County Dog Warden
The County Dog Warden enforces Ohio’s dog laws under ORC Chapter 955, investigates reports of stray, unlicensed, and dangerous dogs, and operates the county dog shelter. The office is led by Warden Chuck Mowery and works closely with the County Auditor, who sells dog licenses, and the Sheriff’s Office on dangerous dog and dog bite investigations.
Office Information
| Shelter Location: | 4211 Fairground Rd, Marbury, OH 45771 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday, 9:00 AM – Noon (shelter viewing only) |
| Phone: | (740) 555-4681 |
| Fax: | (740) 555-4687 |
| Dog Warden: | Chuck Mowery |
Dog Licensing
Ohio law (ORC 955.01) requires every dog over three months of age to be licensed annually. Licenses are sold by the County Auditor, by mail, and at participating veterinary clinics and township offices; the Dog Warden’s office does not sell licenses directly but does verify license status in the field.
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual license (renewal, Dec. 1 – Jan. 31) | $16.00 |
| Annual license (purchased after January 31) | $16.00 plus late penalty |
| Permanent (lifetime) license | $160.00 |
| Kennel license (5 or more dogs) | $60.00 |
Unlicensed dogs impounded by this office are subject to an additional license fee and impound fee before release. See the dog license page for renewal information.
Strays & Impoundment
Residents who find a stray dog may bring it to the shelter or call to arrange pickup. Impounded dogs are held for a minimum of three days to allow an owner to reclaim them before being made available for adoption, per ORC 955.16. Owners reclaiming a dog must pay the impound fee and provide proof of current license and rabies vaccination.
Dangerous & Vicious Dogs
Complaints alleging a dog has bitten a person or another animal, or is otherwise dangerous or vicious under ORC 955.11, are investigated by this office in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office. Dogs classified as dangerous or vicious are subject to registration, confinement, and liability insurance requirements set by state law; owners may appeal a classification through the Municipal or County Court.
Adoptions
Dogs held past the state-required holding period and not reclaimed by an owner may be placed for adoption. Adoption fees help offset the cost of vaccination, spay or neuter surgery, and microchipping performed before release. Prospective adopters are encouraged to call ahead, as available dogs change frequently.
Barking & Nuisance Complaints
Chronic barking and other dog-related nuisance complaints not involving a bite or dangerous dog are generally handled as a civil matter between neighbors or through township zoning where applicable; this office will attempt to assist with a warning to the dog’s owner when a complaint is filed.
See also public records requests and frequently asked questions.
Page last updated: 12/09/2025