Bark in the Park Dog License Festival a Success!

First Annual Bark in the Park a Success

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Jefferson- The sounds of tennis balls flying, ice cream being licked up, and pups enjoying a treat were heard in Jefferson Thursday at Ashtabula County Auditor David Thomas’ First Annual Bark in the Park Dog License Festival.

“We had a barking good time at the festival,” said Auditor Thomas as he spent the afternoon with his puppy Liberty visiting with the organizations and visitors.

The Auditors Office is responsible for licensing dogs every year in Ashtabula County starting in December. Funds from the $12 license are allocated towards the Dog Warden and local animal shelters.

Visitors and their four legged friends streamed through the festival all afternoon in front of the Old Courthouse to speak with local businesses, organizations, and non profits who service pets.

Vendors present included the Animal Protective League, Silver Fur Animal Rescue, Ruff Life on the Lake, Windsor Fire Department’s Search and Rescue Dog Team, Pet Supplies Plus- Ashtabula, Luna’s Barkin Bakery, Sheriff Bill Niemi’s K9 Officer unit, Shanti Love Yoga with Leah Hartman, State Farm Insurance, and 4 Paws Pet Services.

“For our first event, we are very excited about the turn out and interest today,” shared Auditor Thomas. “We’re so thankful for the vendors who came and the large number of the public who joined with their dogs.”

The festival also had baskets donated from local businesses including Western Reserve Animal Clinic, Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, Jefferson Tennis Team, and the Auditor’s Office with tickets given to residents who brought their licensed dog or had one at home.  

Since taking office in 2019, Auditor Thomas has set a record each year for the licenses sold in Ashtabula County. The office crossed the 10,000 mark in 2019 and 10,500 during the pandemic in 2020. Their goal for 2021 is 12,000 licenses sold. There is an estimated 40,000 dogs in Ashtabula County.

“I want to thank our Office Manager Sue Belden for all of her hard work on this festival and the dog license program. We do our best to promote safe dog ownership and educate the public and the numbers of licenses reflect that work,” said Auditor Thomas.

The Auditor’s Office plans to hold this event again next summer to continue the growth and interest in dog licenses. Dog licenses are available for purchase by mail, in person, or at the Auditor’s website. For questions, call 440-576-3786.   

(Pictured is Cindy and Kayla Lindberg of the Ruff Life On The Lake - Restaurant and Wine & Beer Bar, Auditor David Thomas and his newly adopted puppy Liberty, and Auditor Office Manager Sue Belden.)