Dog licenses required

FINDLAY — Dog owners must get a license for their dog. Literally, you must. It's the law in Ohio under Section 955.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. But besides the legality of it, it's simply the right, humane thing to do. If a dog gets lost, having a license tag will get it returned home faster, said Paula Krugh, executive director of the Humane Society of Hancock County. That would mean less stress for your dog: It won't have to stay in a shelter if it is identified easily. Anyone can search the dog tag's license number online at https://www.doglicenses.us/OH/Hancock/cs.php. "If the dog does not have a license, in three days it becomes property of the humane society," Krugh said. Dogs that do have a license become property of the Humane Society if not claimed within 10 to 14 days, she said. "Our goal is to get the animals back to their owners. That's why it's so important to have the dog license," she said. Licenses cost $20 for one year, $60 for three years; and a permanent license, for the life of the dog, costs $200. Licenses can be purchased at the Hancock County Auditor's Office, at the Courthouse, or through the Animal Control Office, at the Humane Society, 4550 Fostoria Ave; or online at the county auditor's website: https://www.doglicenses.us/OH/Hancock/cs.php. Licenses also may be purchased at Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic, Legacy Lawn & Pet, Pet Supplies Plus; Great Scot, on Broad Avenue; and Arlington Veterinary Clinic. Licenses purchased after Jan. 31 will cost owners a $20 penalty, unless the dog has been acquired within the past 30 days. The dog license fees go to the County Dog and Kennel Fund and pay for Animal Control in Hancock County. County government has contracted with the Humane Society to conduct animal control for $240,000 per year. Animal control includes the salaries of the dog warden and assistant dog warden. "We also have isolation areas (as part of animal control) for when the dogs come in, to keep disease from getting spread throughout the building," Krugh said.