Dog tag deadline nears

NORWALK — A deadline for Huron County dog owners to get their 2026 dog license is approaching fast. Animal owners must apply no later than Saturday, Jan. 31 to avoid a penalty, according to a release from the Huron County Auditor's Office. Dog tags must be worn on the dog's collar, and tags must be purchased in the county where your dog resides, the office said. The auditor's office provided additional details on the dog tag sales: • All dogs ages three months and older must be licensed. • Dog owners have the option to buy a one-year license for $22, a three-year license for $66 and a permanent license for $220. A kennel license additionally costs $110. Note: Owners should be aware that these longer-term licenses are not refundable or transferable in the event of the death of the animal or if the dog is passed to a new owner. • People can help the dogs at the Huron County Dog Pound with their license purchase: Pay $27 per tag and receive a special-shaped tag for the 2026 tag year. The additional $5 received per tag will go towards the medical treatment of the dogs at the county dog pound. • A late penalty of an additional $22 per dog tag and $110 per kennel license will be charged when tags are purchased after the Jan. 31, 2026 deadline. • An additional $.75 application fee will be charged for each license purchased at area outposts other than the Huron County Auditor's Office. A $1 postage fee will be charged for all applications completed through the mail. • Kennel licenses can only be purchased at the Huron County Auditor's Office. One-year licenses, three year and permanent licenses can be renewed/purchased online on the auditor's website for a convenience fee. • In-person dog tag sales are cash or check only. Credit cards can be used for online dog tag purchases. No phone orders are accepted. Where to buy tags Outposts will only be selling tags through Jan. 31. After that all tags can be purchased at the Huron County Dog Warden's Office (130 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk), Huron County Auditor's Office (12 E. Main St., Norwalk), through mail and online. Here is the list of outposts selling tags provided by the auditor's office and dog warden's office: Bellevue • Bellevue Animal Hospital, 718 W. Main St. • York Animal Hospital Inc., 1184 W. Main St. Greenwich • Buck's Hardware, 14 Main St. New London • Gilbert Hardware, 16 E. Main St. Norwalk • Huron County Auditor's Office, 12 E. Main St. • Huron County Dog Warden, 130 Shady Lane Drive • Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Ave. • Norwalk BMV, 305 Shady Lane Drive Willard • Convenience Market next to Save-A-Lot, 12 Woodland Ave.