Puppy Resources

Emergency Information

What to Do in an Emergency

If your pet experiences a medical emergency, we’re here to help you take the right steps as quickly as possible.

During normal business hours, please call Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic at 419-422-3292. Our team will guide you on the best course of action based on your pet’s condition.

After hours, call our clinic and listen to the voicemail system for instructions. You will be directed to contact:

MedVet Toledo 

 📍 2921 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43606 

 📞 (419) 473-0328 

 🌐 medvetforpets.com/location/toledo

MedVet’s emergency team will assess whether your pet needs immediate attention or if care can safely wait until we reopen.

Common Canine Emergencies

Please seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog shows any of the following signs:

• Hit by a car or experienced significant trauma

• Any eye injury or swelling

• Seizures or unexplained collapse

• Difficulty breathing

• Toxin ingestion (e.g., antifreeze, chocolate, medications)

• Trouble urinating or inability to urinate

• Repeated vomiting (especially with blood)

• Combination of vomiting and diarrhea

• Swelling of the head, face, or neck

• Overheating or signs of heatstroke

• Pregnancy complications or active labor with no progress

• Uncontrolled or profuse bleeding

• Disorientation, loss of balance, or confusion

• Surgical incision problems, including swelling or discharge

• Not eating or drinking for an extended period

• Possible allergic reactions, such as facial swelling or hives

• Being attacked by another animal

When in Doubt, Call

It is always better to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure whether your pet's situation is an emergency, give us a call during business hours or contact MedVet Toledo after hours for guidance.

Your pet’s health and safety are always our top priority.

Common Toxins to Avoid for Dogs

There are many everyday items foods, plants, and household products that can be dangerous or even deadly if ingested by your dog. Here are some of the most common toxins we encounter:

🚫 Foods & Sweeteners

• Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powdered)

• Grapes and raisins

• Macadamia nuts

• Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate)

• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters

• Alcohol and caffeinated beverages

• Excessive salt

🧪 Household & Environmental Hazards

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

• Rodenticides (rat/mouse poisons)

• Fertilizers and insecticides

• Certain glues and adhesives, including expanding glues

• Illicit drugs and many over-the-counter or prescription medications (including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antidepressants)

🌿 Toxic Plants

• Lilies (especially dangerous to cats, but many varieties affect dogs too)

• Daffodils

• Dieffenbachia

• Holly

• Honeysuckle

• Mistletoe

• Azaleas and rhododendrons

• English ivy

• Narcissus

• Yew

Even items that seem harmless like table scraps or too much salt can pose a danger depending on the quantity ingested or your dog’s size and health.

🍖 A Note on Bones

We strongly discourage feeding your pet any animal bones, especially:

• Small bones

• Cooked or undercooked bones

• Poultry bones

These can splinter and lead to serious issues such as choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injury.

This list includes some of the most common toxins and dangers we see, but it is not all-inclusive. If your pet ingests something questionable or is showing signs of illness, please contact us immediately or reach out to a pet poison control hotline.

Puppy Development Stages

Helping Your Puppy Grow into a Confident, Well-Adjusted Dog

Just like children, puppies go through several important developmental stages on their way to adulthood. Providing age-appropriate socialization, training, and experiences during these key periods is essential for raising a happy, balanced dog.

Here is a breakdown of the major stages in your puppy’s development:

0–7 Weeks | Learning from Mom & Siblings

In this early stage, puppies are learning how to be dogs from their mother and littermates. They begin to understand:

• Bite inhibition (how hard is too hard)

• Social cues like play, submission, and boundaries

• Confidence in interacting with other dogs

Puppies raised without littermates or a mother (such as orphans or single-pup litters) may miss some of these vital lessons and require extra time, patience, and careful socialization later on to avoid behavioral issues.

7–8 Weeks | Time to Go Home

Around 7–8 weeks of age is the ideal time for a puppy to transition to their new home. Puppies at this age are:

• Mentally mature enough to adapt to new surroundings

• Ready to start bonding with people

• Eager to begin basic manners and social training

Research suggests that day 49 (the 7th week) may be an especially effective time to place puppies in homes.

