History

1942

A small group of people who were concerned with the lack of care from the community for stray and unwanted pets began organizing.

1949

The League for Animal Welfare is officially recognized by the state of Ohio as a non-profit charitable organization. Thirty-four charter members elect Gertrude Coles as the first president of the League.

1967

The League purchases a former boarding kennel on Heitman Lane near Batavia.

1971

Two small cat barns are installed at the League, so cats no longer have to share kennels with dogs. In subsequent years, additional larger cat barns were added.

1980

League member Adele Caramanian persuades the League to have all of its cats and dogs spayed or neutered before adoption. The spay/neuter program was then expanded to include assistance for low-income members of the public.

1985

Dr. Pat Thomas, a psychology professor at the University of Cincinnati and League Board President initiates a pet therapy program.

1988

Elizabeth Lemlich forms the League’s Education Committee and visits up to 70 school classrooms annually, presenting programs on pets and wildlife, and organizing after-school animal clubs.

1990

The League begins to look for a new location with a more modern facility.

1999

The League moves its dogs, cats, and staff into a brand new shelter located on nine acres of land at 4193 Taylor Road in Batavia Township. Our new shelter was built through the generosity of our donors.

2004

The League purchases 11 additional acres of wooded land to ensure protection from any possible residential development.

2007

The League's spay/neuter voucher program expands to include everyone in the community, regardless of income.

2008

A significant gift from The Rettig Foundation Trust allows the League to purchase a customized Mobile Adoption Van, allowing the League to take adoptable animals into the community.

2010

The spay/neuter voucher assistance program assists over 1,200 cats and dogs in a single year – the most ever in League history.

2016

The League brings veterinary care, including spay and neuter, on-site for adoptable animals through a mobile veterinary clinic.

2019

Construction is complete on the new Sis & Dick Miller Wellness Clinic, enhancing the care of animals in the League's shelter and providing veterinary care for area shelters and rescues and, ultimately, the community at large.

2021

A record number, 1,212 cats and dogs are adopted from the League.