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.
Why do I need to license my dog?
- Section 955.01 of the Ohio Revised Code states that every
person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog more than three
months of age shall file, on or after the first day of
the applicable January, in the office of the county
auditor of the county in which the dog is kept or
harbored, an application for registration for a period
one year or three years or an application for a
permanent registration. However there is one other
exceptionally good reason for licensing your dog. If
your animal is missing, the dog warden can identify
your pet by the license being worn and notify you so
you may quickly claim him. Back to top
When should I license my dog?
- All dogs over three months of age must be licensed each year
between December 1st and January 31. If you bring your dog into
Ohio after January 31, or if you obtain your dog after January
31, you are required to purchase the license within 30 days.
Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01. Back to top
Is there a penalty if I do not register my dog?
- Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01 states that if the application
for registration is not filed and the registration fee paid,
on or before the thirty-first day of January each year, the
auditor shall assess a penalty in an amount equal to the
registration fee upon the owner, keeper, or harborer, which
shall be paid with registration fee. Back to top
What if the licensed dog changes owners?
- The new owner is required to record the ownership change
with the County Auditor for a fee of $5.00. Ohio Revised
Code 955.11. Back to top
How do I replace a lost license?
- If the license would become lost or misplaced, you can request
a duplicate tag at the Auditor's Office for $5.00. Back to top
What do I do if I find a lost dog?
- Please call your local Dog Shelter or Animal Control. Back to top
How do I report my dog as having been lost?
- Please call your local Dog Shelter or Animal Control. Back to top
How much does a dog license cost?
- The base fee for a dog license is set by your 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
What if I move?
- If you move within your current County, you can call your County Auditor's
office with your new address and telephone number so they can
keep the information up-to-date. If you move to another county, call
that County's Auditor for licensing information. 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 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. Hard drives in 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 telephone and directed
with how to make corrections. Credit card orders for dog licenses will
not be 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 County
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