Matthew Oestreich, Wood County auditor, announces that beginning December 1, applications for 2023 dog registrations may be filed.

Ohio law provides that before January 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, name of 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 in order to be in compliance with section 955.01 of the O.R.C. As a convenience, the auditor’s office mails renewal registration forms to owners of record. Owners who registered in 2022 through the internet will receive a reminder email.

Dogs may be registered for a one-year term, threeyear term or a permanent license (for the dog’s life). When completing the application, choose your “term” (one-year, three-year or permanent). Fees are: One Year License = $14, Three Year License = $42 and Permanent License = $140. No refunds will be permitted.

Every owner of a kennel of dogs also is required to register annually with the county auditor by January 31 and must pay an application fee of $70. Ohio law provides that the penalty after January 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 January 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 preferred method of renewal is by mail or online. When mailing the application, include the license fee, dog information (as stated above) and a selfaddressed stamped envelope for return of the license. If necessary, 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 auditor.co.wood.oh.us and require an additional $2.15 processing fee per license, which goes to the online firm processing the credit card purchase. Do not send cash with mail-in application. If you have questions regarding a dog license, contact 419-354-9150.

The Wood County District Board of Health has adopted a regulation requiring that all dogs be immunized against rabies.

Mail applications to:

Matthew Oestreich Wood County Auditor One Courthouse Square P.O. Box 368 Bowling Green, OH 43402