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The Ins and Outs of Pennsylvania Dog Licenses

Avoid The Dog Catcher—License Your Dog!


               It’s January, which means it’s time to renew those dog licenses!  Exciting, I know.  But, it is important to stay compliant with the law, so here is what you need to know.  All dogs 12 weeks of age or older must have a license in Pennsylvania.  Annual licenses are due by January first each year, and failing to license your dog can result in a hefty fine of up to $300.

If you, like me, have trouble remembering to renew each year, why not consider a lifetime dog license?  Your dog must have a tattoo or microchip which is then registered with the York County Treasurer’s Office.  A one-time fee of $31.50 for a spayed or neutered pet applies (cost is $51.50 for intact dogs), and your dog is permanently licensed!  Remember, you must fill out the proper forms and pay the lifetime license fee to license your dog—a microchip alone is NOT a license.  Annual tags are also available for a modest fee of $6.50 per year for a spayed or neutered pet ($8.50 for intact pets).  Special reduced fees are available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 

               So, why license your dog and what do those license fees pay for?  First, and most importantly, it’s the law.  Second, if your dog is lost, a license can help him or her be reunited with you.  Third, the fees support the PA Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office.  This office, in turn, monitors commercial breeding kennels, deals with dangerous dogs and oversees the licensing and rabies vaccination of dogs.  Only $1 from each license sold goes to local county treasurers. 

               So, please prevent you and your dog from becoming felons and avoid penalties by licensing your dog.  It is a fairly easy process and we at Patton Veterinary Hospital can help with setting your dog up with a microchip and providing paperwork for applying for a lifetime license if you choose.  We do not sell the annual tags, but we can point you in the right direction on where to purchase them.

More information can be found at www.YorkCountyPA.govwww.padoglicense.com or by calling the York County Treasurer’s Office at 717-771-9603. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas. 

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