Regular dog licenses are available for sale at the Belmont County Auditor's Office and online.
One Year License - $14
Three Year License - $42
Permanent License - $140
Kennel License - $70
Replacement Tag for a Lost, Current License - $5
Current License Transfer to a New Owner - $5
Puppy License (Three months old after July 1st) - $7
After January 31st a penalty equal to the dog license fee will be assessed in addition to the standard dog license fee. If you renew your dog’s license after the January 31st due date, the cost will be as follows:
One Year Late License - $28
Three Year Late License - $58
Late Kennel License - $140
What is the definition of "Kennel Owner"?
According to the Ohio Revised Code, section 955.02, a kennel owner is “an establishment that keeps, houses, and maintains adult dogs as defined in Section 956.01 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of breeding the dogs for a fee or other consideration received through a sale, exchange or lease and that is not a high volume breeder licensed under Chapter 956 of the Revised Code”. When a person breeds dogs as a hobby, “but permits sales to become such a factor that he advertises for sale” the breeding activity and dogs, that person “is professionally engaged in the business of dog breeding” and should be registered as a kennel.
Kennel License - $70
Extra Tags for Kennel License - $1 each
Late Kennel License - $140
Vendor's License (required for Kennel License Purchase) - $25
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.
Section 955.12 of the Ohio Revised Code allows the county to hold a licensed dog for up to 14 days, after mailing a notice of its capture to the owner, before allowing it to be either sold or destroyed. If a dog is unlicensed, the Law allows it to be either destroyed or sold after only 3 days.
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
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.
Where do I purchase a dog license?
Dog tags may be issued only by the County Auditor; however, there are several locations throughout the county during Dec 1st and January 31st where regular dog license can be purchased from; The County Auditor’s Office; The Animal Shelter Society; or The Belmont County Dog and Kennel sell them all year.
What information do I need to have available to purchase a license?
To register your dog(s) you will need to supply Name, Address, and Telephone number of the owner, as well as the Breed, Age, Sex, and Hair Color of each dog. Each dog receives a distinctive tag number(dog kennels receive five consecutively numbered tags). Once your dog has been assigned a license, the license number and the information about the dog is retained in the County Auditor’s office for 2 years.
What about Service Dogs?
Service dogs must be licensed but their fee is waived. Once they are registered with the county they are permanently licensed by receiving a special tag. Per Ohio Revised Code 955.011(B)(3) “Assistance dog” means a guide dog, hearing dog, or service dog that has been trained by a nonprofit special agency. Owner must provide proof of the training such as certification from the nonprofit special agency.
What is the definition of "Kennel Owner"?
According to the Ohio Revised Code, section 955.02, a kennel owner is “an establishment that keeps, houses, and maintains adult dogs as defined in Section 956.01 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of breeding the dogs for a fee or other consideration received through a sale, exchange or lease and that is not a high volume breeder licensed under Chapter 956 of the Revised Code”. When a person breeds dogs as a hobby, “but permits sales to become such a factor that he advertises for sale” the breeding activity and dogs, that person “is professionally engaged in the business of dog breeding” and should be registered as a kennel.
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
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.
What do I do if I find a lost dog?
Please call your local Dog Shelter or Animal Control.
How do I report my dog as having been lost?
Please call your local Dog Shelter or Animal Control.
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.
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.
What is a Nuisance Dog?
Subject to 955.11 (a)(3)(a) of the Ohio Revised Code, “nuisance dog” means a dog that without provocation and while off the premises of its owner, keeper, or harborer, has chased or approached a person in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack or has attempted to bite or otherwise endanger any person.
What is a Dangerous Dog?
Subject to 955.11 (A)(1)(b)of the Ohio Revised Code
Caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person.
Killed another dog.
Been the subject of a third or subsequent violation of division C of Section 955.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
What is a Vicious Dog?
Subject 955.11 (A)(6)(B) of the Ohio Revised Code, vicious dog means a dog that, without provocation has killed or caused serious injury to any person.
What is the Registration Fee for a Dangerous Dog?
A fee of $50.00 per year and must include the following:
Evidence of the dog’s current rabies vaccination.
Evidence of the fact the dog has been spayed or neutered.
Evidence that the dog has an active microchip and the microchip number.
Printed picture of the dog you are registering.
Evidence of the fact that you have posted clearly visible “Dangerous Dog” warning signs.
Evidence of liability insurance-if ordered by the courts.
For a Dangerous Dog you are required by Ohio Law to:
Affix the tag to the dog’s collar and ensure the dog wears the collar at all times.
Notify the Dog Warden immediately if the dog is loose, bites someone, or attacks another animal.
Notify the Auditor within 10 days of the sale, transfer of ownership, change of address, or death of this dog.
Renew this dangerous dog registration each calendar year no later than January 31st.