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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Moran, 614.378.2879
Monica.Moran@franklincountyohio.gov
Deadline to Purchase or Renew Dog License Extended to March 31
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Franklin County Commissioners voted Tuesday to extend the deadline to purchase or renew a dog license without the penalty fee from January 31 to March 31 under a pilot program proposed by Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano.
The goal of the extension is to increase the overall dog licensing rate by using that extra time for public outreach that could prompt dog owners to renew a license or purchase a new license for the first time. The Auditor's office is also partnering with several dog businesses and charities to make licensing easier and more accessible for dog owners.
"This extension will give dog owners more opportunities to license their dogs at an expanded number of locations that are convenient for them,” Stinziano said. “The Auditor’s office wants to promote responsible pet ownership and help ensure that if an owner’s dog is ever lost, they can be quickly reunited using their license information."
Over the last six years the dog license rate has dwindled, from a high of 104,840 in 2013 to a low of 91,892 in 2018.
There has been an increase in licensing this year, with more dogs licensed at this point in 2019 than there were in all of 2018 when including 3-year and permanent licenses.
The Auditor's office is also announcing the kickoff of its 2019 'Me & My Pal' drawing contest for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The contest seeks to promote responsible pet ownership and the importance of dog licensing, and winners will receive a gift and have their work of art featured in an all-new “Me & My Pal” calendar.
Dog license purchases and renewals for 2020 begin December 1, 2019.
Details of the contest can be found on the Auditor’s office website at www.franklincountyauditor.com.
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