In Trumbull County, Ohio, dog license money goes to the Trumbull County Dog Pound. It pays for employee salaries, facility upkeep, and animal care. It also helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and follows state laws. This article will explain how these funds are used, why licensing is important, and the benefits it brings to the community.
Why Dog Licenses Are Required in Trumbull County
Ohio law requires all dogs over three months old to be licensed. This rule is in the Ohio Revised Code, Title 9, Section 955.01. It helps track and vaccinate dogs, ensuring public safety and animal welfare.
The Trumbull County Auditor’s Office manages the licensing. Owners must renew licenses by January 31 each year. If they miss this deadline, the fee doubles.
Licenses prove ownership and help find lost dogs. They also fund vital services at the county dog pound. Without these funds, the pound would face big challenges.
How Much Does a Dog License Cost in Trumbull County?
In 2025, a one-year dog license in Trumbull County costs $18 before January 31. After that, it’s $36 due to a late fee. There are other license options for convenience.
Here’s a breakdown of 2025 license fees:
| License Type | Cost Before Jan 31 | Cost After Jan 31 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year License | $18 | $36 | Standard for most dog owners |
| 3-Year License | $54 | N/A | Available Dec 1 to Jan 31 only |
| Lifetime License | $180 | N/A | Permanent tag, no annual renewal |
| Replacement Tag | $5 | $5 | Requires proof of ownership |
| Assistance Dog | Free | Free | For certified service dogs only |
Online purchases add a $2.25 convenience fee per tag. Kennel licenses cost $100 for five tags, with additional tags at $1 each. A $25 vendor’s license is needed for tax collection.
Where Does Dog License Money Go?
Dog license fees fund the Trumbull County Dog Pound at 7501 Anderson Ave, Howland. These funds cover daily operations, ensuring stray and abandoned dogs get care. In 2023, license sales made about $303,387, down from $355,716 in 2018.
The dog pound uses these funds for:
- Employee Salaries and Benefits: Six full-time staff and 20 regular volunteers rely on these funds. Salaries and benefits cost $573,405 in 2023, up from $368,906 in 2018.
- Facility Maintenance: The current pound, a converted garage, needs ongoing repairs. Costs for food, water, and utilities have risen sharply.
- Animal Care: Funds cover food, medical supplies, and vaccinations for the 586 dogs processed in 2023.
- Reuniting Lost Dogs: Licenses help identify owners, reducing the time dogs spend in kennels. Tagged dogs are held for 14 days, while untagged dogs are held for three.
County commissioners also provide additional funding. In 2023, they gave $240,000 to balance the budget, up from $50,000 in 2021. A $209,598 donation from Curtis Quiggle’s estate in 2022 also supported plans for a new facility.
The Role of the Trumbull County Dog Pound
The dog pound deals with stray and abandoned dogs. Numbers have gone up each year. In 2021, 412 dogs were handled; by 2023, it was 586. The pound, with only 14 indoor kennels, is often full.
Staff and volunteers care for the dogs daily. They feed, clean, and give medical attention. The pound tries to reunite lost dogs with their owners using license tags. If that fails, dogs might be adopted or sent to the Animal Welfare League.
Executive Director Michelle Goss stresses the need for licenses. “Licenses show ownership and help get dogs home,” she says. Without tags, finding owners is hard.
Challenges Facing the Dog Pound
The dog pound faces rising costs and fewer license sales. From 2019 to 2023, licenses sold dropped by 13%. This cuts down on funds, making the county’s support more important.
Operational costs have gone up. Food, utilities, and staff salaries have increased. The old facility needs repairs often, adding to costs. A new pound is planned, but it’s expensive.
Many dog owners don’t license their pets, hurting revenue. Auditor Martha Yoder wants better enforcement and online licensing to increase participation.
Plans for a New Dog Pound Facility
Trumbull County Commissioners plan a new dog pound in Vienna. The land was donated by the Animal Welfare League. The new pound will be twice as big, with up to 40 indoor kennels. Construction is set to start in 2025.
The new pound will have:
- Indoor meet-and-greet room for adoptions
- Quarantine and medical areas
- Bathing and laundry facilities
- Outdoor play area for dogs
- Employee break room and desk space
The $209,598 Quiggle donation will help with initial costs. But, license fees are key for ongoing operations. The new facility aims to improve care and increase adoptions.
How Dog License Money Benefits the Community
Dog license fees do more than fund the pound. They protect the community. Licenses ensure dogs are vaccinated against rabies, a legal requirement in Ohio. This reduces public health risks.
