Licensing Your Dog
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.01, 955.21)

All dogs three months of age and older must be licensed annually by January 31. When you acquire a new dog, you must license it immediately. Dogs in Franklin County must be immunized against rabies by a licensed veterinarian before a license can be purchased. The maximum penalties for violations of this section are a $150 fine on the first offense, and a $250 fine and 30 days imprisonment for subsequent offenses.

Displaying a Dog License
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.10)

The current year's license tag must be kept displayed on a dog's collar or harness at all times. Ohio law permits Animal Control Officers to impound dogs that are not wearing a license, even from the dog owner's yard. The maximum penalty for a violation of this section is a $150 fine.

Confining Your Dog
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22C)

All dogs regardless of age must be kept confined on the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer at all times. Acceptable methods of confinement include a fence, a tethering device, a dog pen, inside a house or garage, or under adequate supervision. If you are walking your dog off of your property, you must maintain reasonable control over your dog so that it doesn't run away (the best way to do this is to keep the dog on a leash). The maximum penalties for violations of this section are a $150 fine on the first offense, and a $250 fine and 30 days imprisonment for subsequent offenses.

Immunizing Your Dog Against Rabies
(Ohio Revised Code Section 955.39)

All dogs in Franklin County over three months of age must be currently immunized against rabies by a licensed Veterinarian. This is a requirement of the Franklin County Boards of Health. The maximum penalty for a violation of this section is a $150 fine, and a $250 fine and 30 days imprisonment for subsequent offenses.