2026 dog license deadline is Jan. 31 and 2025's most popular dog names are listed

Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter reminded owners that Jan. 31 is the deadline to obtain 2026 dog licenses and published the most popular dog names of 2025, including Bella, Luna, Charlie and Buddy.

Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is reminding dog owners that they have until Jan. 31 to obtain 2026 dog licenses. The state of Ohio requires dogs three months and older to have a current license each year. The shelter also released its list of the most popular dog names of 2025. The list names top female and male choices as well as other frequently used names. Key details: - Top female dog names of 2025: Bella, Luna, Daisy, Lucy and Bailey. - Top male dog names of 2025: Charlie, Buddy, Max, Cooper and Rocky; other popular names include Molly, Sadie, Penny and Lula. - Licensing fees: one-year tag $20, three-year tag $60, lifetime tag $200; a $20 penalty fee applies after the Jan. 31 deadline. - Where to purchase: local Discount Drug Mart and Pet Supply Plus stores, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, or online at cuyahogadogs.com. - Shelter role and hours: license fees support the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, which provides temporary care for lost and stray dogs; public hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Summary: The county reminder sets Jan. 31 as the licensing deadline and notes that a $20 penalty fee applies after that date. The shelter published 2025's most popular dog names and shared locations and fees for purchasing licenses. Undetermined at this time.