MILFORD, PA ― Pennsylvania law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by January 1 of each year. The Dog Law Modernization Bill signed into law in October will revise license fees and add protections for dogs, consumers, and communities.

Beginning February 1, dog license fees will increase and the age to license will be lowered to eight weeks. Until then, the fees remain the same as in 2023.

An annual dog license is $8.70, or $6.70 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs with permanent identification, like a microchip or tattoo.

Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts. The dog license application requires owner contact information and details about the dog, including name, age, breed, and color.

In Pike County, dog licenses may be purchased at the Pike County Treasurer’s Office, 506 Broad Street, Milford, PA, or at Dawn’s Title & Tag, 123 Village Center Drive, Lords Valley, PA.

Pike County Treasurer John Gilpin said there are good reasons to license your dog:

• A license is the best way to get your dog back if they get lost. A license helps animal control and shelters identify a dog and its rightful owners, and anyone can see the dog’s tag. Microchips are not always easy to find.
• It’s the law. All dogs three months and older must have a current license.
• The cost of a license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs can face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
• License fees support animal control and public safety. The annual fee to license a dog helps keep shelters running and supports the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement’s vital services.

For more information call the treasurer’s office at 570- 296-3441 or visit www.pikepa.org/treasurer.