Dog Licensing and Breeding Laws in Ohio
Ohio law requires licenses to be renewed annually. Puppies must be licensed by three months of age. You may need a special license or permit to breed dogs or keep more than a few on your property. You may need to register as a kennel. Cost is $18 annually for a one-year license, $54 for three years, $180 for life. Ohio law requires late fees if not renewed by January 31. The base fee is $35 annually in Hamilton County. On-time registration will be between December 1st and January 31st. Ohio requires any dog over 3 months to be licensed within 30 days. Failure to license could result in fines up to $150. A license is required for dogs over 6 months, costing $10 annually. Commercial breeding requires following policies. The fine for no license is $150. After 14 days, licensed dogs may be destroyed or adopted out. After 3 days, unlicensed dogs may be destroyed or adopted out. Benefits include discounts on healthcare and access to parks.
Costs vary across different counties, with the cost in Jefferson County ranging from $16-$21 per dog. Five personally owned dogs don’t qualify for a kennel license. Go to the AKC site to learn about breeds, care, and responsible breeders. Pet adoption sites list adoptable dogs. Have a written business plan and license to show intent if breeding professionally. Research your local breeding laws.
Ohio’s Stance on Selling Puppies
Ohio’s recent legislation has made several advancements towards animal welfare for dogs in breeding facilities. Selling puppies younger than 8 weeks old is illegal, as it is vital for them to remain with their mothers for proper nutrition and socialization. This rule aligns with laws in approximately 15 states that require puppies to be a certain age before being sold. In England, Lucy’s Law similarly bans the third-party sale of puppies and kittens, making it illegal for commercial dealers to sell them unless they have bred the animals themselves.
When buying a puppy, ensure you are engaging with a responsible breeder who follows humane practices and provides good conditions for their animals.
Understanding the Puppy Mill Law in Ohio
Ohio has enacted a new law that sets higher standards of care for dogs in breeding facilities. This legislation encompasses the following requirements:
- Dogs must receive daily exercise.
- Annual veterinary exams are mandatory.
- Housing with other dogs is required.
- Breeders are restricted to only breed healthy dogs and are limited in breeding frequency.
- Retailers must acquire dogs from breeders who meet these standards.
This law is a significant reform in the treatment of breeding dogs and places Ohio as a leader in combatting neglect. It calls for public transparency and grants access to records through Ohio’s "Sunshine Law." Nonetheless, ongoing work and enforcement are needed to eliminate cruelty completely, but Ohio has taken a pivotal step with these new standards of humane care.