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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Apply For a Dog License

    According to PA laws, every pet owner must license their dog—you can purchase an annual: or lifetime license by submitting a completed application and/or PIV form (for lifetime license) to your local county treasurer or issuing agent. If you don’t license your dog, you could be cited with a $500 fine, per violation, plus court costs.

    Owners may use the online license form and may also visit their local county treasurer using the map found below.

    Apply for a license

    Overview

    Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. 

    • All dogs must be licensed when you buy or adopt them (earliest is 8 weeks old) or 3 months of age, whichever comes first, by Jan. 1 of each year.  
    • Dog wardens randomly canvass neighborhoods to ensure all dogs are licensed, violators may be fined.
    • Annual license
    • Purchase a lifetime license by submitting a completed application and a completed PIV form to your local county treasurer.

    Cost of 2026 dog licenses

    Annual licenses: $10.80
    Lifetime licenses: $52.80 

    Senior citizens or residents with disabilities:
    Annual fee: $8.80
    Lifetime fee: $36.80
     

    Resources

    Buy a dog license

    Dog License map

    What is the dog license funding used for?

    When you license your dog, you’re doing more than following the law — you’re protecting dogs and strengthening entire communities.

    The money allows dog wardens to:

    • Inspect 2,500+ state-licensed kennels at least twice a year and make animal cruelty referrals. 
    • Shut down illegal kennels and puppy mills 
    • Monitor 700+ dangerous dogs 
    • Pick up stray or abandoned dogs and get them home or to a safe shelter 
    • Help stop the spread of infectious & contagious diseases 
    • Reimburse shelters that hold stray dogs 
    • Reimburse farmers for livestock losses caused by dogs and coyotes
       

    Tag, You’re It! The Importance of Dog Licensing

    Licensing your dog is a simple act with a big impact. If your dog gets away from you, a dog license is the best way to ensure your dog makes it home safely. As members of our family, a dog license is the best gift you can give them.

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