DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith and commissioners kicked off dog license sales for 2025 on Monday, Dec. 2.
On Monday, they highlighted the story of Enzo, a stray dog picked up by an Animal Care and Control Officer back in July.
Since then, the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center (ARC) has sheltered Enzo and provided him food, medical care, love and attention until he finds a forever home of his own.
Dog license sales run Dec. 1 2024 through January 31, 2025.
Keith says more than 35,000 renewal applications have been put through the mail making sure dogs are covered and cared for in case they get lost. Keith says its a small price to pay in making sure your dog gets home safe.
“It is the law. All dogs that are under three months of age or older in Ohio are required to be licensed and registered with the county auditor so it’s law, but it’s the only legal way to claim that your dog that you own the animal,” said Keith.
Funds from dog licensing sales help support the county's animal resource center that provides care and shelter for stray animals until they can be adopted into a caring home.
“The best way to show that you love your dog is by getting them a license,” Commissioner Judy Dodge said. “A dog’s license is its ticket home if they get lost.”
The license fee is $20 for spayed or neutered dogs and $24 for dogs who have not been altered. Dog licenses must be renewed annually.
In 2024, more than 47,000 dog licenses were sold. Nearly 60% of those dog licenses were bought online. The auditor’s office also has 15 outposts that sell dog licenses located around Montgomery County, at pet stores, veterinarian clinics and government offices.
Licenses can be purchased in three ways:
- Online at www.mcohio.org/dogs
- By mailing-in an application which can be downloaded at www.mcohio.org/dogs
- In-person at 15 stores and agencies throughout Montgomery County, as well as at the county administration building and the animal resource center.
If a dog owner is unable to obtain a license one of those ways, they can call the Animal Resource Center at937-898-4457, option 1 to speak with dispatch and request an animal care and control officer come to their residence to sell them a license.