8–10 Weeks | The First Fear Period

This stage is often called a "fear imprint period." Puppies are especially sensitive and impressionable. Negative experiences like loud noises, rough handling, or painful events can leave lasting effects.

Tip: Focus on gentle, positive introductions to people, other pets, and new environments. Turn necessary but unpleasant experiences (like vaccines) into positive ones with praise, play, and treats.

10–16 Weeks | Prime Time for Socialization

This is the perfect window for puppy classes and structured learning! During this stage, your puppy is:

• Curious, eager to please, and bonded closely with you

• Highly receptive to learning commands like "come" and "sit"

• Learning to navigate the world around them

Expose your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and places always in a safe, controlled way. Avoid punishment-based training and choose positive reinforcement methods instead.

4–6 Months | Gaining Independence

Your puppy may start testing boundaries and exploring more independently. You might notice:

• Increased curiosity

• More confident or mischievous behavior

• Shorter attention spans during training

Continue reinforcing commands, introduce distractions during training, and keep experiences positive and engaging. This is also the time to discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian.

6–12 Months | The Teen Phase

Welcome to adolescence! Even well-socialized puppies can become unpredictable during this time. You may notice:

• Testing behaviors (pulling on leash, ignoring cues)

• High energy levels

• A need for increased mental stimulation and exercise

Avoid situations that could lead to failure (like off-leash play in unfenced areas). Focus on consistency, structure, and patience during this sometimes challenging but important phase.

12–18 Months | Emotional Maturity

As your dog matures emotionally, they may begin asserting themselves—especially in familiar environments. This is more common in large breeds and dogs with naturally confident personalities.

Signs of emerging dominance may include:

• Guarding behaviors

• Ignoring commands

• Testing limits within the home

If you notice early signs of aggression or challenging behavior, consult with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist early. Punishment often backfires and can make behavior worse.

Your puppy’s first 18 months are filled with opportunity. With proper care, socialization, and training, you can help your dog grow into a confident, friendly companion.

What and How Should I Feed My Dog?

Choosing the Right Food

We recommend feeding a high-quality dog food with an animal-based protein as the primary ingredient. Dogs are natural carnivores, and their digestive systems are best equipped to process meat-based proteins. These are generally easier to digest and provide more complete nutrition than plant-based or high-fiber alternatives—especially important for puppies, senior dogs, or pets with kidney or liver disease.

Plant proteins and high-fiber diets can be harder to break down and may lead to:

• Larger, softer, more frequent stools

• Difficulty with house training (especially in puppies)

• Less efficient nutrient absorption

Store-Bought & Premium Diets

Premium dog foods are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition without needing additional supplements (unless recommended for specific medical conditions). While they may cost more per bag, they often provide better nutrition per serving, meaning you feed less and see better long-term health benefits.

We recommend brands that follow fixed-formula manufacturing, meaning their ingredient ratios remain consistent from batch to batch. This reliability helps maintain your pet’s digestive health and reduces the chance of GI upset.

Trusted premium brands we often recommend include:

• Purina Pro Plan

• Royal Canin

• Hill’s Science Diet

• Iams 

These companies have strong quality control practices and rigorous nutritional testing, ensuring the contents of the bag match what’s on the label.

Avoid switching between brands or recipes frequently, as this can lead to:

• Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea, soft stool)

• Picky or inconsistent eating habits

Instead, stick to a consistent diet, and only transition to a new food gradually over 5–10 days unless otherwise advised.

Fresh Water & Feeding Tips

• Always provide clean, fresh water at all times

• Feed your dog based on their age, weight, and activity level

• Avoid feeding table scraps or rich human foods, which can lead to weight gain or illness

• Ask your veterinarian about portion control and how often to feed based on your pet's life stage

How Aging Affects Your Pet’s Diet

As pets grow older, their nutritional needs evolve. Just like humans, senior pets experience changes in appetite, digestion, and energy levels—all of which affect what and how they should eat.

