Wayne County pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licenses are mandatory in Wayne County. In fact, licenses are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licenses help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the Wayne County Auditor's Office to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

How to license

Online

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your license registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it’s super easy!

Renew my pet's license

My pet has a license, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with Wayne County before.

License now

In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Wayne County Auditor's Office
428 West Liberty Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691

Wayne County Dog Shelter
5694 Burbank Road, Ohio 44691

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet license form

Download Application Form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's license online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licenses are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-877-239-6072
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

License fees & details

Pet licenses are required for all dogs living in Wayne County. Licenses are available for 1 year, 3 year and lifetime terms and must be renewed prior to January 31st. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming license expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licenses
Dog Licenses	Fee
Dog License - 1 Year	$18.00
Dog License - 3 Year	$54.00
Lifetime License	$180.00
*Puppy License	$9.00
Service Dog	$0.00

A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
A late fee of $18 will apply if you fail to license before February 1st.
Licenses are required for all dogs over 3 months of age.
*Puppy licenses are available from July 1st - December 1st for puppies aged 3-months and younger

Frequently asked questions

PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

What if I have a question about the DocuPet system?

DocuPet has a Help Center that houses many helpful articles about the DocuPet system, communications, and other information that is not specific to your licensing jurisdiction. Visit the Help Center Here.

Why does the system say my address is not valid?

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Wayne County Auditor's Office directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Do licenses need to be renewed annually?

Licenses are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date depending on the length of the license term you purchased.

What jurisdictions does Wayne County Auditor's Office provide licensing services for?

Wayne County Auditor's Office provides licensing services for the following areas: Wayne County

When can I renew my pet's license?

Licenses are available for renewal each year on December 1st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?

Ohio State Law requires any dog over the age of three (3) months to have a license within 30 days of ownership.

I need a kennel license, what do I do?

Please visit Wayne County Auditor's Office in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 428 West Liberty Street in Wooster.

Where can I license in person?

You may license in person at Wayne County Auditor's Office located at 428 West Liberty Street in Wooster.

FEES AND FINES

My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?

Please visit Wayne County Auditor's Office in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.

Can I receive a seniors discount?

There are no senior rates to license your pet.

I am a veteran. Are there any special rates?

Wayne County Auditor's Office does not offer any special rates for veterans. Please call (330) 287-5430 or email auditor@wayne-ohio.org directly to discuss.

What is the processing fee?

For all online orders, a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.65% + $0.25 per transaction.

What is the fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?

Please visit Wayne County Auditor's Office in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 428 West Liberty Street in Wooster. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Why am I being charged a late fee?

A late fee of $18 will apply if you fail to license before February 1st.

CITY INFORMATION AND CITY ORDINANCES

Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?

The laws governing dog licensing in the State of Ohio may be found in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), sections 955.01, 955.05, and 955.26.

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with Wayne County Dog Shelter at 330-804-3647.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs