Winter is upon us, and that means dog license season when reduced-rate licenses may be purchased is here as well. Your Franklin County Auditor’s office kicked off the licensing period with a December ceremony announcing the winners of the 2025 Me and My Pal drawing contest, which promotes the importance of dog licensing and responsible pet care.

This year’s contest drew a record 254 entries from K-6 grade students from across Franklin County.

Their drawings are featured in the 2026 Me & My Pal Calendar, which is now available from the Auditor’s office.

Dog license season, when licenses may be purchased at a reduced rate, runs from December 1-February 28. For 2026, the deadline 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, or at the Auditor’s office license counter, 373 S. High St., 21^st Floor in downtown Columbus. The counter is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.

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 support the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.  

I wish everyone, human and canine alike, a happy new year!

2025 TIRC Report Released Detailing Use of Tax Incentives in Franklin County

The Auditor’s office released the 2025 Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) Report this month that examines new and ongoing tax incentives created by municipalities across Franklin County.

By state law, Auditor Stinziano is the chair of TIRC meetings. There were 24 Franklin County municipalities that used tax incentives that were reviewed by 2025 TIRCs.

Included in the annual report is an analysis from a duo of expert economists of tax incentives and whether they are working for the community. The economists re-examined and updated a 2017 analysis by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. In their new analysis, using more current data, the economists conclude that while there has been a significant increase in tax incentive use since the 2017 report, the incentives’ efficacy has declined and in some cases is insignificant. 

This is the sixth year the report has been released by Auditor Stinziano. A copy of the report, including the economists’ report, can be found on the Tax Incentive Hub of the Auditor’s office website.

Pet Wants wins December True Transactions Award

Pet Wants in Dublin has won the December True Transactions Award for its use of accurate scales and scanners in its sale of nutritious and fresh pet foods.

“Congratulations to Pet Wants on their outstanding use of accurate scales and scanners. Pets and their owners from across the county reap the benefits,” Auditor Stinziano said.

Pet Wants sells proprietary fresh pet foods using salmon, chicken, lamb, and brown rice. The store is located at 52 S. High Street in Dublin.    

Where Your Auditor's Office Will Be in the Community 

January Community Hours

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano continues to hold weekly Community Hours meetings where residents can stop by and visit, or join virtually via Facebook @mstinziano, and share firsthand their feedback and ideas about the Auditor’s office or any concerns they have.

Community Hours will be held at the dates and locations listed below: 

• Wednesday, January 7 at 9:30 am – in-person community hours at Boston Stoker Coffee Co., 1101 W. 1st Ave., Grandview Heights
• Tuesday, January 13 at 10:15 am - In-person community hours at Westland Area Library, Meeting Room, 4740 W. Broad St., Prairie Township/Columbus
• Wednesday, January 21 at 11:30 am – Virtual community hours featuring Das KaffeeHaus, 45 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis
• Thursday, January 29 at 12:30 pm – Virtual community hours featuring Sugar Rush Columbus Bakery & Bar, 8114 E. Broad St., Jefferson Township/Reynoldsburg