License to Love: Dog Licensing Season (Dec 1–Jan 31)
License to Love: Dog Licensing Season (Dec 1–Jan 31)
Keep them safe. Bring them home faster!
Hamilton County dog license season runs December 1 – January 31. A license helps reunite lost pets quickly and supports lifesaving care in our community. Stop by either Cincinnati Animal CARE location daily from 1–6 p.m. to purchase or renew a license (1-year only). Prefer to renew from home? Visit the Hamilton County Auditors’ licensing page online.
Why license? A tag gives shelters a direct, fast way to contact you when your dog is found — peace of mind for you, safety for your dog.
Where:
- Cincinnati Animal CARE: 4210 Dane Ave and 3949 Colerain Ave in Northside (applicable to 1-year license ONLY)
- Visit the Hamilton County Auditor at 138 E. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (for 1-year, 3-year, or permanent licenses).
Why does this matter?
Dog licensing is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a simple, powerful way to keep pets safe and strengthen our community. A license is your dog’s ticket home if they ever get lost, providing animal services with the information needed to reunite families quickly and safely. Licensing fees also directly support the care, sheltering, and lifesaving work that Cincinnati Animal CARE provides to thousands of animals each year. Through the License to Love campaign, we aim to remind Hamilton County pet owners that this small tag represents big peace of mind—it’s an act of love, responsibility, and protection that helps every dog find their way home.
- Faster reunions. A license tag helps us call you the moment your dog is found.
- Support local care. Licensing fees help fund shelter services and reunification efforts.
- Choice & convenience. Pick a 1-year, 3-year, or permanent license available. Stop by Cincy CARE 1-6 p.m. daily or renew online (applicable to 1 year license ONLY), or visit the Hamilton County Auditor at 138 E. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (for any of the 3 options).
