Akron, Ohio – Licensing dogs is now easier, more modernized, and more valuable for residents as Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise CPA, CFE, launches a partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform. Through pet licensing and their complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, DocuPet offers residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that keeps pets out of shelters and returns them home safely. Though licensing is mandatory for dogs, many local pet owners do not license their pets regularly. With the announcement of this new partnership, Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise and DocuPet hope to attract pet owners to the program.
Residents can browse hundreds of colorful and unique designer tag styles online or design their own tags with an easy-to-use customization tool. Please note there is an additional fee for a customized dog tag. Every DocuPet tag is equipped with the free HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service and may double as a pet’s official license. DocuPet tags are assigned a unique code on the back, which links directly to a pet’s secure online profile, making it easy for anyone who finds a lost pet to reference the code and create a Found Pet Report in seconds. Pet owners can also create Lost Pet Reports as soon as they realize their pet has gone missing. In addition, DocuPet’s dedicated dispatch staff is available 24/7 to reunite lost pets with their families.
“We are excited about our partnership with DocuPet, as their online licensing solution will be extremely valuable to pet owners and necessary for animal safety within the community,” said Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise. “This partnership will help reduce the number of dogs entering local shelters, freeing up space and resources for pets that truly need care. We look forward to residents taking advantage of this program to help protect their pets and all pets in our community.”
All dogs in Summit County are required to be licensed annually. Licenses are available for purchase beginning December 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The cost for a single-year license is $18, a three-year license is $54, and a lifetime/permanent license is $180. Residents who fail to register by the January 31, 2026 deadline will be required to pay a statutory $18 late fee.
For more information or to apply for a dog license, please visit https://summitcountyoh.docupet.com or call (330) 630-7226.