SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE LICENSING OF YOUR DOG

How do I purchase a dog license?

The regular dog licensing period is December 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

The regular annual dog license fee continues to be $19. If you fail to renew by the January 31, 2025 deadline, you can still purchase a dog license but an additional penalty of $19 will be added to the cost. Additionally, you may purchase a 3-Year Dog License good for the 2025, 2026 & 2027 Dog License seasons. If purchased during the licensing period the cost is $57. Late fees do apply. Also available are Permanent Dog Licenses. If purchased during the licensing period the cost is $190. Late fees do apply.

DOG LICENSES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANOTHER DOG.

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON DOG LICENSES.

You may purchase a 1-Year Dog or Kennel License, a 3-Year License or a Permanent License at the Hamilton County Auditor's Office, 138 East Court Street, Room 304, in downtown Cincinnati. Please call (513) 946-4123(513) 946-4123 for an application or details.

1-Year Dog and Kennel Licenses can also be purchased on-line. Click the link on this page for the 2025 Dog and Kennel Licenses New or Renewal. There is a convenience fee charged if you purchase on-line.

1-Year Dog Licenses may be purchased at one of our convenient neighborhood vendors. There is a 75¢ agent fee if you purchase this way.

Why should I buy a license for my dog?

Dogs must be licensed by law, even if they never leave your property.

A dog license tag attached to your pet's collar is proof of ownership.

Owners of unlicensed dogs can be cited to court and fined.

How does a license protect my dog? What if my dog is lost?

Dogs wearing a license tag have a better chance of returning home. Click on the Dog License Search here or from our home page to find the owner of a dog you have found. If you have lost a dog please contact the dog warden at (513) 541-7387(513) 541-7387.

Unlicensed dogs can be impounded by the dog warden.

Can licensed dogs run loose?

NO! The license does not allow your dog any privileges, but it helps him get back home if he gets lost.

Ohio law also requires that dogs remain under reasonable control at all times. Leashes and fences keep dogs safe. Loose dogs can be hit by a car, injured in a dog fight, cause neighborhood damage or injure a person or other animals.

Loose dogs can also be impounded by the dog warden or turned into the animal shelter by a concerned citizen. The cost of redeeming an impounded dog includes a fine and court costs.

If the dog is not licensed, the court fees may be doubled and the license fee increases from $19 to $38.

Can I transfer the license if I sell or give my dog to a new owner?

Yes; call the Auditor's Office at (513) 946-4123(513) 946-4123 for information. License transfers and replacement tags cost $5.00.

What should I do if I move?

If you move within Hamilton County, report your new address to the Auditor's Office at (513) 946-4123(513) 946-4123. If you move outside the county, call that county's auditor for license information.

What should I do if my dog gets lost? If I find a lost dog?

If your dog gets lost, call the Hamilton County Dog Warden at (513) 541-7387(513) 541-7387.

If you find a lost dog wearing a Hamilton County License, click the Dog License Search here or from our home page to find the owner of a dog you have found.

If you find a lost dog that is not wearing a current license tag, call the dog warden at (513) 541-7387(513) 541-7387.

ADOPT A RESCUE DOG

Please consider adding a rescue dog to your family. Thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized in area shelters every year. Are they behavioral problem animals? No. Some are offspring of unspayed/unneutered animals, some are lost from their homes and never claimed, and some are owner surrenders to the pound. If you already own a pet, please spay/neuter. Consider adopting a pet from an area shelter or rescue organization. Be part of the solution.

If you would like to read the sections of the Ohio Revised Code that apply to dog and kennel registration, click on the link below and enter 'DOGS' in the search box.
Ohio Revised Code

A MESSAGE FROM THE AUDITOR

Dear Dog Owner,

It is up to you to keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe.

Take your dog to a veterinarian. Protect your pet from deadly contagious diseases by simple inoculations and regular checkups. Please spay or neuter to prevent the tragedy of unwanted puppies and to protect your pet from health problems.

Give your dog regular exercise. A daily brisk walk on a leash can prevent many behavioral problems like chewing, barking, and digging. Help your dog burn up calories and energy in a healthy way.

Feed your dog a balanced diet of good food and fresh water. Your dog can't just go fix a snack. You are his chef and server.