2026 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.

Dogs Through History

Beloved Breeds and Their Remarkable Stories

Dogs have been at humanity’s side for thousands of years — guarding, guiding, hunting, rescuing, and comforting us in ways no other animal can. From their ancient origins to their modern roles as beloved companions, dogs have shaped cultures, inspired legends, and proven time and again that they are truly man’s best friend.

Here in Lorain County, thousands of residents share their homes with dogs of all shapes and sizes — each one with a story and spirit as unique as their breed. But where did these breeds come from, and how did some of them become household names across the world?

From Wolves to Companions

All modern dogs — from the tiny Chihuahua to the towering Great Dane — share a single ancestor: the gray wolf. Scientists believe the first domestication occurred between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, when early humans and wolves formed a mutually beneficial relationship. Wolves helped guard camps and track prey, while humans provided food and protection.

Over centuries, selective breeding shaped these early dogs to suit different environments and needs. Arctic communities bred sled-pulling dogs for endurance and cold resistance. Shepherds in Europe favored herding dogs with intelligence and agility. Hunters bred retrievers and hounds for scent tracking and soft mouths to carry game. By the 1800s, with the rise of organized dog breeding in England, dogs became classified into formal groups — working, sporting, hound, herding, terrier, toy, and non-sporting — categories still used by the American Kennel Club today.

Dogs Who Made History

Throughout history, countless dogs have left pawprints on human achievement.

Seaman – The Explorer’s Companion
When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on their expedition to chart the western frontier in 1804, they brought along Seaman — a massive Newfoundland known for his strength and loyalty. Seaman endured long, harsh miles alongside the Corps of Discovery, defending the crew, hunting game, and even saving lives. His loyalty was so profound that historical records note Lewis himself mourned the loss of Seaman deeply.

Bass – The Belgian Malinois Hero
A Belgian Malinois named Bass carried on that legacy of bravery. As a military working dog, Bass served with distinction overseas, detecting explosives and protecting U.S. troops in combat zones. Malinois dogs, known for their intelligence, courage, and work ethic, are now the breed of choice for many police and military units around the world.

Balto – The Sled Dog Who Saved a Town
In 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened the town of Nome, Alaska. A team of sled dogs — led by a Siberian Husky named Balto — carried lifesaving medicine through blizzards and subzero temperatures. Their 674-mile journey inspired the famous Iditarod race and solidified Balto’s place in history as one of the world’s most heroic dogs.

St. Bernards and Newfoundlands – The Lifesavers
For centuries, these powerful breeds rescued travelers lost in snow and surf. Their legacy continues today in modern search-and-rescue and therapy dog programs, proving that a dog’s compassion can be as strong as its courage.

These stories remind us that dogs have not only served alongside humans but have often stood at the heart of our greatest challenges and triumphs.

Top Dog Breeds and Their Origins

Every breed tells a story — some born from need, others from companionship, and all from the shared bond between human and dog. Here are a few of the world’s most recognizable breeds and the roles that shaped them:

• Labrador Retriever – The Fisherman’s Helper (Canada) – Originating in Newfoundland in the early 1800s, Labradors were bred by fishermen to haul nets and retrieve fish from icy waters. Their dense, waterproof coats and strong swimming ability made them indispensable. Today, their intelligence and friendly disposition make them top choices for guide dogs, search-and-rescue teams, and family pets.
• German Shepherd – The Loyal Protector (Germany) – Developed in 19th-century Germany to herd and protect sheep, the German Shepherd quickly gained fame for its intelligence, courage, and versatility. By World War I, German Shepherds were serving as messenger and rescue dogs. In modern times, they are leaders in police, service, and military work — a perfect blend of discipline and devotion.
• Beagle – The Nose That Knows (England) – Dating back to the 1500s, Beagles were bred for rabbit hunting. Their extraordinary sense of smell — one of the best in the canine world — makes them excellent detection dogs for airports and agriculture departments. Despite their working heritage, Beagles remain playful and social companions.
• Belgian Malinois – The Elite Working Dog (Belgium) – Known for their intelligence, focus, and stamina, Belgian Malinois have been serving in demanding roles since the late 1800s. They are smaller and faster than German Shepherds, with unmatched drive and energy. Malinois dogs are currently the preferred breed for many global military K-9 units, including the U.S. Secret Service.
• Poodle – The Water Retriever with Style (France/Germany) – Often mistaken for purely ornamental dogs, Poodles were originally bred as skilled water retrievers. Their distinctive curly coat served a practical purpose — protecting vital organs from cold water while swimming. Today, their intelligence and adaptability make them stars in agility sports and therapy programs alike.
• Golden Retriever – The Gentle Hunter (Scotland) – Developed in 19th-century Scotland by crossing spaniels and retrievers, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game from both land and water. Their eagerness to please, paired with patience and empathy, has made them one of the most beloved family and service breeds worldwide.
• Siberian Husky – The Northern Endurance Dog (Siberia) – Originating with the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia, Huskies were designed for stamina, not aggression. They pulled sleds across frozen tundra and slept beside families for warmth. Their friendly, pack-oriented personality remains a hallmark today, even as they thrive far from the Arctic Circle.
• Bulldog – From Fighter to Family Dog (England) – The Bulldog’s beginnings were far from gentle — bred in the 13th century for bull-baiting, a brutal sport that demanded strength and tenacity. When the practice was outlawed, breeders softened the Bulldog’s temperament, turning it into one of the most affectionate and loyal companions of all. Its resilience now symbolizes courage and spirit.

Modern Companions with Ancient Roots

While most dogs today spend their days chasing toys instead of retrieving game or guarding flocks, their instincts remain strong. Retrievers still love to fetch, Shepherds keep a watchful eye, and Huskies thrive on teamwork and adventure.

Our relationship with dogs has evolved from survival to companionship, but their impact is as great as ever. In Lorain County alone, thousands of dogs are licensed each year — a simple step that helps protect pets, fund animal control services, and ensure lost dogs find their way home.

Whether your companion is a purebred with centuries of lineage or a one-of-a-kind mix, every dog carries a piece of history in its paws — a legacy of loyalty, courage, and love that spans millennia.