane Society of Greater Akron

What Humane Society of Greater Akron does

The Humane Society of Greater Akron, founded in 1968 and operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Akron, Ohio (Summit County), is the primary animal welfare organization serving Northeast Ohio. Its functional mandate spans animal sheltering, adoption placement, low-cost spay/neuter services, humane law enforcement investigations, and community pet-support programming. The organization serves both adopter households and the broader pet-owning population of Summit County, with the organization reporting approximately 2,500 animals served annually and over 50,000 pounds of pet food distributed per year through its food pantry program.

Operationally, the entity runs several distinct programs: a brick-and-mortar adoption center; the MABEL mobile veterinary clinic (a low-cost spay/neuter and basic veterinary service vehicle); the Happy Tails Thrift Shop (a retail resale operation generating earned revenue); a foster-care network; a "Home for Life" program providing lifetime sanctuary for unadoptable animals; and a pet food pantry serving low-income pet owners. Technology infrastructure consists of standard nonprofit-sector SaaS tools — Volgistics for volunteer scheduling, ClinicHQ for veterinary medical records, DonorPerfect for donor CRM, DocuPet for pet licensing integration, and Wufoo for forms — with no proprietary platform or custom-built systems disclosed.

The business model is predominantly donation-funded, with approximately 95% of revenue derived from individual donors and the remainder from earned income streams including thrift store sales, adoption fees, and veterinary service fees. The organization holds the only contract in Summit County granting it authority to enforce Ohio Revised Code humane laws, creating a quasi-governmental revenue and operational position. It maintains top-tier ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar (Candid), reflecting recognized governance and financial stewardship standards.

Name

Humane Society of Greater Akron

Legal name

Humane Society of Summit County

Website

https://summithumane.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Humane Society of Greater Akron is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1968 in Summit County, Ohio, providing animal sheltering, adoption, mobile veterinary services, and pet-support programming to community residents and pet owners across Northeast Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare & Shelter Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (541940), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAIAA

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Animal Welfare & Wildlife Rescue

SECONDARYHLAMAAAE

Low-Cost & Community Veterinary Clinics

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Veterinary & Animal Health/Veterinary Clinical Services (Companion Animal)

SECONDARYBPAGAIAE

Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Animal Welfare & Wildlife Rescue

SECONDARYBPAGAIAG

Animal Cruelty Prevention, Investigation & Humane Law Enforcement

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Animal Welfare & Wildlife Rescue

SECONDARYBPAGAIAK

Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Animal Welfare & Wildlife Rescue

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption programs
• Mobile veterinary clinic
• Animal rescue operations
• Humane law enforcement

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The primary revenue source — 95% of annual funding comes from individual donors. HSSC runs direct mail, online giving campaigns, and emergency fundraising appeals (e.g., $6,200 for Baguette's surgery). Donors can give one-time or recurring gifts.
2. Adoption Fees: Fees charged for dog, cat, and other animal adoptions range from $20 (guinea pigs) to $250 (puppies under 1 year). These fees represent a secondary revenue stream supporting operational costs.
3. Thrift Shop (Happy Tails): Happy Tails Thrift Shop at 1770 Merriman Road sells donated goods. 100% of proceeds support the shelter. The shop accepts a wide range of donated items including home goods, books, toys, fashion, and pet supplies.
4. Planned Giving & Legacy Society: Bequests in wills, retirement account beneficiaries, life insurance beneficiaries, stock donations, charitable gift annuities, and real estate gifts. Members of the Legacy Society receive pins, newsletter updates, and wall recognition.
5. Special Events Revenue: Annual and recurring events generate sponsorship revenue and ticket sales. Signature events include the Pawsibility Ball (gala), Bow Wow Bingo, car raffle, and third-party events. Corporate sponsors and individual attendees pay fees.
6. Vehicle Donation Program: Partnership with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) allows donors to contribute vehicles. HSSC receives proceeds from vehicle donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Humane Society of Greater Akron (legally Humane Society of Summit County) operates a no-time-limit animal shelter providing pet adoption services for dogs, cats, and small animals; foster care placement; humane investigation and cruelty enforcement under Ohio Revised Code; a mobile veterinary clinic (MABEL) offering free spay/neuter and vaccinations for low-income residents; pet food assistance through partner food pantries; behavioral support for adopters; and a thrift shop (Happy Tails) that funds shelter operations. The organization is funded primarily by individual donations and community fundraising events.

