Why License Your Dog?
If your animal is ever missing, a dog license tag provides a quick and accurate way of notifying you if someone else finds your pet. It is also Ohio law that all dogs are licensed. 

Licenses are to be renewed annually between December 1st and January 31st.  The owner only needs to fill out a brief registration form and pay the annual fee. Once your dog has been assigned a license with a distinctive tag number, the number and the information about your dog is permanently filed in the county's records.  Renewal tags bought after January 31st are subject to late fees. The form is available online and can be mailed to the Montgomery County Auditor's Office at 451 West Third St., Dayton, Ohio 45422.

If you obtain a dog after January 31st, you are required to immediately license your dog in order to comply with the Ohio Revised Code. Late fees will apply if purchasing your dog license after thirty days of acquiring your pet. Unless confined in a registered kennel, dogs must wear their license tag at all times. All dogs discovered without a dog license tag are subject to impounding, sale, or destruction. 

If your dog's tag is lost, the County Auditor will issue a duplicate tag for two dollars when provided with proof of licensing.

Ohio law requires dogs over three months of age to be licensed. The county is authorized to hold a licensed dog for up to 14 days after mailing a notice of its capture to the owner before it can be either humanely destroyed or sold. Unlicensed dogs may be destroyed or sold by the county after being held for three days.

Where can I get a License?
Dog licenses may be purchased at the County Auditor's office, the Animal Resource Center and other authorized agents around Montgomery County. The application form is available above and can be printed out and sent to Karl L. Keith, Montgomery County Auditor, Dog Licensing, 451 West Third St., Dayton, Ohio 45422 with the licensing fee.

A Kennel License can be obtained from the County Administration Building at 451 West 3rd Street.  Kennel Licenses are not available from any other dog license-selling locations. Those who purchase a Kennel License must also purchase a Vendor's License for the intent to sell breeding stock. Kennel Licenses are $100.

Helping the Handicapped = Free Dog License
Handicapped Assistance tags are available and are good for a dog's entire life. The charge is waived if there is proof of training of the dog for handicap assistance.