Dog Licensing
Ohio law (ORC 955.01) requires every dog over three months of age to be registered and licensed annually in the county where the owner resides. Licensing is administered by the County Auditor and funds the county’s Dog and Kennel Fund, which pays for operation of the county dog shelter and the Dog Warden’s office.
Fees and Renewal Period
| Annual dog license: | $16.00 |
|---|---|
| Kennel license (5 or more dogs): | $80.00 |
| Replacement tag: | $5.00 |
| Renewal period: | December 1 – January 31 |
| Late penalty: | License fee doubles after January 31 |
Licenses run on the calendar year regardless of when during the year a dog is first registered. Renewing between December 1 and January 31 avoids the late penalty, which doubles the standard fee for any license purchased after the deadline. There is no partial-year discount for dogs licensed later in the year for the first time, other than the 30-day grace period described below for new dogs and new residents.
Where to Buy a License
Dog licenses may be purchased in person or by mail from the following locations:
- County Auditor’s office, Courthouse Room 210, 100 Public Square, Marbury
- Participating township fiscal officer offices (call ahead to confirm participation and hours)
- Participating veterinary clinics at the time of a wellness visit
A current rabies vaccination certificate is not required to purchase a license, but owners are separately required by Ohio law to keep dogs currently vaccinated against rabies.
New Dogs and New Residents
Owners of a newly acquired dog, or new residents bringing a dog into Clairmont County, have 30 days from the date of acquisition or establishing residency to obtain a license before the late penalty applies. Puppies must be licensed within 30 days of reaching three months of age.
Kennel Licenses
An owner or keeper of five or more dogs may license them collectively under a single kennel license rather than licensing each dog individually. The kennel license costs $80.00 per year and follows the same December 1 – January 31 renewal window as individual dog licenses. Commercial breeding kennels may also be subject to separate state licensing through the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Lost Tags
A replacement tag for a lost or damaged license may be purchased for $5.00 at the Auditor’s office. Dogs are required to wear their current license tag at all times; a tag is the fastest way for the Dog Warden or a finder to reunite a loose dog with its owner.
Reporting a Stray or Nuisance Dog
Complaints about stray, loose, or nuisance dogs, and inquiries about a dog that may have been picked up, are handled by the Dog Warden, not the Auditor. Call (740) 555-4681.
Questions about license fees, renewal, or kennel licenses may also be directed to the County Auditor’s office.
Fees and penalty amounts are set by the Board of County Commissioners under ORC 955.01 and are subject to change by resolution.
Page last updated: 12/09/2024