Wayne County dog licenses on sale Dec. 1-Jan. 31

Wayne County auditor Jarra L. Underwood announced recently that the 2022 Wayne County dog tags will go on sale beginning Dec. 1 and continue through Jan. 31.

“A 2022 dog tag may be the only way of retrieving your beloved pet if they ever get lost,” Underwood said. “We encourage every dog owner to be responsible and license their pets.”

As in previous years, three-year or permanent (lifetime of dog) licenses are available in addition to the standard one-year license. The fee is $16 for the one-year tag, $48 for the three-year tag, $160 for the permanent tag and $80 for a kennel license.

Dogs over 3 months old that have been owned for more than 30 days require a license in Ohio. Tags purchased after Jan. 31 will be subject to a $16 penalty per tag.

Auditor’s office frequently asked questions about dog licenses

Why does my dog need a license?

Licensing is a requirement of state law, detailed in Ohio Revised Code 955.01, 955.05 and 955.26. Also, the license attached to a dog’s collar will identify the owner should a dog get lost. If a dog, with its license attached, is found running at large by the Wayne County dog warden, the owner will be notified by phone that the dog has been impounded and given retrieval information.

According to state law, licensed dogs may be kept for up to 14 days. Without a license dogs can be held for a maximum of three days. A dog’s license is its ticket home.

When do the 2022 dog license tags go on sale?

Dog licenses for owners and kennels go on sale from Dec. 1 through Jan. 31. Renewal applications will be mailed by Wednesday, Nov. 24.

Is there any impact or concerns due to COVID-19 related to purchasing dog tags?

The safety of residents and employees is vital, so taking advantage of social distancing options when purchasing dog tags is encouraged. The auditor’s office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and also offers tag sales by mail, at satellite offices or on its website at www.waynecountyauditor.org. Recognizing the continued impact of COVID, use one of these options to purchase a 2022 dog license.

How can a new dog or renewal application be made?

—Over the internet at www.waynecountydoglicense.com (renewals or adding a new dog to an existing account).

—At any of the satellite offices throughout Wayne County (see website for complete list).

—Mail completed application or drop off in person to Wayne County Auditor’s Office, 428 W. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691.

Are there any changes in fees for the 2022 dog tag season?

There are no rate changes for the upcoming dog tag renewal season.

A kennel license includes five tags with additional tags costing $1 each. The auditor’s office can only issue licenses for low-volume breeders; high-volume breeders must purchase their license through the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the tags should be purchased through the auditor’s office. For high-volume breeders, the cost is $1 per tag for all dogs as the license fee is paid directly to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

To transfer a current license to a new owner is $5. Dog licenses are not transferable to another dog.

The dangerous dog annual fee is $50, in addition to the annual license tag fee of $16.

Are there any changes in satellite locations for this year?

One new business, Sweethaven, formerly Scheck’s IGA in Shreve, has been added as a satellite office selling dog tags for the 2022 dog tag season. Refer to the Wayne County Auditor’s website for a complete list of satellite offices.

How do I replace a lost license?

Requests for a duplicate tag may be made in person or via mail, providing name, address and license number if known. A replacement tag will be provided. Per the Ohio Revised Code, there is a $5 fee.

Where do the proceeds go from the dog-licensing program?

Money collected from the dog-licensing program helps support the Wayne County Dog Shelter. A portion is paid to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Canine Research Fund.

Do I need a license if I move into Wayne County during the year?

Licenses from residents moving into Wayne County from another county in Ohio will be honored until they expire. However, residents who move into Wayne County from another state must purchase a license immediately upon arrival. A penalty is required to be charged if a license has not been purchased within 30 days.

“While COVID-19 has changed our way of life, it has not changed our commitment to serving you,” Underwood said.