Knowingly providing FALSE information to a public official is a violation of
Section 2921.13A5 of the Ohio Revised Code and is a misdemeanor of the first
degree.
Does my dog need a license?
Most likely, yes. Your dog can be up to three months old before it is required
to get a license. All dogs over three months of age must be licensed. Back to top
Why should I get a license for my dog?
1) The primary reason is to prevent the spreading of rabies. Rabies is a health
threat and is nearly always fatal for humans if not treated properly. Animal
licensing helps the County monitor compliance with state rabies vaccination laws.
2) A license is a lost dog's ticket home! When your dog has its license
attached to its collar, its assigned license number is all that is necessary
for the County to identify the dog's owner. 3) The fees from licensing are
used to care for animals and investigate complaints about stray animals, among
other services. 4) It's the law. Back to top
What do I do if I find a lost dog?
Please call the Dog Shelter or Animal Control. Back to top
How do I report my dog as having been lost?
Please call the Dog Shelter or Animal Control. Back to top
How often does the license have to be renewed?
Dog licenses are available in terms of one year, three year, and permanently.
One year licenses renew annually. Three year licenses renew every three years.
Renewing must be done between December 1 and January 31 or risk a late fee. Back to top
How much does a dog license cost?
The base fee for a dog license is set by the County Commissioners.
A license may also be assessed a late penalty if it is purchased outside
the standard registration period. Besides these fees, a convenience fee is
added to a license bought online. The fee is listed on the website as
the 'Online Fee'. Back to top
How does my dog qualify for a discount license rate?
Your dog may qualify for the discount rate if it meets one of the following criteria.
Spayed or Neutered.
Advanced in years or has a medical condition preventing it being spayed or neutered.
Used or intended to be used for breeding, showing, or hunting.
Too young to alter (9 months or younger).
Proof of Spayed / Neutered or Exemption to the Spayed / Neutered requirement
is needed on the initial registration for a discount. Such proof may include
Rabies vaccination form referencing spayed/neutered status.
Veternarian letter stating dog's age or medical condition as it relates to spaying/neutering.
If you have questions about whether your dog qualifies for a discount and
the proof required, please contact the Auditor's Office. Back to top
How can I avoid a late fee?
Ohio law requires licenses to be renewed between December 1
and January 31 each year. License applications after
January 31 are subject to a late penalty. Back to top
How do I get a duplicate license? How do I replace a lost license?
If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate license
from the Auditor's Office for a small fee. Please more information, please
contact the Auditor's Office. Back to top
How do I transfer a license to a new owner?
The ownership of a current dog license can (and should) be transferred to
another county resident when ownership of the dog passes between the two
parties. If you are transfering ownership of a dog, or have received ownership
of a dog, having a current licenses, please contact the Auditor's Office. Back to top
What if I move?
If you are resident of the County holding a current dog license and move
elsewhere within the County, please call the Auditor's Office to have your
address and contact information updated. If you are a new resident to the County
and own a dog, you need to purchase a license from the County. If you are a resident
of the County and move from the County, you need to speak with the authority
having jurisdiction over licensing in your new residence for their policies. Back to top
Where do the proceeds go from the dog license program?
The license proceeds support the County Dog Shelter and the issuance of licenses.
They are often the sole support for day-to-day operations at the County Dog Shelter. Back to top
Where can I find the laws that apply to dog licensing?
The laws governing dog licensing in the State of Ohio can be found
in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), sections 955.01 thru 955.99. Back to top
How do I know that purchasing a license online is safe?
The system for licensing is PCI DSS
compliant and uses industry-standard technology for the secure handling
of user and credit card information. All passwords and credit card
numbers are encrypted. Storage devices in the production servers are encrypted.
During a transaction any sensitive data is transported via SSL.
Firewalls guard against intrusion. Any unnecessary server application
is turned off. Periodic scans by a third-party are done to detect
vulnerabilities and maintain PCI DSS compliance. Back to top
Do County officials have access to my credit card information?
No. Credit card information is not made available to County officials.
If for any reason your credit card cannot be processed, you will be notified
via email or phone and directed with how to make corrections. Credit card
orders for dog licenses are never accepted over the telephone. Back to top
How will I know that my order was placed?
After completing the check-out process, you will see a confirmation page
with a transaction number. We recommend you print or save this page for
your records. Back to top
How long does it typically take before I receive my dog license?
Licenses are sent through the postal mail and should arrive within 10 business days.
Please contact the Auditor's Office if your license doesn't reach you within this period.
Extra processing time may be necessary between December 1 to January 31 due to volume. Back to top