The cost of keeping Fido legal in Scioto County is about to go up.
During Thursday’s Scioto County Commissioners meeting, Commissioners Scottie Powell and Merit Smith voted unanimously to raise dog license fees beginning in 2026, marking the first increase in years — and one that comes at a time when the county’s dog shelter is buckling under the weight of an animal welfare crisis.
💸 New Fee Structure
Currently, dog owners pay $12 per license, with a $12 late penalty and $40 for kennel licenses. But come 2026:
- 🐶 Annual dog license: Increases to $14
- 🐕🦺 Kennel Fee: Jumps from $40 to $70
“This brings us in line with surrounding counties,” said Commissioner Powell. “And it’s a necessary step to help generate revenue for the dog shelter.”
🏚️ Why Now?
The vote comes as Scioto County’s dog shelter is operating beyond capacity, facing a constant influx of:
- Stray dogs
- Hoarding and cruelty cases
- Owner surrenders
- Unlicensed, uncontained animals
Temporary kennels are now being used to handle the overflow, and even law enforcement has been forced to delay animal removals due to lack of space.
Commissioners say the shelter’s growing financial and physical burden — much of it caused by irresponsible pet ownership and illegal kennel operations — makes it clear that dog licensing isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a lifeline for the system.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
Recent discussions by the Commission also explored:
- Appointing a dog warden as a certified humane agent to reduce response delays in abuse cases
- The rising cost of shelter operations driven by unchecked breeding, puppy mills, and ties to the drug trade
- The growing need for public education, enforcement, and responsible ownership
✅ Bottom Line
This isn’t just a price hike — it’s a wake-up call.
Dog tags fund the shelter, help return lost pets quickly, and support the very system that steps in when things go wrong. As the animal population rises and space runs out, every license sold is one small step toward keeping the doors open and the dogs safe.
Buy your tag. Contain your dog. And if you care about animals — support your shelter. 🐕