Sensory & Digestive Changes

With age, many pets experience:

• A decreased sense of smell or taste, which can reduce appetite

• Slower digestion and reduced nutrient absorption

• Lower activity levels, which decrease calorie needs

Because of these changes, senior pets benefit from diets that are:

• Lower in fat, sodium, and phosphorus

• Carefully balanced to avoid excess calories

• Designed to support kidney, liver, and joint health

Important: Feeding puppy food to a senior pet can result in obesity and other metabolic issues due to higher calorie and fat content. We generally recommend transitioning to a senior-specific diet between 6–8 years of age, depending on your pet’s size and breed.

If your pet has an age-related health condition (like kidney or liver disease), your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet tailored to those specific needs.

Smart Treating

Treats can be a healthy part of your pet’s routine—when chosen wisely. Avoid:

• Table scraps

• High-fat, salty, or sugary foods

• Overfeeding, which can lead to obesity

Instead, try:

• Your dog’s regular kibble as training treats

• Small pieces of frozen vegetables (like carrots or green beans)

• Approved dog treats that account for no more than 10% of daily caloric intake

Frozen veggies can even help gently clean teeth while being low in calories!

How to Feed Your Pet

Avoiding Overfeeding

The most common nutritional issue we see in pets is too many calories, leading to obesity, which is a common health problem we treat. Monitoring portion size, choosing the right food, and establishing a feeding routine are essential for long-term health.

Feeding Frequency by Life Stage

• Toy breed puppies: 3–6 small meals per day until they reach 5 lbs

• Most puppies: 2–3 meals per day

• Adult dogs: 2–3 meals per day (split evenly and at consistent times)

• Large breeds: Avoid one large meal a day—multiple meals reduce the risk of bloat (GDV)

• Small adult dogs: May benefit from more frequent meals to prevent low blood sugar

Free-choice feeding (leaving food out all day) is not recommended for most dogs. It increases the risk of obesity and complicates feeding during medical treatments that require an empty or full stomach.

Transitioning to a New Food

Any diet change should be gradual to avoid digestive upset. Transition over 5–10 days, slowly increasing the amount of new food while decreasing the old. This method reduces the risk of vomiting or diarrhea due to sudden dietary changes.

Understanding and Preventing Obesity in Pets

Obesity is one of the most common and preventable health issues in pets today. Carrying extra weight can significantly shorten your pet’s lifespan and increases their risk for a variety of serious conditions, including:

• Arthritis and joint pain

• Diabetes

• Liver disease

• Heart disease

• Breathing difficulties

• Certain cancers

What Causes Obesity?

The #1 cause of obesity in pets is overeating. This is often the result of free-feeding, overuse of treats, or feeding portions that exceed daily caloric needs. Other contributing factors include:

• Lack of regular exercise

• Slower metabolism (especially as pets age)

• Emotional stress or trauma

• Hormonal imbalances

• Underlying health conditions

How to Help Your Pet Stay at a Healthy Weight

✅ Measure meals – Use a measuring cup to ensure your pet gets the proper amount of food each day.

✅ Count calories – If treats are part of their daily routine, include them in their overall calorie count. 

✅ Watch the extras – Avoid table scraps and high-calorie snacks that can lead to weight gain. 

✅ Stay active – Daily exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight and mental well-being.

Team Effort Matters

Weight management takes cooperation. Everyone in the household (and even pet sitters!) should be on the same page about how much and what your pet is allowed to eat. Consistency is critical to success.

If you are unsure how much your pet should be eating or if you are concerned about their weight our team is here to help.

We will work with you to create a safe and effective weight management plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs.

 

Body Condition Score of 1/9: Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences are noticeable from a distance. There is no discernable body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass. 

 

 

Body Condition Score of 3/9: Ribs are easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. The tops of lumbar vertebrae are visible and pelvic bones are becoming prominent. There is an obvious waist. 

 

 

Body Condition Score of 5/9: Ribs are palpable without excess fat covering. The waist is observed behind the ribs when viewed from above. The abdomen is tucked up with viewed. 

 

 

Body Condition Score of 7/9: Ribs are palpable with difficulty and there is a heavy fat covering. There are noticeable fat deposits over the lumbar area and the base of the tail. The waist is absent or barely visible. An abdominal tuck may be present. 

 

 

Body Condition Score of 9/9: Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail. The waist and abdominal tuck are absent. There are fat deposits on neck and limbs. There is obvious abdominal distention. 