Product overview

The Humane Society of Summit County operates as a no-time-limit animal shelter providing a comprehensive suite of animal welfare services. The core offerings include animal adoption (dogs, cats, and small animals), foster care programs, and humane investigation services with legal enforcement authority. The organization operates several distinct programs: MABEL (Making Animals Better and Enriching Lives) is a 28-foot mobile veterinary clinic providing free spay/neuter and vaccination services to low-income residents; the Mobile Adoption Center (MAC) brings adoptable animals into the community; Happy Tails Thrift Shop generates 100% of proceeds for shelter operations; and the Home for Life program handles pet estate planning. Additional services include pet food assistance through partner pantries, behavioral support for adopters, community room rentals, vehicle donation processing, and volunteer management. The organization conducts signature fundraising events including the annual Pawsibility Ball and Bow Wow Bingo. The shelter operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent from national animal welfare organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Happy Tails Thrift Shop: A thrift shop located at 1770 Merriman Road, Akron, OH 44313, selling donated items with 100% of proceeds supporting the rescue and care of animals at the Humane Society of Summit County.
• MABEL

Products and services

• MABEL Mobile Veterinary Unit A 28-foot mobile veterinary clinic that travels to partner locations throughout Summit County providing no-cost spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and wellness exams for pets belonging to low-income residents enrolled in SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or TANF.
• Mobile Adoption Center (MAC) A mobile adoption center that brings adoptable animals into the community to meet potential adopters at various partner locations and events throughout Summit County.
• Happy Tails Thrift Shop A thrift store at 1770 Merriman Road, Akron that sells donated new and gently used items, with 100% of proceeds supporting the shelter's animal rescue and care operations.
• Home for Life Program A planned giving program that ensures pets receive care and placement if their owners pass away or become incapacitated, temporarily housing pets and assisting with transition to new homes. Free to enroll, with annual contribution requested.
• Pet Food Assistance Program A program partnering with 7+ Summit County food pantries to ensure food-insecure pet owners have access to pet food, distributing over 50,000 pounds of pet food annually to in-need residents.
• Humane Investigation Services Investigation and response services for reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect, with authority to enforce humane law within the Ohio Revised Code in Summit County.
• Foster Care Program A program placing young, sick, and injured rescue animals in temporary foster homes until they are ready for adoption, with the shelter providing all supplies and medical care.
• Dog Adoption Dog adoption services with fees ranging from $75 (8+ years) to $250 (under 1 year), with a 25% discount for veterans and active military.
• Cat Adoption Cat adoption services with fees of $65 (6 months to 7 years), $100 (6 months or under, or two kittens for $150), and $40 (8 years or older/special needs).
• Vehicle Donation Program A partnership with Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS) enabling donors to donate vehicles to support the shelter's mission.
• Community Room Rental A rentable conference room at the shelter facility accommodating up to 50 people, equipped with HDMI projector, surround sound, WiFi, fridge, and microwave. Free for nonprofits; $100 for 2-hour minimum for private organizations.
• Behavioral Support Services Free behavioral support for HSSC adopters including troubleshooting tips and trainer consultations for cats and dogs experiencing adjustment challenges after adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• 43 shelter animals adopted in a single adoption event (11 dogs, 30 cats, 2 rabbits)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• French Bulldog Rescue NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench Bulldog Rescue Network stepped up to help two dogs in HSSC's care — Sir Reginald and Pierogi — who required breed-specific expertise. Sir Reginald was placed with an adopter experienced with spinal problems, and Pierogi was transferred for specialized care. This partnership exemplifies HSSC's network of specialized rescue transfers.
• Cascade SubaruminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCascade Subaru is listed among HSSC's business sponsors, supporting the organization's mission through event sponsorship and promotional partnerships.
• Acme StoresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAcme Stores is listed among HSSC's business sponsors, contributing to the organization's fundraising and community engagement efforts.
• Fred Martin SuperstoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFred Martin Superstore is listed among HSSC's business sponsors, supporting shelter events and programs.
• Hill's Pet NutritionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHill's Pet Nutrition (Science Diet) is a sponsor and preferred food brand for HSSC. Hill's provides food that is part of the shelter's supply wish list and nutritional standards for shelter animals.
• The Town TavernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Town Tavern in Copley & Green, OH runs the Patio Pup Menu all summer long, donating 10% of Patio Pup Menu sales to HSSC as part of a third-party fundraising partnership.
• Buffalo Wild Wings (Cuyahoga Falls)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuffalo Wild Wings location in Cuyahoga Falls hosts 'Eat Wings, Raise Funds' events, donating a portion of sales to HSSC during scheduled event dates.
• Summit County Food Pantries (Pet Food Assistance Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHSSC partners with 7+ Summit County food pantries to distribute pet food to food-insecure residents. Partner pantries include Barberton Community Ministries, OPEN M, First Congregational Church of Akron, Heart 4 the City, The Emergency Assistance Center, Good Neighbors Cuyahoga Falls, and Good Neighbors Goodyear Heights. Last year over 50,000 pounds of pet food was distributed.
• Carriage RealtyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCarriage Realty hosts 'Carriage Cares' events with adoptable animals, food, beverages, and gift basket giveaways. All proceeds benefit HSSC.
• Crown Hill CemeteryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrown Hill Cemetery hosts Community Day events at 8592 Darrow Rd, Twinsburg, where HSSC participates with booths and pet-friendly activities.
• House Three Thirty (Event Venue)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHouse Three Thirty at 532 W Market St, Akron serves as the venue for the 26th Annual Pawsibility Ball, HSSC's signature annual gala.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National pet welfare grantmaker supporting shelter adoptions, lifesaving programs, and disaster relief. Comparable in supporting shelter-side outcomes, but operates as a funding partner rather than a service provider — placing it in the ecosystem/adjacent category.
• PetSmart Charities: Major pet welfare grantmaker supporting adoptions, spay/neuter, and shelter programs nationally. Like Petco Love, an enabler/funder of the same shelter ecosystem rather than a direct service competitor to HSSC.

