A method for the reactivation of aged chromia-alumina dehydrogenation catalyst which involves doping the aged catalyst with minor amounts of zinc oxide, preferably in the range of about 0.35% zinc oxide to 1.35% zinc oxide on the catalyst. The zinc oxide is added to the aged catalyst preferably by impregnation by immersion or spraying of a zinc nitrate solution, followed by drying and heat treating. Alternatively the zinc oxide addition can be accomplished by use of a volatile organic zinc compound added to the saturated feedstock and subsequent air regeneration of the catalyst in situ without removal of the catalyst from the reactor.