2025 Dog Licenses are on sale now. Click HERE to purchase online.

ALERT: Please be aware there are fraudulent websites purporting to sell Ohio dog licenses. There is no such thing as a license good for the entire state.  Lorain County residents are urged to bookmark this page to ensure that you are purchasing your tags from the proper authority.

Annual dog license renewal emails go out each year in November for dog owners who have provided a valid email address.  If you do not purchase a dog license at this time, you will receive a paper application in the mail.  All dog owners are required to purchase a valid single year or multiyear tag by January 31.  Failure to do so will result in a penalty and possible fine by the dog warden. If you no longer own a dog click please click here to notify the Auditor's Office.

On August 28, 2019 the Lorain County Commissioners passed Resolution No. 19-611 establishing  new prices for dog tags.  Annual tags are now $26.  Three Year and Lifetime tags are also available for purchase.  For additional information on prices call 440-329-5243.

Purchase dog licenses at any of the following:

Online (Renewals and New)

Authorized Area Vendors (click for list of vendors)

Download application to renew by mail

Lorain County Auditor's Office  (click for map)

Dog License Fees

* A penalty will be applied to tags purchased after January 31 for dogs over three months of age that have been in the owner's possession for longer than 30 days.  The penalty for the late purchase of Dog Tags is set by Ohio Revised Code 955.01 (B).  It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that their dog is licensed every year before January 31.  The County Auditor is not required to send out renewal notifications, but may do so at his or her discretion.

**The Special tag price includes a $5 donation to the medical fund at the Lorain County Kennel.  Lorain County has provided medical care and spayed or neutered hundreds of animals with your donations. THANK YOU!

Licensing Your Dog

• Why?  First, dog licensing is required by state law (see Ohio Revised Code sections 955.01, 955.05, and 955.26). Second, the license attached to your dog's collar will identify you as the owner should the dog be lost. If your dog, with his license attached, is found running at large by the Lorain County Dog Warden, you will be contacted by phone to let you know that the dog has been impounded and where you can retrieve him. With a license, your dog can be kept for 14 days. Without a license your dog can be held for no more than 3 days according to state law. 
• When?  A penalty shall be assessed if a dog license is not secured on or before January 31, or within 30 days after the dog becomes 3 months of age or is brought from outside the state. O.R.C. Sec. 955.01(B).

Controlling Your Dog

• Why?  As a courtesy to others and to protect your dog. Dogs are no match for cars. Dogs running at large are at serious risk to themselves as well as to others. It is the reponsibility of the dog owner to control their dog at all times.
• When?  At all times. The Ohio Revised Code specifies that all dogs must be either kept confined to your property or be under reasonable control. Letting your dog out the door, for instance, is not normally considered reasonable control. A dog that is leashed or under your control as you walk him is considered reasonable. You can be held responsible for damages which your dog causes to property or persons.
  

Immunizing Your Dog Against Rabies

• Why?  The answer to this is simple. Rabies can be contracted by any warm blooded animal, including humans. It is almost always fatal. Rabies immunization helps to prevent contraction of the disease. Rabies is normally contracted through a bite or scratch. This can only occur when animals are together, so it is safer to keep your dog confined.
• When?  By the time your dog is 3-4 months of age. It's wise to follow the advise of your veterinarian in this area. Depending upon which vaccine your vet uses, you will need new shots every one to three years. 

Found a lost dog with a license tag?  Click here for help locating the owner.