Licensing your dog isn’t just a legal requirement in Ohio, it’s also one of the simplest and most important ways you can protect your pet.
A dog license is your pet’s ticket home if they ever get lost. Unlike a microchip, which requires a special scanner, a license can be traced 24/7 by anyone with internet access. If someone finds your dog, they can look up the license number online and contact you right away — no waiting for a shelter or vet to scan a chip.
Licensing your dog also helps the entire community. Funds from dog license sales directly support local programs and services that care for and protect dogs right here in Montgomery County. When you buy a license, you’re helping other dogs in need, too.
And while it’s easy to overlook, dog licenses are the only legal proof of ownership in Ohio — something that can be invaluable in cases of lost pets or ownership disputes.
When You Need to License Your Dog
Ohio law requires you to:
- Renew your dog’s license each year between Dec. 1 and Jan. 31.
- License any new dog within 30 days of acquiring them.
- License your dog within 30 days of moving to Ohio.
If you move from another Ohio county midyear, you don’t need to buy a new license right away; other counties honor valid Ohio dog licenses. You can simply renew during the next annual licensing period.
How to Get Your License
Getting your dog licensed couldn’t be simpler. You can:
- Buy online at www.mcohio.org/dogs
- Purchase in person at the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office or the Animal Resource Center, year-round
- Stop by an outpost during dog license season (Dec. 1 – Jan. 31)
- Mail in your application
A license costs just a few dollars, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless.