2026 Dog License Sales, Fee Changes

Dog tags for the 2026 license year will officially go on sale Monday, Dec. 1, Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl announced.

While renewal applications will be mailed to all dog owners who purchased a 2025 license, officials noted a change in pricing this year. The cost of a single dog license has increased to $18, and a kennel license is now $90.

This marks the first fee increase in 12 years, though Habermehl noted that Clinton County remains below the statewide average.

The deadline to purchase a 2026 dog license without penalty is Jan. 31, 2026. Under Ohio law, late registrations are subject to a penalty equal to the license fee. Beginning Feb. 1, regular tags will cost $36, and kennel licenses will rise to $180.

Recent changes in state law also allow owners to purchase multi-year licenses. A three-year license is available for $54, and a permanent license costs $180.

Enforcement

Clinton County Sheriff Douglas A. Eastes advised dog owners that enhanced enforcement of dog tag violations will begin in February 2026.

Failure to license a dog will result in a citation for each unlicensed animal. Penalties include fines, court costs and the mandatory purchase of delinquent licenses. Eastes emphasized that license fees directly support the Dog Warden’s Office in carrying out its duties.

How to Purchase

Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office during normal business hours.

Online registration is available through a contract with Fairfield Licensing. A $2 service charge per tag applies to online purchases.

Residents may access the licensing website at www.doglicenses.us/OH/Clinton.

Residents unable to visit a physical location may mail their dog and owner information to the Auditor’s Office. A tag will be issued and mailed back. An additional $1 processing fee is required to cover postage and handling.

From Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, the following local retailers are also authorized to sell dog tags for an additional fee:

Buckley Bros. Drive Thru

Browns Distributing

BDK Feed & Supply

Village of New Vienna Water Department

D & G’s Paws & Claws Snack Shack

PBS Animal Health

Kennel Licenses

Kennel licenses can be renewed by mail using the application sent to previously registered owners. However, new kennel licenses must be purchased in person at the Auditor’s Office on the Clinton County Administrative Campus.