PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvania dog owners to purchase a 2024 license from their county treasurer by Jan. 1, 2024.
Licenses are not just a legal responsibility of owning a dog, but they also protect all Pennsylvania dogs and are the best way to bring a pet home quickly if it's lost.
"If you love your dog, license your dog," said Secretary Redding. "It's simple. The best way to protect the dogs we love is with a license. Even if a dog has a chip, a license on their collar is visible and helps ensure they will be brought home rather than ending up in a shelter."
All dogs three months of age and older are required to be licensed in Pennsylvania. An annual license is $8.70, and a lifetime license is $51.70. If the animal is sprayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.70, and the lifetime is $31.70. Lifetime licenses require that the dog have a microchip or tattoo. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities. Dog license purchases fund the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which helps keep all Pennsylvania dogs and communities safe by:
- Inspecting Pennsylvania's boarding and breeding kennels and ensuring the health and well-being of dogs housed there.
- Investigating and prosecuting illegal kennel operators
- Ensuring that dogs in breeding operations don't go without veterinary care.
- Protecting the public by monitoring dangerous dogs, investigating dog bites and holding owners responsible.
- Reuniting licensed dogs with their families.
- Helping unlicensed lost dogs find shelter.
Fines for unlicensed dogs range from $50 to $300, plus court costs; officials remind residents that the fines are far more expensive than the cost of a license.
On Jan. 21, 2024, the Dog Law Modernization Act will take effect, which will bring added protections for Pennsylvania dogs, consumers and communities. Licenses can be purchased through Pennsylvania's county treasurers here.
