2012 Montgomery County Dog Licenses will be sold December 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012. Miami Township provides an outpost to Montgomery County for the public’s convenience to purchase dog tags.

Dog owners need to be aware of a fee change.

Owners whose dogs have been spayed or neutered will continue to pay the current $20 license fee. However, owners whose dogs have not been altered will pay $24 per dog license beginning on December 1, 2011.

“Unaltered and unlicensed dogs comprise the majority of the animals impounded during calls for service and those involved in bites or injuries handled by Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Animal Resource Center Director Mark Kumpf. “We are facing serious budget challenges as we head into the new year and this adjustment will allow the ARC to continue to provide the quality services our citizens have come to know.”

A recent survey by the County Auditor showed over 90% of dog owners support differential licensing for spayed and neutered dogs.

There are exceptions made for dog breeders who have proper registration and hunters who have a valid hunting license and use their dog for hunting. In addition, dogs who are medically certified by their veterinarian as being too old or health compromised may receive the discounted rate by providing certification with their application to the Auditor’s Office.

All currently licensed dogs registered as spayed or neutered will automatically receive the differential rate. Newly acquired dogs or those applying for the differential rate can:

• Provide veterinary records confirming spay / neuter status
• Submit a form provided by the County and completed by their veterinarian
• Submit a legal affidavit affirming that their dog is altered

Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith reminds citizens that licenses are available online at www.mcohio.org/dogs, at the County Auditor’s Office, the Animal Resource Center and numerous outposts. Call 937-225-4314 for more information. Montgomery County is now able to accept credit cards via the web.

Ohio Revised Code provides for criminal enforcement for fraudulently acquired licenses. In the event a dog is impounded and determined to have an incorrect license, a citation may be issued and the tag forfeited.

Dog license sales are the Animal Resource Center’s major source of funding. Proceeds from license sales ensure that the Animal Resource Center can care for stray and lost animals, spay and neuter every animal that leaves the center as an adopted pet and provide animal control services throughout the County.

The Animal Resource Center is a nationally recognized shelter providing excellent service and care to the citizens of Montgomery County and their pets.