 

 

 

 

 

Canine Vaccine Guidelines

Protecting your dog with safe, timely vaccinations

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your dog against serious, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases. At Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic, we follow evidence-based vaccine protocols tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and health status.

Core Vaccines

Recommended for all dogs, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle

DA2PP – Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus

These highly contagious viruses can be fatal, especially in puppies. Vaccination protects not only your dog, but also the larger canine population.

• Start: 6–8 weeks of age
• Boosters: Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age or older
• Follow-up: One-year booster, then every 3 years

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects both animals and humans. Vaccination is sometimes required by law and critical for public health.

• First dose: Typically around 16 weeks (can be given after 12 weeks)
• Boosters: One-year booster, then every 3 years

Non-Core Vaccines

Recommended based on lifestyle, risk factors, and travel

Leptospirosis (Strongly Recommended)

A bacterial disease that can cause kidney or liver failure, transmitted through urine from wildlife like raccoons, rats, and opossums. Leptospirosis can also infect humans.

• Start: 9 weeks of age
• Booster: 3 weeks later
• Annual booster required

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

Recommended for dogs who are boarded, groomed, attend daycare, or travel frequently.

• Oral Option: Single dose at 8 weeks of age, then annually
• Injectable Option: Two doses, 3 weeks apart, starting at 8 weeks
• High-risk dogs (e.g., daycare): Booster every 6 months

Lyme Disease

Caused by ticks, Lyme disease is a growing threat in Ohio and the Midwest. Dogs who hike, camp, or travel to high-risk areas should be vaccinated.

• Start: 9 weeks of age
• Booster: 3 weeks later
• Annual booster required

We recommend year-round tick prevention for all dogs.

Canine Influenza (H3N2 & H3N8)

Dog flu spreads easily in boarding kennels, grooming salons, and dog parks. This vaccine is strongly recommended for social or traveling pets.

• Start: 8 weeks of age
• Booster: 3 weeks later
• Annual booster required

Some local facilities may require influenza vaccination for boarding or grooming.

Vaccine Safety & Monitoring

All vaccines are administered after a risk assessment by your veterinarian. While vaccines are safe and effective, mild side effects like soreness or fatigue can occur. Serious reactions are rare but should be reported immediately.

If your pet has experienced a vaccine reaction in the past, we will carefully weigh the risk of disease against the risk of re-vaccination and discuss a personalized plan with you.

Customized Schedule

The above schedule is a general guideline. Your dog’s vaccine plan may vary based on age, breed, health status, and lifestyle. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for the most accurate and safe protection.

Why We Recommend Spaying & Neutering

Spaying and neutering your dog is one of the most responsible choices you can make as a pet owner. It helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the risk of certain cancers and infections, and can improve behavior by reducing roaming, marking, and aggression. Most importantly, it supports your dog’s long-term health and helps reduce the number of homeless pets in our communities. 

Spaying & Neutering Your Dog

Helping Your Pet Live a Healthier, Happier Life

At Blanchard Valley Veterinary Clinic, we believe spaying and neutering are essential components of responsible pet ownership. These procedures not only help control the pet population but also provide significant health and behavioral benefits for your dog.

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)

Spaying involves the complete surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus down to the cervix. This procedure is performed under sterile conditions, with each tissue layer carefully ligated and closed using proper surgical techniques and high-quality suture materials.

Why we recommend spaying:

• Eliminates heat cycles, which can cause behavioral changes, vocalization, and bleeding.
• Prevents life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra).
• Significantly reduces the risk of mammary and reproductive cancers.
• Helps decrease the number of unwanted litters and shelter overcrowding.

Neuter (Castration)

Neutering involves the surgical removal of both testicles and part of the spermatic cord, including associated blood vessels and structures. The procedure is less invasive than a spay and does not require entering the abdominal cavity.

Why we recommend neutering:

• Can improve housebreaking and reduce marking behaviors.
• May decrease aggression, roaming, and other unwanted behaviors.
• Helps prevent prostate disease and testicular cancer.
• Plays an important role in reducing the stray dog population.

