The Seneca County Dog Warden's Office is to start routine door-to-door license checks in Tiffin city limits Wednesday.
Office employees are to begin the checks with a list of owners who licensed a dog in 2011 but had not renewed this year, followed by checking high-complaint areas.
All dogs older than 3 months must have a valid license. Dog licenses can be purchased at the Seneca County Auditor's Office, 109 S. Washington St., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or online anytime at www.senecacountyauditor.org. A late dog license will cost $30.
Owners of a dog found without a current license may be fined up to $100, with a second offense fine of up to $250 and possible 30 days in jail. The purchase of a dog license supports the dog warden's office, which receives no funding from the General Fund.
Replacement licenses can be obtained at the auditor's office for $5.
Without a license, it is difficult to return a lost dog to its owner and the dog warden is only required to keep the animal up to 72 hours.
Lost dogs that are licensed can be looked up online by the general public and police departments anytime at www.senecacountyauditor.org.