Licensing promotes responsible pet ownership. It encourages owners to spay or neuter their dogs, reducing overpopulation. Fewer stray dogs mean safer neighborhoods and less strain on the pound.
Lastly, licenses help reunite lost dogs with families. In 2023, many dogs were returned home thanks to tags. This saves owners heartache and reduces pound overcrowding.
How to Purchase a Dog License in Trumbull County
Dog owners can buy licenses in several ways. The easiest is online at the Trumbull County Auditor’s website, though a $2.25 fee applies. Owners can also visit the Auditor’s Office or Dog Warden’s Office.
Other options include:
- Mail-In Application: Send the registration form and payment to Trumbull County Auditor, 160 High St. NW, Warren, OH 44481, ATTN: Dog License Division.
- Local Vendors: From December 1 to January 31, 20 vendors across the county sell one-year licenses.
- Animal Welfare League: The shelter sells licenses from December to February for $18.75, with $0.75 donated to the AWL.
Licenses are mailed within 10 business days. During peak season (December to February), processing may take longer. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination.
Special Licenses for Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs trained by nonprofit agencies to help people with disabilities get free permanent licenses. Owners must submit certification from the training agency. Emotional support animals do not qualify.
This program supports residents with visual, hearing, or physical disabilities. It ensures service dogs are properly registered without added costs. Contact the Auditor’s Office for details.
Penalties for Not Licensing Your Dog
Not licensing a dog over three months old is against Ohio law. Owners face a penalty of $18 per dog after January 31. This makes a late one-year license $36.
The county can fine you or take legal action for not licensing. Giving false info on a license can lead to prosecution. Licensing helps avoid these problems.
Comparison of Dog License Fees in Nearby Counties
Trumbull County’s fees are similar to those of nearby counties. Here’s a comparison for 2025:
| County | 1-Year License | 3-Year License | Lifetime License | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trumbull | $18 | $54 | $180 | $18 |
| Mahoning | $20 | $60 | $200 | $20 |
| Columbiana | $12 | $36 | $120 | $12 |
Trumbull’s fees are fair, balancing cost with the need for services. All three counties charge online fees and late penalties.
Why Licensing Compliance Matters
Low licensing rates hurt the dog pound’s budget. In 2023, only 15,432 licenses were sold, down from 18,207 in 2019. This trend cuts funding for animal care and facility upgrades.
Auditor Martha Yoder is working to improve this. She’s using raffles to encourage early licensing and expanding online access. In 2025, a new online licensing center will launch, costing $3,480 to develop.
By licensing their dogs, owners support the community. They help the pound care for strays, reduce rabies risks, and reunite lost pets with their families.
The Animal Welfare League’s Role
The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County works with the dog pound. They rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt dogs. Located at 812 Youngstown-Kingsville Rd. SE, Vienna, the AWL sells licenses during peak season.
The AWL also donates land for the new pound and promotes responsible pet ownership. Their adoptions, like Mochi in 2020 and Zeke in 2021, show their impact. License fees indirectly support these efforts by funding the pound.
How Owners Can Support the Dog Pound
Owners can help the dog pound by volunteering or donating. The facility relies on 20 regular volunteers and over 100 occasional helpers. Tasks include walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and assisting with adoptions.
Donations of food, blankets, or money are also welcome. Owners can contact the pound at 330-675-2787 to learn more. Supporting the pound ensures better care for all dogs in Trumbull County.
Common Questions About Dog Licenses
Do I need a license if my dog stays indoors?
Yes, all dogs over three months old must be licensed, even if they stay indoors. Licenses protect your pet if they escape.
Can I transfer a license from another county?
If you move to Trumbull County from another Ohio county, your license is valid until it expires. From out of state, you must license within 30 days.
What if I lose my dog’s tag?
A replacement tag costs $5 with proof of ownership. Contact the Auditor’s Office to order one.
Are there discounts for spayed/neutered dogs?
No, Trumbull County charges a flat $18 fee for all dogs. Some counties, like King County, WA, offer discounts for altered pets.
The Future of Dog Licensing in Trumbull County
Trumbull County is updating its dog licensing system. A new online center will open in 2025, making it easier to register your dog. Raffles and outreach campaigns will also help increase compliance.
The new dog pound will improve animal care and adoption rates. But, license fees will keep being the main funding source. It’s up to dog owners to license their pets on time.
Conclusion: Why Licensing Your Dog Matters
Dog license money helps run the dog pound in Trumbull County. It also cares for stray dogs and protects public health. By paying $18 a year, owners support these efforts and keep their pets safe. License your dog today to help build a stronger, safer community.