What to Expect

We understand that surgery can be a big decision, and we strive to make it as safe and stress-free as possible. At the time of surgery, we offer:

• A complimentary nail trim.
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
• Optional microchipping.
• Comprehensive monitoring before, during, and after surgery for your pet's safety and comfort.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime elective procedure, and we are committed to performing it with the highest level of care and attention to detail.

When to Spay or Neuter

The best time to spay or neuter your pet can vary based on breed, size, and overall health. We recommend discussing your pet’s individual needs with your veterinarian. In general, we prefer your dog to be:

• Old enough to safely undergo anesthesia,
• Fully vaccinated and protected against common diseases,
• Ideally spayed or neutered before two years of age for maximum health benefits.

Even older dogs can benefit from sterilization, it is never too late!

 

Citation: 2010 AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. (n.d.). Retrieved from AAHA.org

Understanding Periodontal Disease in Pets

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs and cats. It occurs when soft dental plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and around the gumline. Over time, the bacteria in this plaque irritate the gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Pets suffering from dental pain may lose interest in food or begin dropping food from their mouths while eating.

If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and allow bacteria to spread below the gumline, leading to infection of the tooth-supporting structures. This can cause teeth to loosen or fall out entirely.

Even more concerning, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia. Research has shown that pets with advanced periodontal disease often have more significant microscopic damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart compared to those with healthy teeth and gums.

Routine dental care, including professional cleanings and at-home oral hygiene, is essential to maintaining your pet’s overall health and comfort.

Managing Your Pet’s Oral Health

Maintaining your pet’s oral health starts with consistent daily care. The gold standard is brushing your pet’s teeth every day using pet-safe toothpaste. In addition to brushing, providing safe chew toys or dental treats can help reduce plaque buildup and support healthy gums. Regular dental care at home plays a vital role in preventing dental disease and promoting overall wellness.

Professional Dental Care

Using products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (found at www.vohc.org ) can significantly help reduce plaque and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Daily use of VOHC-approved dental products can be an effective part of your pet’s oral care routine.

The VOHC also recommends routine veterinary dental exams, especially for middle-aged and senior pets. Many dogs and cats will require professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and chewing alone cannot manage.

A professional dental cleaning includes:

• Ultrasonic scaling and polishing of all teeth

• Full-mouth dental radiographs to assess the health of the tooth roots (which lie below the gumline)

• A thorough oral exam to identify any diseased or damaged teeth

• Tooth extractions, if necessary, to relieve pain and prevent further infection

Regular dental care is essential not only for your pet’s comfort but also for their long-term health.

Ear Care

Ear care is very important for the health of your pet.  For some pets, routine cleaning of the ear canal is needed to maintain a healthy ear.  Cat ears should not be over-cleaned as this can lead to infection.  Try to get your pets accustom to having their ears touched when they are young because if the first time you try to clean your pet’s ears is when they are painful, the process will be very challenging.

How to Clean Your Pet’s Ears

1. Fill the Ear Canal - Gently fill your pet’s ear canal with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution.
2. Massage the Base of the Ear - With the solution in the ear, gently massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds. This helps loosen debris and wax inside the ear canal.
   
3. Wipe Away Debris - While holding the ear flap upright, use clean cotton balls or gauze to wipe out the loosened debris and excess solution. You may repeat this step with fresh cotton as needed. Important: Do not use cotton swabs (Q-tips), as they can push debris further into the ear canal and potentially cause injury or discomfort.
4.  Apply Medication (if prescribed) If your veterinarian has prescribed ear medication, wait 10 minutes after cleaning to apply it. This allows the cleaner to dry and prevents interference with the medication's effectiveness.

Ear Infections

Ear infections in pets can stem from several causes, including underlying allergies, moisture trapped in the ears (such as after swimming or bathing), or even the shape and structure of the ear canal. Each ear infection is unique not only between pets but sometimes even between ears on the same pet.

To ensure effective treatment, we strongly recommend performing an ear swab and cytology before prescribing medication. The most common causes of infection include yeast and bacteria (such as cocci or rods), and each may require a different approach to treatment.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are a common parasite that can cause intense itching, head shaking, and ear discomfort. If your pet has ear mites, we typically recommend applying Milbemite directly into both ears after a thorough cleaning. Alternatively, Revolution Plus is a topical treatment that not only eliminates ear mites but also protects against fleas, heartworm disease, and certain intestinal parasites.

