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In Pennsylvania, a dog license is required to ensure public safety and animal welfare. The cost of a dog license varies depending on the county.
To license your dog, you'll need to provide proof of rabies vaccination, which is mandatory in PA. This typically costs between $10 to $30 per year, depending on the county.
The licensing fee in PA is used to fund animal control services and other local initiatives. In Allegheny County, for example, the licensing fee is $8.50 per year.
Pennsylvania Dog License Fee Increase
The Pennsylvania dog license fee increase is a significant change that affects dog owners in the state. The fee will increase to $8.70 for an annual license and $52.70 for a lifetime license on March 1.
Between December 1 and March 1, owners of dogs that are spayed and neutered can get the prior rates of $6.70 for an annual license and $31.70 for a lifetime license. This is a temporary discount for dog owners who have taken steps to spay or neuter their pets.
Take a look at this: Pa Lifetime Dog License Online
The law also enables the secretary of agriculture to increase fees again by $2 in 2025 and $1 in 2027. This means that dog owners can expect even higher fees in the future.
Fines for unlicensed dogs will range from $100 to $500 on top of court costs. This is a significant increase from previous fines and is intended to encourage dog owners to obtain licenses for their pets.
The law also increases the license fees for kennels, which haven't gone up in nearly 60 years. This change is intended to help fund the enforcement of Pennsylvania's Dog Law.
The Shapiro Administration, working with both parties in the legislature, has made commonsense changes to the dog law to keep our communities, our families, and our dogs safe and healthy.
Intriguing read: New Dog License Law in Pa
Pennsylvania Dog License Fee
The price of dog licenses in Pennsylvania has increased for the first time in nearly 30 years.
The new fees are as follows: $8.70 for an annual license and $52.70 for a lifetime license, effective March 1. Between Dec. 1 and March 1, owners of dogs that are spayed and neutered can get the prior rates of $6.70 for an annual license and $31.70 for a lifetime license.
Fines for unlicensed dogs will range from $100 to $500 on top of court costs. Licenses can be bought through Pennsylvania's county treasurers.
Fee Amount
The new dog license fees in Pennsylvania are going up. The price of an annual license will increase to $8.70, while a lifetime license will cost $52.70.
Between December 1 and March 1, owners of spayed and neutered dogs can still get the old rates of $6.70 for an annual license and $31.70 for a lifetime license. This is a temporary discount before the new fees take effect on March 1.
Fees will be increased again by $2 in 2025 and $1 in 2027. This means that the annual license fee could reach $10.70 by 2027, and the lifetime license fee could reach $53.70.
Payment Process
To obtain a Pennsylvania dog license, you'll need to pay a fee, which varies depending on your dog's age and spay/neuter status. The fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $8.50, while the fee for an intact dog is $51.00.
The payment process is relatively straightforward, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person. You can also pay by phone, but be prepared for a wait on the phone.
You'll need to provide your dog's rabies vaccination information and license number, which can be found on your dog's rabies vaccination certificate. This information is required to complete the payment process.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, checks, and money orders. Be sure to make a copy of your payment receipt for your records.
The payment process is usually completed within a few days of submitting your payment. You can check the status of your payment online or by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture directly.
Take a look at this: Pa Dog License Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PA require dog license?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires dog licenses for all dogs three months and older. Annual and lifetime licenses are available, with penalties for non-compliance.
How much is a kennel license in PA for a dog boarding?
In Pennsylvania, kennel licenses range from $35 for nonprofit kennels to $950 for large commercial kennels handling over 500 dogs, with a 25% increase from the 1965 rates. The cost varies based on the kennel's size and type.
Sources
- https://www.fox43.com/article/life/animals/pennsylvania-dog-license-fee-increase-first-time-nearly-30-years/521-cb302e04-ae52-40bd-9674-3c435427ed80
- https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/new-law-increases-pennsylvania-dog-license-fees/
- https://www.butlercountypa.gov/368/Dog-Licenses
- https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2023/10/pa-bill-to-hike-dog-license-fee-after-27-years-heads-to-governors-desk.html
- https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/cost-for-dog-licenses-to-increase-in-pennsylvania/article_1af1a214-8e7d-11ee-b6e4-bf2e838680ef.html
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