Mary Alice Reporting – Ohio law states that all dogs, three months and older, must be licensed.

Existing tags need to be renewed by January 31st to avoid a penalty and for a one-year dog tag, the cost is $16.

Tuscarawas County Dog Warden Ken Griffith explains that getting this license and keeping it on a dog is one of the best ways to get that pet back to its home if circumstances arose where the pet ran off.

“All dogs are to wear the license at all time. Accidents happen and that’s the reason there’s a five-digit number at the bottom of the tag. If a dog is found, call the sheriff’s department or your local [police department]. They’ll either get a hold of us or they’ll run the tag and they’ll attempt to make contact with the owner.”

Those who have purchased a tag are reminded to keep the information updated in the system, such as any address or phone number changes.

Facility and Adoption Specialist Beth Lewis adds that if a warden picks up a dog displaying a tag it will be held at the pound for a longer time period.

“It’s a fourteen-day hold instead of a three-day hold. All licensed dogs are held fourteen days, which gives a legal owner more of a chance to come get their dog so it’s important to have that license and that legal proof of ownership.”

Dog owners can either purchase a one-year license, a 3-year one for $48 per dog, or a permanent tag for $160.

Locations selling tags, for 2023, outside of the County Auditor’s Office include Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Discount Drug Mart in Dover and New Philadelphia, Mako’s Market in Uhrichsville, Town and Country Vet Clinic in Bolivar, and Village Hardware in Gnadenhutten.

A full list of dog tag agents is available on the auditor’s website at www.co.tuscarawas.oh.us/dog-licensing.

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