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Thursday, July 2, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Moran, 614.378.2879
Monica.Moran@franklincountyohio.gov
More than 94,000 Dogs Are Now Licensed in Franklin County
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced Thursday a second year of projected growth in the number of dogs licensed in the county following the passing of the June 30 license renewal deadline.
There were 94,051 licensed dogs in Franklin County so far in 2020, with an additional 7,040 licenses expected to be sold for the rest of the year based on five-year averages, representing a projected growth rate of 1.95 percent. That follows a 7.91 percent increase in dog licenses sold in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic did slow the sale of licenses from March onward, data shows.
“I am gratified that our expanded licensing efforts have benefited both residents and their dogs. My goal since I took office as your Franklin County Auditor has been to increase the rate of licensed dogs and encourage responsible pet care.”
Overall in 2020, so far there were: 71,545 annual licenses sold; 7,814 three-year licenses sold; and 1,064 permanent licenses sold. The total number of 94,051 licensed dogs for 2020 also includes three-year and permanent licenses that were sold in previous years.
This year, in an effort to increase dog license rates after several years of decline, Stinziano worked with Franklin County Commissioners to extend the renewal deadline by two months, from Jan. 31 to March 31. The renewal deadline was further extended to June 30 because of the pandemic. That extension allowed 29,116 dog owners to take advantage of the expanded window to purchase or renew a license without penalty.
The office also expanded the locations where owners could purchase licenses, including at mobile events and Board of Revision informational meetings that were held throughout the county.
“While licensing your pet is the law, it is also one of the best ways to ensure that if they stray or get lost, they are reunited home with you, said County Commissioner, John O’Grady. “I applaud Auditor Stinziano’s leadership to promote safe and responsible pet care and ownership for the well-being of all Franklin County residents.”
The Auditor’s office is projecting, based on five-year averages, that 2020 license sales will bring in $2.1 million in revenue, part of which will help fund the Franklin County Dog Shelter.
“Dog licenses are critically important to the Franklin County Dog Shelter as their sale helps fund our daily operations,” said Kaye Persinger, Director of the Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control. “Thank you to every Franklin County resident who purchased a license for your dog. Be sure you dog’s tag is securely fastened to their collar.”
Though public counters remain closed because of the public health crisis, dog licenses can always be purchased online at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov. In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. The license also ensures that a dog has received a rabies vaccine, which is required in Franklin County.
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