Because ear mites are highly contagious between pets, all animals in close contact with the affected pet should be treated. Fortunately, ear mites are not transmissible to humans.

Average Yearly Cost of Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is deeply rewarding, but it comes with real financial responsibilities that continue to rise. Costs vary widely depending on species, breed, overall health, lifestyle, and the level of care provided. Planning ahead can help you manage these expenses while ensuring your pet thrives.

Dogs

• Average yearly cost: $3,343 per dog in 2025 (ConsumerAffairs)

Cats

• Average yearly cost: $1,963 per cat in 2025 (ConsumerAffairs)

These figures include expenses for food, routine veterinary care, preventive medications, grooming, toys, insurance, supplies, boarding, and more.

What Drives the Costs?

1. Food & Nutrition: High-quality pet food ranges from $300 to $1000+ annually, depending on size, life stage, and special dietary needs (Hepper Pet Resources, The Times).

1. Veterinary Care: Including annual exams, vaccines, and dental cleanings typically runs $250 to $1500+ annually, with higher-end or emergency care costing more .

2. Preventives: Annual flea, tick, and heartworm protection add several hundred dollars.

3. Pet Insurance: Average premiums are $675/year for dogs and $383/year for cats (Times Union).

4. Supplies, Grooming & Boarding: These can vary widely often $100– $600/year depending on the number of pets.

5. Unexpected Costs: With 1 in 3 pets needing emergency care annually, $5000+ surprises aren’t uncommon (Times Union).

Lifetime Estimate

• Dogs: $22,000 – $60,600 over an average 15-year lifespan (CareCredit)

• Cats: $20,000 – $47,100 over an average 15–16-year lifespan (CareCredit)

Planning for Pet Expenses

Owning a pet brings joy, companionship, and unconditional love, but also financial responsibility. With thoughtful planning and budgeting, pet expenses become manageable, allowing you to provide your companion with the healthiest, happiest life possible.

Budgeting for Pet Ownership

From food and preventive care to unexpected medical needs, the cost of pet ownership can add up. Before bringing a pet into your home, it is important to ensure you have the financial resources to support their long-term care. We recommend adopting from local humane societies or rescue organizations. These pets are often already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and health-screened plus, you will be giving a deserving animal a second chance.

Preparing for Emergencies

Unexpected veterinary emergencies can be stressful, both emotionally and financially. Pet owners can consider pet health insurance to help offset these costs. While there are many companies available, it is important to choose one with a strong financial history and reliable customer service. Look for a provider with a solid track record and transparent policy details.

Flexible Payment Options

To assist with larger veterinary expenses, we also accept 

• Care Credit - A healthcare credit card that allows you to spread out payments over time. Some balances over $200 may qualify for interest-free or deferred interest financing. 
• Sunbit - A buy now pay over time option with fast approval and no hard credit checks. 

See our Payment Options page for more details and how to apply.

Pet expenses may seem high but with thoughtful planning, they become manageable. When you budget for food, routine care, preventive measures, and emergencies, you gain peace of mind and give your pet the healthy life they deserve.

Licensing Your Dog

When is a dog license required?

In the state of Ohio, all dogs over 3 months of age must be licensed annually by January 31st. If you move to Ohio or acquire a dog after that date, you are required to license your dog immediately.

Where can I purchase a license?

Licenses can be purchased in person at:

• Hancock County Auditor’s Office (Monday–Friday)

• Humane Society of Hancock County

Why does my dog need a license?

Dog licensing is required by Ohio law and serves as a legal form of identification. A licensed dog wearing its tag can be easily returned to its owner if it becomes lost.

If your licensed dog is picked up by the Hancock County Dog Warden, you will be contacted and informed where your dog has been taken.

• Licensed dogs can be held for up to 14 days.

• Unlicensed dogs may be held for only 3 days before further action is taken.

Questions?

Contact the Hancock County Auditor: 

 📍 Courthouse – 300 S. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840-3345 

 📞 (419) 424-7821