Dog license registrations can be filed starting Dec. 1

Wood County Auditor Michael Sibbersen announced that beginning Dec. 1, applications for 2017 dog registrations may be filed.

Ohio law provides that before Jan. 31 of each year all owners of dogs three months of age or older shall be registered in the county in which the dog is kept. The information necessary for registration is age, sex, spayed or neutered, color, length of hair, breed of the dog and the name, address and phone number of the owner. A registration fee of $14 must be paid with the application for each dog registered. As a convenience the Auditor’s Office mails renewal registration forms to owners of record. Owners who registered in 2016 through the internet will receive a reminder e-mail.

A recent change is that dogs may be registered for a 1 year or 3 year term or a permanent license (for the dog’s life). When completing the application, choose your “Term”(1 year, 3 year or permanent). The 3-year and permanent license may only be purchased by mail or in person at the Wood County Auditor’s Office. Fees are: 1 year license is $14, a 3 year lLicense is $42, and a permanent license is $140. No refunds permitted.

Every owner of a kennel of dogs is also required to register annually with the county auditor by Jan. 31 and must pay an application fee of $70. Ohio law provides that the penalty after Jan. 31 is the amount equal to the registration fee for each type of license therefore the penalty would be $14 for regular licenses and $70 for kennel licenses in addition to the regular registration fee.

Persons acquiring dogs after Jan. 31 have 30 days after the date of acquisition or the date that the dog reaches three months of age to register with the auditor’s office.

The 2017 dog registration may be filed by mail, in person, or on the internet. When mailing the application, include the license fee, dog information (as stated above) and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the license. Licenses can be purchased in person at the Wood County Auditor’s Office, second floor of the county office building between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the Wood County Dog Shelter. Internet applications can be made at http://dogtags.co.wood.oh.us/ and do require an additional $2 processing fee per license which goes to the online firm processing the credit card purchase. Do not send cash with your mail-in application. If you have questions regarding a dog license please contact 419-354- 9150.

The Wood County District Board of Health has adopted a regulation requiring all dogs be immunized against rabies. Provide the rabies information in the application process.

Mail applications to: Michael Sibbersen, Wood County Auditor, One Courthouse Square, PO Box 368, Bowling Green, OH 43402.