It is that time of year for dog owners to purchase dog tags for their four-legged friends. Allen County Dog Warden Julie Shellhammer reminds people that from now until January 31st, you can buy a one-year dog tag for $22. That price jumps up to $44 beginning February 1st as a penalty is incurred. Shellhammer says many will receive a renewal reminder in the mail, and you can put a check or money order inside the self-addressed envelope. The mail route has about a two-week turnaround window. You can buy one online through the Allen County Dog Warden's website or visit the Allen County Auditor's Office or the county dog control facility in person.

If you have a dog you have had to get a dog license, but do you know what that fee goes towards? It does get you the state-required license that protects your dog in the event it gets lost. The fee also funds the operation of the dog warden's office. The Allen County Dog Warden implemented a 5-year improvement plan for the facility located on Seriff Road. The kennels have been renovated with new floor coatings and new ceiling panels and lighting so far. A new garage has been built and a new cement parking area has been built. They are currently working on new outdoor dog kennels and runs for the canines at the facility.

Dog tags can go a long way in protecting your four-legged friend if they were to get lost. There are many cases where a dog was reunited with its owners thanks to the dog wearing a tag.  Many forget to get dog tags and the Allen County Dog Warden is reminding residents that while you may think you not need it, look at the law, because it’s a requirement.

Renovations at the Allen County Dog Warden's office include upgrades such as new windows, ceiling tiles, and roofing. For the dogs, the kennels now have new gates, epoxy flooring, and air conditioning. The parking lot is also brand new, but not yet ready to be driven on. But it is dry enough for people to walk on, but for the next week and a half, the dog warden asks that visitors park in the gravel driveway along the road.

Dog Warden Julie Shellhammer asking Allen County Commissioners to okay a wage increase for her staff. The department is completely self-funded through the dog and kennels fund but needs approval from commissioners as they are under the county. The department currently only has two employees besides the dog warden. With the increase, she hopes to attract new hires.

Frostbite can occur in dogs within 15 minutes at below freezing temperatures, and is recommended when temperatures are cold to bring dogs inside or in a garage if possible to avoid the wind chill. While the dog warden said they have received an increased volume in calls about dogs being out in below freezing temperatures, they can do very little to respond to those calls, saying the humane society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are better suited to deal with animal abuse cases. 

Even if you have an outside dog that is used to the cold, these bitter temperatures are not good for them. You need to make sure they have a safe space out of the wind and that has dry bedding like straw. Don’t use blankets as they can get wet and turn into a bed of ice. If you have indoor pets, pay close attention to them as you let them out.

Allen County Dog Owners have until the end of January 2022 to get their dog licenses and tags.