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1. Does my dog need a license?

Yes, it is the law! A dog is required to be licensed once it is 3-months of age or thirty days from the date the dog is acquired or brought from out-of-state. If the dog has a license from another Ohio county, the license is good in Greene County until the annual renewal period. If this scenario applies to you, it is our recommendation the county where the dog is registered be contacted with the updated residential information.

2. Where do I find information about the requirements for licensing dog?

Ohio Revised Code Section 955 contains the requirements related to the licensing of dogs.

3. What are dog licensing fees used for?

A minimum of 85% of the money generated from dog licenses is required by statute to be spent to support the Greene County Animal Shelter. The other 15% is allowed to be used for the administration of the dog license program.

4. When do I need to purchase a dog license?

Dog licenses must be renewed annually between December 1st and January 31st in order to avoid a penalty. Dogs acquired throughout the year can be licensed within 30-days of ownership. Licenses can be purchased for 1-year, 3-years, or the life of the dog during the renewal period.

5. How do I get a dog license?

Dog licenses can be purchased by submitting a dog license application form to the Greene County Auditor's Office or the Greene County Animal Control Office.

6. How much does a dog license cost?

The base fee for a dog license is $20 annually. During the dog license renewal period from December 1 to January 31, 3-year licenses ($60) or permanent licenses ($200) are available for purchase.

7. How can I avoid a late fee?

After the renewal period of December 1st to January 31st, a penalty is assessed on licenses for dogs three-months of age or older, owned for at least thirty days, and/or relocated from out-of-state for at least thirty days. The county auditor is required to charge a penalty equal to the license fee.

8. How do I replace a lost license?

A replacement tag can be requested at the cost of $5. Please send a letter with the license number, if known, so a replacement tag can be sent.

9. How can I transfer a license to a new owner?

The ownership of a current dog license can be transferred to another owner for a fee of $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.

10. Are dog licenses valid anywhere in the state?

Dog licenses are valid anywhere in the State of Ohio until they expire. Licenses are required to be purchased in the county in which you reside.

11. 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 thirty days, the county auditor is required to charge a penalty equal to the license fee.

12. How do I update license information on file?

Contact the auditor's office at (937) 562-5065 or submit an Update Contact Information form online.

13. How do I report my dog as being "lost?"

Please call Greene County Animal Control at (937) 562-7400 to report a lost dog.

14. What should I do if I find a lost dog?

Please call Greene County Animal Control at (937) 562-7400 to report a lost dog or search online for the owner by dog license number.

15. What is a kennel license?

If you are in the business of buying and selling dogs from a location zoned for a kennel, a kennel license can be purchased instead of purchasing individual licenses for each dog. The cost of a kennel license is $100 and includes 5 dog licenses. Additional dog licenses can be purchased for $1 each. Both fees are subject to penalty provisions applicable to dog licenses.