Holmes County Raises Dog License Fees, Season Opens December First

Holmes County officials announced changes to the 2026 dog licensing season on November 27, setting the regular dog tag at nineteen dollars and increasing kennel licenses by ten dollars. The season opens December 1 and runs through the end of January. Beginning February 1 the cost to license a dog will double to thirty eight dollars for owners who miss the January 31 deadline.

Ohio law requires dogs older than three months to be licensed annually, and county leaders say revenue from tag sales is directed into the county Dog and Kennel Fund. That fund supports the Dog Warden Department and the county adoption center, both of which handle stray recovery, shelter care and adoption services. County officials cite those operational needs as the reason for the modest price adjustments.

The county also reported recent software updates to its licensing database intended to streamline processing and improve record accuracy. Residents may purchase licenses online, by mail, at the auditor's office, at the dog warden's office, and at numerous satellite sellers around the county. The auditor's office will continue to offer multi year and lifetime tags for those who prefer a longer term option. The county has posted and distributed a list of local selling locations through its offices and online channels.

Kennel license rules remain in place, with the county outlining eligibility and compliance requirements for operators who house multiple dogs. The fee increase for kennel permits is intended to cover increased administrative and oversight costs, and to ensure the Dog and Kennel Fund can sustain shelter operations and lost dog recovery services that residents rely on.

For Holmes County dog owners the changes mean a modest immediate cost increase for most households, and a significant penalty for late compliance. County officials say early purchase options and expanded points of sale are designed to make licensing more convenient and to improve overall compliance. Licensing revenues are a local funding source that directly affects the county's ability to respond to lost and stray animals, maintain shelter capacity, and support adoption efforts.