Ashland County Launches 2025 Dog Licensing Season Amid New Initiatives
Joe Lyons •
December 6, 2024
Ashland County Launches 2025 Dog Licensing Season Amid New Initiatives
Ashland, OH – This week marks the launch of the 2025 dog licensing season, an essential annual effort that funds the operations of the Ashland County Dog Shelter. To highlight the importance of this program, several local leaders, including Interim Kennel Manager Shannon Hamilton, Ashland County Commissioner President Denny D. Bittle, and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Dog Warden Curtis Hall, gathered to renew their own dog licenses and discuss the shelter’s progress and initiatives.
Why Dog Licensing Matters
Deputy Curtis Hall emphasized the significance of dog licenses, noting that the shelter heavily relies on licensing fees to fund its operations. “It’s the law, but more importantly, it directly supports the shelter,” Hall explained. “Licenses provide resources for the shelter to care for dogs, reunite them with their owners, and find new homes. They’re vital for our community’s public safety and the welfare of these animals.”
Hall also highlighted the enforcement aspect of licensing, stating that while the focus remains on education, citations are sometimes necessary. “We’ve made progress; from July to November, over 500 dog licenses were issued due to our outreach efforts,” Hall said. “People were respectful, and it was rewarding to connect with the community.”
As of now, 975 licenses have been sold for 2025, with a goal to exceed the 9,147 licenses issued in 2024.
Successful Adoptions and Partnerships
Hamilton shared encouraging news about adoptions and collaborations. “Since March, we’ve facilitated nearly 90 adoptions and reunited countless dogs with their families,” she said. “We’re also restarting a program with Mansfield Correctional Institution, where inmates help train shelter dogs with minor behavioral issues. This partnership improves the dogs’ adoptability and provides meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for the inmates.”
Commissioner’s First Experience
Commissioner Denny D. Bittle humorously recounted his first time personally purchasing a dog license. “My wife always handled this, but this year, I had to figure it out on my own,” he laughed. “It’s a small but important investment in the shelter’s operations.”
Bittle praised the shelter’s team and its modernization efforts, including improved facilities and processes. “The work Shannon and Curtis have done is remarkable. They’ve transformed the shelter into a model operation,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Foster Program and Modernization
Deputy Hall announced plans to launch a foster program in 2025 to reduce stress for shelter dogs. “We aim to place dogs in foster homes while keeping them adoptable through the shelter,” he explained. “It’s a modern approach that benefits the dogs and the community.”
The shelter is also stepping up efforts to address cases of animal abandonment. “We’re committed to identifying and prosecuting those who dump dogs,” Hall said. “Modernizing our operations means not only improving care but also enforcing accountability.”
A Personal Note: Deputy Hall’s Retired K-9
Hall shared updates about his retired K-9 partner, Dani, now officially his personal dog. “Dani’s enjoying retirement, though he still wants to work whenever he sees the cruiser,” Hall said. “He’s earned his time to relax, but he’s still as sharp as ever.”
2025: A Year of Growth and Progress
With strong leadership, innovative programs, and community support, Ashland County Dog Shelter is poised for a successful year. “2025 is going to be a transformative year for us,” Hall concluded. “We’re modernizing, improving, and building something the community can be proud of.”
For information on dog licensing or adoption, visit the Ashland County Dog Shelter website or contact the shelter directly.
