Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is encouraging Pennsylvanians to show their love by purchasing a dog license — a simple step that supports not only their own pet, but dogs across the Commonwealth.
“For dogs, love isn’t just belly rubs, long walks, and extra treats,” said Secretary Redding. “It’s protection, responsibility, and making sure every dog has someone looking out for them. When owners purchase a license, they’re doing more than meeting a requirement. They’re funding rescues for dogs like Valentine, supporting inspections that keep kennels and shelters accountable, and helping keep communities safe. Licensing is one of the simplest and most powerful ways Pennsylvanians can protect dogs across our Commonwealth.”
Redding highlighted the story of a stray dog, now known as Valentine. Last February, State Dog Warden Sarah Morehart began receiving reports from alarmed community members seeing a pit bull with cropped ears running loose, growling at anyone who got close. The dog had retreated into the woods, and with an ice storm approaching, Morehart needed to get the dog to safety and keep the community safe from a dog feared to be aggressive.
Morehart, with the help of a neighbor, was able to trap the dog, which turned out not to be aggressive. Instead she was in poor health, with skin disease that made her sensitive, but with a sweet disposition. Dubbed Valentine for her temperament, after excellent care in the Clinton County SPCA Shelter, she is now healthy, sporting a shiny coat, and is up for adoption.
Valentine’s rescue, and hundreds more like hers across the state, are made possible by license sales that support the work of the Pennsylvania dog wardens. These wardens also hold dog owners, kennels, and shelters to high standards set forth in Pennsylvania’s Dog Law. They keep communities safe from stray dogs and dangerous dogs, help reunite families with their furry friends, and improve quality of life for all dogs across the state.
A dog license is a legal responsibility of owning a dog in Pennsylvania and the best way to ensure that your pet is back in your arms if it gets lost. Sales of dog licenses fund dog wardens’ work to protect all Pennsylvania dogs and the communities they live in.
Dogs must now be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. The earliest that dogs can be purchased or adopted in Pennsylvania is eight weeks old.
An annual license costs $10.80. Lifetime licenses are available for $52.80 for dogs with permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Senior adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounted fees of $8.80 for an annual license or $36.80 for a lifetime license.
Licenses can be purchased online at licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov, by clicking your county on the map. The map includes county treasurer and dog warden contacts, as well as how to buy a lifetime license in those counties that don’t sell lifetime licenses online.
Owners who fail to license their dogs can face fines of up to $500, plus court costs for each unlicensed dog.
Unlike a microchip, a license on a dog’s collar is clearly visible and increases their chance of being returned home, rather than ending up in a shelter.
