The Hamilton County Dog License Program
Do the right thing for your dog!
Some important questions and answers regarding the licensing of your dog:
You can purchase dog licenses at the Auditor's Office, 138 East Court Street, Room 501, in downtown Cincinnati; at the Hamilton County SPCA; or at one of our neighborhood vendors. Please note that if you purchase your dog license at a neighborhood location, there is a 75¢ agent fee. Please call 946-4106 for an application or details. You can also obtain a mail in application from any of these locations.
Why should I buy a license for my dog?
Dogs must be licensed by law, even if they never leave your property. A dog license tag attached to your pet's collar is proof of ownership. Owners of unlicensed dogs can be cited to court and fined.
How does a license protect my dog?
Dogs wearing a license tag have a better chance of returning home through Dusty's Dogs, the Auditor's 24-hour hotline for reuniting lost dogs with their owners. The hotline (946-DOGS) tracks dogs by license number and is available to citizens and dog wardens who find a stray dog wearing a license tag. Unlicensed dogs can be impounded by the dog warden.
Can licensed dogs run loose?
NO! The license does not allow your dog any privileges, but it helps him get back home if he gets lost. Ohio law also requires that dogs remain under reasonable control at all times. Leashes and fences keep dogs safe. Loose dogs can be hit by a car, injured in a dog fight, cause neighborhood damage or injure a person or other animals. Loose dogs can also be impounded by the dog warden or turned into the animal shelter by a concerned citizen. The cost of redeeming an impounded dog includes a fine and court costs. If the dog is not licensed, the court fees may be doubled and the license fee increases from $13 to $26.
Can I transfer the license if I sell or give my dog to a new owner?
Yes; call the Auditor's Office at 946-4106 for information. License transfers and replacement tags cost 25 cents.
What should I do if I move?
If you move within Hamilton County, report your new address to the Auditor's Office at 946-4106. If you move outside the county, call that county's auditor for license information.
What should I do if my dog gets lost? If I find a lost dog?
If your dog gets lost, call the Hamilton County Dog Warden at 541-6100. If you find a lost dog wearing a current Hamilton County License, call Dusty's Dogs, 946-DOGS. Dusty's Dogs is the 24-hour hotline that provides the name, address and telephone number of the dog's owner so you can return the pet to his family. If you find a lost dog that is not wearing a current license tag, call the dog warden at 541-6100.
Dear Dog Owner,It is up to you to keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe.
Take your dog to a veterinarian. Protect your pet from deadly contagious diseases by simple inoculations and regular checkups. Consider spaying and neutering to prevent the tragedy of unwanted puppies and to protect your pet from health problems.
Give your dog regular exercise. A daily brisk walk on a leash can prevent many behavioral problems like chewing, barking, and digging. Help your dog burn up calories and energy in a healthy way.
Feed your dog a balanced diet of good food and fresh water. Your dog can't just go fix a snack. You are his chef and server.
License your dog. Not only is it the law, but a Hamilton County license automatically makes your dog one of Dusty's Dogs. Dusty's Dogs, (513)946-DOGS, is a 24-hour hotline that helps found dogs get home.
Remember, call (513)946-DOGS (946-3647) if you find a lost dog.
Sincerely,
Dusty Rhodes
Important Numbers:
Dusty's Dogs (513)946-DOGS (946-3647)
Hamilton County Auditor Dog License Division(513)946-4106
County Dog Warden (513)541-6100 Emergency (After 11 p.m.) 541-9223
Hamilton County SPCA (513)541-6100
Fun things we learned about Hamilton County dogs licensed in 2006 :
The most popular breeds in the county are Labrador Retriever(8,573), German Shepherd(4,701), Beagle(3,286), Golden Retriever(3,123), Boxer(1,924).52% of the county's licensed dogs are female, and the most common names are Maggie, Sadie, Molly, Lucy, & Daisy.
48% of the county's licensed dogs are male, and the most common names are Max, Buddy, Jake, Bear & Buster.
91 Dogs are named Dusty.
HELPFUL LINKS
If you would like to read the sections of the Ohio Revised Code that apply to dog and kennel registration, click on the external link below and enter 'DOGS' in the search box.
Ohio Revised Code