License Your Dog

State, County Officials Continue Statewide Dog Licensing Awareness Campaign During Visit to Indiana County Shelter

Indiana, PA – While visiting the Indiana County Humane Society today, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding urged Pennsylvanians to license their dogs, emphasizing that a current dog license is the best way to ensure lost dogs are reunited with their families.

“Our 12-year-old golden retriever, Lucky, has a current license,” Redding said. “Not only is licensing the right thing to do because you love your pet, but it’s also the law. Lucky is very much a part of our family, and if he somehow got away from home, his license increases the likelihood of him being returned to us more quickly.”

State law requires all dogs, three months and older, to be licensed by January 1 of each year. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.

The fee for an annual dog license is $6.50, or $8.50 if the animal is not spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs that have permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and persons with disabilities may be eligible for discounts.

“The Pennsylvania dog license law helps efficiently return a lost dog home to its family. Without this resource the Indiana County Humane Society and other agencies would be overwhelmed with stray and lost dogs,” said Indiana County Treasurer Sandra Kirkland.

The dog license application is simple and only requests owner contact information and details about the dog being licensed, like name, age, breed and color. The information is used by animal control and shelters to identify lost dogs and get them home safely. “Licensing your dog is so important. Nearly one third of all pets get lost at least once in their lifetime,” said Indiana County Humane Society Board President Shannon Jackson. “A license tells us that there is a probably a family out there desperately looking for their pet, and if there is, we can quickly reunite them.”

As part of the 2015 Dog Licensing Awareness campaign, Redding invited Pennsylvania students, in first through sixth grades, to enter a poster contest to help raise awareness about the importance of dog licensing. The poster must reflect the theme “Love your dog. License your dog.” The entries must also include the www.licenseyourdogPA.com website address. The deadline to enter the statewide contest is May 1.

“This annual contest gets all ages of the family involved in creating awareness about the importance of licensing your dogs,” Redding added. “I encourage all eligible students to participate, be imaginative, and learn more about keeping their ‘best friend’ safe.”

Licensing fees support animal control through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.

For more information, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at 717-787-3062.

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