December 4, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Malika Bartlett, (614) 525-7364
Malika.Bartlett@franklincountyohio.gov
Dog Licensing Season Begins with Me & My Pal Ceremony
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Dog licensing season has begun, and the Franklin County Auditor’s office is kicking off the season with a ceremony Saturday announcing the winners of the 2025 Me and My Pal drawing contest, which promotes the importance of dog licensing and responsible pet care.
The Me & My Pal awards ceremony will be held Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center, 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus.
This year’s contest drew a record 254 entries from K-6 grade students from across Franklin County.
For the competition, students submitted a drawing of themselves and their dogs.
The first-place winner will have their drawing featured on the cover of the 2026 “Me and My Pal” calendar, the office’s licensing promotional materials, and the Auditor's social media and website.
All winners will receive a complimentary 2026 dog license, an award certificate, and a commemorative photo taken at the awards ceremony.
Dog licensing season, when licenses may be purchased at a reduced rate, runs from December 1-February 28. The deadline for the season has been extended by a month to accommodate more dog owners who might be busy during the holiday months.
Licenses may be purchased online at doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov, by phone at (614) 525-3260, and at the Auditor’s office license counter, 373 S. High St., 21st Floor in downtown Columbus. The counter is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm. Licenses may also be purchased at the Dog Shelter.
Owners can purchase or renew licenses, change addresses, download forms and update dog information via the online licensing system.
In addition to being required by state law, dog licensing ensures that any lost dog is returned quickly to their owners. License fees help support the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.