Regional players

• Medina County SPCA: No-kill shelter in adjacent Medina County, Ohio, with similar adoption, veterinary, and cruelty-investigation services. Comparable operational model but serves a different county — making it a regional peer that could compete for regional donor mindshare.
• Ohio SPCA / Ohio Animal Welfare Federation: Statewide animal welfare organization operating across Ohio with adoption, spay/neuter, and cruelty investigation services. Comparable in mission but covers a much broader geography than HSSC's single-county focus, putting it in the regional peer category.

Broad incumbents

• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): The largest national animal welfare advocacy organization. Operates policy/lobbying rather than direct shelter operations, but competes for donor attention nationally and is explicitly disclaimed by HSSC as not providing operating funding.
• Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill advocacy leader with sanctuary operations, shelter partnerships, and national fundraising scale. Comparable mission and no-kill positioning to HSSC, but operates at vastly greater scale and geographic breadth — making it a broad incumbent rather than a direct competitor.
• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): The largest US animal welfare organization with national scope, government affairs, and shelter grants. Mission-aligned with HSSC but explicitly noted as a non-affiliated national organization; competes for donor dollars at the national level rather than in Summit County directly.

Emerging players

• Friends of Animals (Humane Society): National low-cost spay/neuter and adoption-program operator with community-clinic model. Comparable in delivering free/low-cost veterinary services and adoption support to underserved owners, overlapping with HSSC's MABEL mission but at a different scale and structure.

Direct peers

• Cleveland Animal Protective League: Long-established no-kill shelter serving the adjacent Cleveland/Northeast Ohio region. Offers adoption, low-cost veterinary services, and humane investigation — directly comparable service mix, donor-funded nonprofit structure, and geographic adjacency to HSSC's Summit County footprint.
• Summit County Animal Control: The government animal control agency serving the same Summit County geography. While HSSC focuses on abused/neglected cases, Animal Control handles healthy strays — making them operationally complementary but competitive for general pet-services attention and donor mindshare in the same region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/summithumane
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@phsga
• Facebookfacebook.com/summithumane
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/summithumane
• Instagraminstagram.com/summithumane

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Humane Society of Greater Akron