Pennsylvanians can now purchase dog licenses for 2014 from their county treasurers. State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by January 1 of each year.
“Dog ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, and licensing your dog is on the top of the list,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. “Buying a dog license is easy and affordable, and dog owners can purchase a license at their local county treasurer’s office, through agents and online.”
An annual dog license is $8.45, or $6.45 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs that have permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts.
The dog license application is simple and only requests owner contact information and details about the dog being licensed, like name, age, breed and color.
Secretary Greig offers these reasons for dog licensing:
- It’s the law. All dogs three months and older must have a current license.
- If your dog gets lost, a license is the best way to get him back. A license helps animal control and shelters identify your dog and get him back home safely.
- The cost of a license is less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
- License fees support animal control. The annual fee you pay to license your dog helps keep shelters running and supports the work of the Dog Law Enforcement Office, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
For more information, including a list of county treasurers, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call the Dog Law Enforcement Office at 717-787-3062.
(Source: Pa. Dept. of Agriculture)