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In Pennsylvania, dog licenses are required for all dogs over the age of three months.
To license your dog, you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination and pay a licensing fee. The fee varies depending on the municipality, but it's typically around $8.50 to $14.50.
You can license your dog at your local county treasurer's office or through the mail. Some municipalities also offer online licensing options.
Make sure to license your dog by December 31st of each year to avoid late fees and penalties.
Pennsylvania Dog License Laws
In Pennsylvania, it's the law to license your dog by January 1 of each year if it's three months or older. You can get a license from your local county treasurer or issuing agent.
The cost of a license varies depending on your dog's status: an annual license is $8.50, and a lifetime license is $51.50. If your dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 and lifetime is $31.50.
Recommended read: Pa Lifetime Dog License
If you don't license your dog, you could be fined up to $300 per dog, plus court costs. Dog wardens randomly check neighborhoods to ensure all dogs are licensed.
Licensing fees help fund the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which oversees dog welfare and regulates activities related to dogs classified as dangerous.
Here are the key requirements for licensing your dog in Pennsylvania:
You can purchase a license from your local county treasurer or issuing agent. It's also a good idea to license your dog to help ensure it gets back home if it gets lost.
Getting a Dog License
Getting a dog license is a straightforward process in Pennsylvania. All dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year.
You can purchase a license from your local county treasurer or issuing agent. The annual license fee is $8.50, and a lifetime license is $51.50. If your dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 and lifetime is $3150.
Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities. To obtain a lifetime license, your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
Micro-Chipped Instructions
To get your dog micro-chipped, you'll need to fill out the Permanent Identification Verification Certification form, which requires a live signature and date. This form should be provided to you by the agency that's micro-chipping your dog.
The Permanent Identification Verification Certification form and the Lifetime Dog Application must be returned to the Treasurer's office within 30 days of the date on the Verification form.
Licensing Documents
To get a dog license, you'll need to obtain the required documents. The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs and puppies in licensed kennels.
To start the licensure process, you can access the necessary documents online. The Berks County Dog License Flyer (PDF) is a great resource to get you started.
You can also find a list of licensed agents in your area through the Berks County License Agents (PDF). This will help you find a convenient location to obtain your dog's license.
The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement regulates activities related to dogs classified as dangerous, and oversees annual licensure and rabies vaccinations for dogs.
Additional reading: Dog License Berks County
Dog License Fees and Transfers
The cost to transfer a dog license is $1 for each dog license being transferred.
To transfer a dog license, you'll need to submit an application to the new county treasurer, along with a bill of sale or an affidavit from the previous owner.
The new county treasurer will charge an additional $1 to issue a dog license tag in the new county. Please make the check payable to the new county treasurer.
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Dog License Fees
Dog License Fees are required by law in many places, with prices varying depending on the location. In some areas, the fees can be as low as $5, while in others they can be upwards of $50.
The fees often depend on factors such as the dog's age, breed, and vaccination status. For example, in areas with a high incidence of rabies, the fees may be higher to encourage vaccination.
You can expect to pay more for licensing a dog that's not spayed or neutered. In some places, the fees are significantly higher for intact dogs.
In some areas, you can get a discount on dog license fees if you're a senior citizen or have a service animal. These discounts can range from 10% to 50% off the regular fee.
The fees are usually due annually, but some places may require a one-time fee for new dog owners. This one-time fee can range from $10 to $50.
Dog License Transfers
Transferring a dog license is a straightforward process. You can transfer a license between counties or to a new dog owner for a fee of $1 per dog license.
To transfer a license, you'll need to submit an application along with a bill of sale or an affidavit from the previous owner. This document confirms the transfer of ownership.
The transfer fee is $1, and you'll also need to pay a $1 fee to the new County Treasurer to issue a dog license tag in the new county. This fee should be paid to the new County Treasurer, so make sure to get the correct address.
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If you're a current York County license holder, you can transfer your license by mailing the completed application form along with the fee to the York County Treasurer's Office at 28 E Market Street, Room 126, York, PA 17401.
Here's a summary of the transfer process:
If you have any questions or need more information, you can call the Dog License Specialist at 717-771-4386.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new dog law in PA 2024?
Effective February 1, 2024, Pennsylvania's dog licensing fees will increase to $8.70 for annual licenses and $52.70 for lifetime licenses. Licenses purchased before January 31, 2024, will be available at the prior rate
Who sells PA dog licenses?
In Pennsylvania, dog licenses are sold through the county treasurer's office. Purchase a license today to protect your dog and ensure they're accounted for.
Sources
- https://www.indianacountypa.gov/departments/treasurers-office/dog-license/
- https://www.muhlenbergtwp.com/193/Dog-Licensing-Information
- https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/licenses/dog/
- https://yorkcountypa.gov/390/Dog-Licenses
- https://www.fox43.com/article/life/animals/pennsylvania-dog-license-fee-increase-first-time-nearly-30-years/521-cb302e04-ae52-40bd-9674-3c435427ed80
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