>>Dog Licensing Information

IMPORTANT:     No Dog License Tag issued by the Franklin County Auditor shall be effective unless a current valid Rabies Tag Number is included and the dog has a current valid Rabies immunization. (Applies to all dogs over 3 months of age)

Knowingly providing FALSE information to a public official is a violation of Section 2921.13A5 of the Ohio Revised Code is a Misdemeanor of the first degree.

Does my dog need a license?  

Yes. All dogs over three (3) months of age must be licensed.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated for rabies?  

Yes. All dogs over three (3) months of age must have a rabies vaccination before a license can be issued.  Dogs three (3) months or younger can be licensed without a rabies vaccination.

What i f my veterinarian advises against issuing a rabies shot?
Have your veterinarian write a letter on his/her letterhead stating why the rabies shot is not advised , and send it along with the application . Please be advised that the due date for the application remains the same.

How often does the license have to be renewed? 
Dog licenses must be renewed annually between December 1 and January 31.

How much does a dog license cost?  

The base fee for a dog license is $24.00 annually. After July 1, some fees may be prorated.

How can I receive a discount on my dog license?

In order to address the overpopulation of dogs in Franklin County, licenses are discounted to $12.00 annually for dogs that are spayed or neutered. The discount also applies in the following cases:

• The dog is under nine (9) months of age

• The dog is advanced in years, or has a condition that makes it impossible, or inadvisable, to spay or neuter (NOTE: veterinarian's signature required)

• The dog is being bred, or is intended to be bred, for sale or show (NOTE: breed registry number or veterinarian's signature required)

• The dog is intended for hunting purposes (NOTE: hunting license number or veterinarian's signature required)

How Can I Avoid Late Fees?
The penalty can be avoided if you purchase the dog license immediately upon acquiring the dog. After the renewal period December 1st to January 31st , there is a penalty assessed for all dogs licensed over 3 months of age that have been owned for more than 30 days.

Why is the license renewal deadline extended for 2009 and 2010?
When the January 31st license renewal deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.  So for 2009, the deadline is February 2, 2009.

How do I include a veterinarian's signature?

If you need a veterinarian's signature to confirm your dog license discount, you will be unable to process your application online. Please complete the "printable" application, print it out, sign the form, and mail it to with applicable fees enclosed to:

FRANKLIN COUNTY AUDITOR
DOG LICENSE SECTION
373 S HIGH STREET 21ST FLOOR
COLUMBUS OHIO 43215-6317

Click to Download the Application
(This file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

How do I replace a lost license?

If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate tag for 25 cents. Please send us a letter with the license number, if known, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so we can send a replacement tag.

How do I transfer a license to a new owner?

The ownership of a current dog license can be transferred to another owner for just 25 cents. The current owner on file, or executor of the current owner's estate, must sign the transfer form. It is also advisable for the new owner to sign the form. You can download the application and mail it to our office.

Click to Download the Application
(This file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

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.

How do I replace a rabies tag?
The Franklin County Board of Health is responsible for the rabies tags; you should contact them at (614) 462-3160.. The tag can be replaced for $1.00. They need a copy of the rabies record provided by your veterinarian.

Is there a limit to the number of dogs I am allowed to own in Franklin County?
There is no limit to the number of dogs you can legally own within the unincorporated areas of the county. However, if you reside in the incorporated (city limits) areas of the county, you should check with your local city government.

How do I notify you that I moved out of the county?
You may either complete the change of address form on our website, or call our office. We will mark the record(s) accordingly. Please note most counties in Ohio will recognize the tag until it expires. When the license expires, you will need to contact them for the next year's license. 

If I move here from another county (in Ohio ), is their current license still valid?
Yes. We will honor the license until it is expired. You will need to provide a change of address to the County Auditor ; you can find their contact information from the following link:   http://www.caao.org/DIRECTORY/ . When the license expires, you will need to contact our office for the next year's license. 

If I move here from out of state, is their license valid?
No. You are required to purchase a license immediately upon arrival. If you wait more than 30 days, the County Auditor is required to charge a penalty equal to the fee.

What is "Me and My Pal"?
To help promote responsible pet ownership, the Franklin County Auditor's Office has created the Me and My Pal drawing contest for the children from kindergarten to sixth grade.

What if I have more questions?

If you have further questions, or if you need assistance with dog licensing, please Email or contact our office at (614)462-3260 during regular business hours (M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, EST/EDT).