Please read this page before applying for a dog license.
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 four months old or older)
Knowingly providing FALSE information to a public official is a violation of Section 2921.13A5 of the Ohio Revised Code and is a Misdemeanor of the first degree.
Does my dog need a license?
Yes. All dogs over three months of age must be licensed.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated for rabies?
Yes. All dogs four months old or older must have a rabies vaccination before a license can be issued. Dogs younger than four months old can be licensed without a rabies vaccination.
What if 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 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 annually for dogs that are spayed or neutered. The discount also applies in the following cases:
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 31, there is a penalty assessed for all dogs licensed more than three months of age that have been owned for more than 30 days.
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
How do I replace a lost license?
If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate tag for $5. Please send us a letter with the license number, if known, 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 $5. 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.
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 through 955.99.
How do I replace a rabies tag?
Please contact Franklin County Public Health at 614-525-3160 for information on obtaining a replacement rabies tag. It is necessary that you have a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate that was issued at the time of your pet's vaccination in order to receive a replacement rabies tag.
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 your office that I have 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 that county's 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 another state, is that state's 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 created the Me and My Pal drawing contest for children from kindergarten to sixth grade. In 2012, we celebrated our 20th year of the contest.
What if I have more questions?
If you have further questions, or if you need assistance with dog licensing, please Email ClarenceMingo@FranklinCountyOhio.gov or contact our office at 614-525-3260 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.