If you own a dog, you are required to buy a license by January 31, and display it on your dog's collar at all times. Not only is it the law, but it's an important tool to ensure your dog is quickly returned to you should it become lost.
“It’s that time of year… time to renew your dog’s license for 2014,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “Having your dog licensed assures your dog’s safe return if it was to ever get loose. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, the cost is just $18. Do the right thing. Get your dog licensed today by clicking the Dog License link at
http://dogs.franklincountyohio.gov/.
“It’s very easy to renew your dog’s license ,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “All you need is a current rabies tag number and a credit card. Renewing our dog Charlie’s license took less than five minutes. Do it today.”
2014 dog licenses are available for purchase
Online and at various locations throughout the county. Licenses can be purchased at the Dog Shelter & Adoption Center (4340 Tamarack Boulevard, Columbus), the Franklin County Auditor’s office in the county courthouse (373 S. High St., 21st Floor), the Capital Area Humane Society in Hilliard, and at area Pet Supplies Plus locations.
“I purchased the new three-year dog license option for our family dog last week,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. It is convenient and the best way to ensure your pets safety.”
A one-year license is $18 for an altered dog or $35 unaltered; a three-year license is $54 if altered or $105 unaltered; a permanent license is $180 if altered or $350 unaltered. All dogs three months of age and older must be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian before a license can be purchased. After January 31st, late fees apply.
Having your dog licensed helps identify your dog should it become lost. Over 90% of dogs found wearing a license are returned to their owners quickly. Last year over 2,900 lost dogs were reunited with their owners by the County’s Department of Animal Care & Control.
Franklin County Department of Animal Care & Control Director Joe Rock says, “Most dog owners believe that their dogs will never escape or be impounded by Animal Care and Control. Thousands of owners are wrong every year. Even the best dog owner cannot guarantee that their dog will not at some point get lost. Having a current license displayed on your dog is his or her ticket home. Please do your part in helping us to help you keep your companions safe and by your side. License your dog today!”
Most lost dogs found wearing a dog license will skip the trip to the shelter. Animal Control officers can quickly use the tag number to find the owner’s name and address and then return the dog directly to the owner, saving the county the trouble and expense of housing the dog at the shelter. Residents that find a dog with a license can also look up the owner of the dog online at FranklinCountyDogs.com or by calling Animal Control.
Last year, the shelter took in more than 11,700 dogs and puppies, including all stray dogs in the county as well as owner surrenders and unwanted litters of puppies