Press Releases

11/24/25
Dog tags will officially go on sale December 1, 2025, for the 2026 license year, according to Clinton County Auditor Terry Habermehl. Renewal applications will be mailed to all dog owners who purchased a 2025 license. Auditor Habermehl also reminds families of the ongoing coloring contest promoting the purchase of 2026 dog licenses. Children ages 10 and under are encouraged to stop by the Auditor’s Office or visit the County Auditor’s website for contest details.

The last day to purchase a 2026 dog license without penalty is January 31, 2026. The cost of a single dog license has increased to $18.00, and a kennel license is $90.00 for the 2026 license year. Under Ohio law, late registrations are subject to a penalty equal to the license fee. Beginning February 1, regular tags will cost $36, and kennel licenses will cost $180. Recent changes in Ohio law also allow dog owners to purchase three-year or permanent dog licenses. A three-year license is $54, and a permanent license is $180. This is the first fee increase in 12 years, and Clinton County remains below the statewide average.

Clinton County Sheriff Douglas A. Eastes advises 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. Sheriff Eastes emphasizes that license fees directly support the Dog Warden’s Office in carrying out its duties under Ohio Revised Code 955.01–955.261.

Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office during normal business hours. For added convenience, the Auditor’s Office has contracted with Fairfield Licensing to offer online registration. A $2.00 service charge per tag applies to online purchases. Residents may access the licensing website directly https://www.doglicenses.us/OH/Clinton/ or through the link on the Clinton County Auditor’s homepage https://clintoncountyauditor.org/home-page .

From December 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026, 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

Residents who are unable to visit a participating location may mail their dog and owner information to the Auditor’s Office. A tag will be issued and mailed back. Please include an additional $1.00 processing fee to cover postage and handling.

Kennel Licenses: Kennel licenses can be renewed by mail using the renewal application sent to previously registered kennel owners. New kennel licenses can only be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s Office located on the Clinton County Administrative Campus. If you have questions about kennel license eligibility, please contact the Auditor’s Office for assistance.

May 21, 2025

Clinton County Auditor Terence Habermehl has announced that his office has contracted with an appraisal company to collect and verify data for new construction and demolished property throughout Clinton County. This information is based on permits that have been received by the county and is used for taxing purposes.

According to Mr. Habermehl, the Ohio Revised Code permits the auditor or someone on his behalf to enter onto and inspect premises in Clinton County for the purpose of viewing and appraising real estate. This program is carried out annually to ensure that the proper values are reflected on the county’s tax rolls.

Appraisers working for the auditor are now appraising property in the county and will attempt to establish contact with someone at the property before beginning their duties. They are required to wear a badge that identifies them as staff of the Clinton County Auditor and contains their name and photograph. They may be walking around homes, measuring and taking photographs. If needed, a yellow card will be left on the door, mailbox or gate requesting additional information if nobody is home.

Anyone with questions can contact the auditor’s office by telephone at (937) 382-2250 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday or by sending an email to auditor@clintoncountyohio.us.

Dog tags officially go on sale Friday, December 1, 2024 for the 2025 license year. Clinton County Auditor, Terence G. Habermehl, will be sending out renewal applications to all owners who purchased a 2024 tag.

The last day to purchase 2025 Clinton County dog license without a penalty being assessed is January 31, 2025. The cost of a single dog license is $14.00, and a kennel license is $70.00. Recent law changes allow dog owners to now purchase three year and permanent dog licenses for their dogs. The cost of a three-year license is $42 and a permanent license is $140. Effective February 1st, 2021, the Ohio Revised Code requires the Auditor to charge a penalty equal to the fee of the license for late registration. Thus, regular tags will be $28 each and $140 for kennels starting February 1, 2021.

Regular dog licenses can be purchased in person at the Clinton County Auditor’s office during regular office hours throughout the year.

The auditor’s office has contracted with Fairfield Licensing to offer a convenient method of purchase for Clinton County residents through online registration. There is an additional $2 charge per tag for this service. Please visit www.doglicenses.us/oh/clinton to take advantage of this service. Residents can also access the service via a link on the Clinton County Auditor’s home page.

December 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025, Mr. Habermehl has also authorized the following local retailers to sell dog tags for an additional fee:

BUCKLEY BROS DRIVE THRU BROWNS DISTRIBUTING BDK FEED & SUPPLY VILLAGE OF NEW VIENNA WATER DEPT D & G’s PAWS & CLAWS SNACK SHACK PBS ANIMAL HEALTH

If you are unable to make it to any of the listed locations above, you may send your dog and owner information to the Auditor’s office and a tag will be issued and mailed back to you. Please include an additional $1.00 processing fee for this service to cover postage and mailing costs.

Kennel licenses can be renewed through the mail with the renewal application that is being mailed out to previously registered Kennel owners. NEW kennel licenses can ONLY be purchased at the Clinton County Auditor’s office in the Clinton County Administrative Campus. If you have questions concerning your eligibility for a kennel license, please contact the Auditor’s Office for more information.