Pennsylvania municipalities are now required to implement a new dog license law. This law mandates that all dogs over six months old be licensed annually.
The licensing fees for dogs will vary depending on the municipality. Some municipalities will charge an annual fee of $8.50 for spayed or neutered dogs, while others will charge $8.50 for intact dogs.
Dog owners will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter status to obtain a license. This information will be used to create a new database for tracking dog licenses statewide.
Municipalities are expected to implement this new law by July 1, 2024, to ensure consistency in dog licensing across the state.
Pennsylvania Dog License Law Changes
Kennel licenses in Pennsylvania are set to increase on March 1, 2024, to $8.70 for unspayed or unneutered dogs, and $6.70 for spayed or neutered dogs.
If you're looking to purchase a license, The Pennsylvania County Treasurers Office has licenses available for purchase.
A lifetime dog license will also be raised to $52.70 on March 1, 2024.
Kennels who decide to put a dog up for adoption or sale are now required to place the license number in the advertisement as well.
Breeder information, vaccination, medical documentation and any known attack on a human or other domestic animal must be disclosed to the buyer.
Any new dogs brought into the Commonwealth must be kept isolated for 14 days.
Pennsylvania Municipal Code
The Pennsylvania Municipal Code is the backbone of our new dog license law in PA. The code is responsible for regulating dog licensing in the state, and it's essential to understand its provisions to comply with the new law.
According to the code, dog owners must obtain a license for their dogs within 30 days of acquisition or by April 1st of each year, whichever comes first. This is a crucial deadline, and owners who fail to comply may face fines and penalties.
Dog licenses in PA are issued by the local municipalities, and the fees vary depending on the location. For example, in Philadelphia, the license fee is $8.50 for a spayed or neutered dog, while in Pittsburgh, it's $8.00 for the same type of dog.
As a dog owner, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the Pennsylvania Municipal Code to avoid any issues or fines. By understanding the code's provisions, you can ensure that you're in compliance with the new dog license law in PA.
How the Law Affects Kennel Owners
As of March 1, 2024, kennel licenses are set to increase. Kennels that choose to put a dog up for adoption or sale must now include the license number in the advertisement.
You'll need to disclose breeder information, vaccination, medical documentation, and any known attacks on humans or other domestic animals to the buyer. This is a crucial step to ensure transparency and accountability.
New dogs brought into the Commonwealth must be kept isolated for 14 days. This is a temporary measure to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure public safety.
Pennsylvania Municipal Code, Corporate Powers
Pennsylvania municipalities have the power to exercise corporate powers, which means they can own and operate their own utilities, such as water and sewage systems.
This power is granted to municipalities under the Pennsylvania Municipal Code, specifically in Section 1, which states that municipalities have the authority to acquire and operate any utility or service.
Municipalities can also issue bonds to finance their corporate activities, including the construction of infrastructure projects.
According to Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Municipal Code, municipalities have the power to issue bonds to finance any corporate activity, including the acquisition and operation of utilities.
In addition, municipalities can exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property for corporate purposes.
The Pennsylvania Municipal Code, specifically Section 3, allows municipalities to exercise the power of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring property for corporate activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a lifetime dog license in PA?
To obtain a lifetime license in PA, your dog must be microchipped and you must submit a completed and signed Permanent Identification Verification (PIV) form from your veterinarian or kennel. This form is typically provided when your dog is microchipped.
Sources
- https://cornerstonelaw.us/updated-dog-law-in-pennsylvania/
- 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.animallaw.info/statute/pa-dog-law-chapter-8-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws
- https://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/state/updated-dog-laws-take-effect-in-pennsylvania/article_9ebde882-b961-11ee-aa34-1784efee252a.html
- https://tristatealert.com/pas-dog-law-updates-take-effect-this-week-including-increased-fines-and-safety-requirements/
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