License your dog by January 1, 2025

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has reminded Pennsylvania dog owners to purchase a 2025 dog license from their county treasurer by January 1, 2025. Licensing your dog is not just a legal requirement; it also ensures the safety of your pet and helps reunite lost dogs with their owners. A visible license on a dog's collar increases the likelihood of it being returned home instead of being sent to a shelter.

In October 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed bipartisan measures to modernize Pennsylvania's Dog Law, aimed at making the state safer and healthier for dogs in shelters and kennels, while addressing issues with stray and dangerous dogs. The updated law also improves the accountability of dog owners, breeders, and shelters, ensuring safer communities for all.

“If you love your dog, license your dog,” said Redding. “It’s simple. The best way to protect your dog is with a license. A license on their collar is clearly visible and increases their chance of being returned home rather than ending up in a shelter.”

The updated law has brought additional benefits, such as increased dog wardens in communities, simplified licensing processes for kennel businesses, and clearer requirements for boarding kennel owners. The state now also makes it easier for dog buyers and adopters to understand that licensing is mandatory.

Dogs must be licensed at the time of adoption or purchase, or by three months if no transfer of ownership has occurred. The minimum age for adopting or purchasing a dog in Pennsylvania is eight weeks. Annual dog licenses cost $8.70, with lifetime licenses available for $52.70 if the dog has permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo. Discounted fees are available for seniors and people with disabilities.

Failure to license a dog can result in fines up to $500 per unlicensed dog. The revenue from licensing supports animal welfare programs and helps fund the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, ensuring safe environments for dogs and the public.

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