Have a beloved household canine? Time is operating out to guarantee that four-legged finest buddy stays authorized in Pennsylvania.
The deadline is Jan. 1, 2024, for pet house owners to license their dogs, as all dogs three months or older are required to be licensed by the primary of every 12 months.
“If you like your canine, license your canine,” stated Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “It’s easy. The finest technique to defend the dogs we love is with a license. Even if a canine has a chip, a license on their collar is clearly seen and helps guarantee they are going to be introduced home somewhat than ending up in a shelter.”
Here’s how you can go about registering your canine in Pa.:
Pennsylvania canine license differ by neutered standing; reductions available for some
According to the agriculture division, an annual license is $8.70, and a lifetime license is $51.70. If the canine is spayed or neutered, the annual license drops $6.70, and the lifetime license goes all the way down to $31.70.
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For canine house owners contemplating a lifetime license, your canine have to be tattooed or microchipped.
Seniors and people with disabilities might also qualify for a reduction.
Dog license available by way of Bucks County treasurer; penalty is steep
Dog house owners can get hold of a 2024 canine license from the Bucks County Treasurer, both by visiting its places of work on the fifth ground of the Administration Building at 55 East Court Street in Doylestown, or by filling out the application online.
Dog licenses are additionally available by way of the countywide network of dog agents.
The penalty for not licensing your canine in Pennsylvania is comparatively steep, in comparison with the cost of a license.
According to the agriculture division, fines for unlicensed dogs vary from $50 to $300, plus court docket prices.
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Dog license mandate effort of Shapiro Administration
The canine licensing mandate is a part of the Dog Law Modernization Act, which Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into legislation in October.
Now generally known as Act 18 of 2023, it’s going to formally go into impact on Jan. 21, 2024, and seeks modernization for the assorted processes presently overseen by the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Dog modernization legislation signed: Dog Law Modernization bill signed into law in PA, will make licensing accessible
Under the brand new legislation, Pennsylvania residents can obtain canine licenses on-line, opening the method to house owners in areas with out current canine licensing facilities.
Annual licensing charges will improve to $10 by 2027. These elevated prices shall be used to handle the brand new providers provided by the canine legislation bureau.
Transparency will even be required for people promoting canine gross sales, together with the supply of the canine and the vendor’s license data. Several animal protections will even be applied, with elevated penalties for animal cruelty and people violating state legal guidelines.
This article initially appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PA requires dog licenses by Jan 1
