Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise has announced changes to the dog licensing process in Akron, Ohio. The county is partnering with DocuPet to update how residents license their dogs. The new system is intended to make licensing easier and more efficient for pet owners. DocuPet provides pet identification and lost pet services. Its HomeSafe® program will now operate in Summit County to help return lost pets to their owners and reduce the number of animals in shelters.
Residents can now buy dog licenses online. They can select from several tag designs or create custom tags for an extra fee. Each tag has a unique code linked to an online pet profile. This allows anyone who finds a lost dog to report it and help return the pet. The HomeSafe® service comes with each tag, and DocuPet staff are available at all times to assist with lost pets.
Dog licensing is still required for all dogs in Summit County. The new program aims to increase compliance by making the process more convenient. Licenses for 2025-2026 will be sold from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Fees are $18 for one year, $54 for three years, and $180 for a lifetime license. An $18 late fee applies after January 31. More information and applications are available on the Summit County DocuPet website or by phone…