All You Need to Know About Dog Licensing in Pennsylvania

dog© Getty Images / Canva

Are you a proud new pet parent living in Pennsylvania? Congratulations on your furry addition! We’re guessing that one of the first things on your list is to get them everything they need for their health, safety, and wellbeing. One thing that may have slipped through the cracks is getting a license for your canine companion – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all information about dog licenses in Pennsylvania. Learn more today about what getting a license entails, how much it costs and where to apply!

Is a dog license required in PA?

In Pennsylvania, if you have a dog it is necessary to obtain a license before the start of each calendar year. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines of up to $300 per violation as well as court costs, so it’s important to make sure your pup is properly taken care of. The state offers two distinct types of licenses: an annual license and a lifetime license. Whichever option you choose for your pet, both provide safe, legal registration that must be kept current or you may end up with an unexpected expense.

How much does it cost to license a dog in PA?

Licensing your dog in Pennsylvania is an affordable and simple process. The Commonwealth provides two different licenses – an annual license at a cost of just $8.50, or a lifetime license for only $51.50! If your pup has been spayed or neutered, the costs are reduced to just $6.50 each year or $31.50 for the lifetime license. Not only will you save some money by licensing your pet, but it will provide great peace of mind that your furry friend is properly registered with the state and can be identified should they ever become lost.

Where do I get a dog license in PA?

Pennsylvania is a dog-friendly state and it is important to ensure that all of your furry friends are properly licensed. You can easily purchase an annual dog license through the convenient online service provided at http://www.padoglicense.com/, or you can fill out the annual application form and mail it to your local county treasurer for processing.

In Chester County, your form would have to be mailed to:

Chester County Treasurer’s Office
Attn: Dog License
313 West Market St. Suite 3202
PO Box 2748
West Chester, PA 19380

If you are getting a lifetime license for your canine companion then, in addition to payment of the required fee, you will have to verify its permanent identification in the form of a tattoo or microchip scan result and include the Permanent ID Verification form.

Get peace of mind knowing your pup is legally licensed.

Having a valid, current dog license is important if you have a pup pal in Pennsylvania. Not only is it required by law, but up-to-date licenses also provide proof of ownership and can keep your furry companion safe by helping get them back to you quickly if they ever become lost. Additionally, the more conscientious pet owners are when it comes to licensing, the more funds can be allocated for animal shelters throughout the state. Therefore, always do your homework and make sure that you remain compliant with Pennsylvania’s dog licensing regulations – it could end up saving you from lots of headaches along the road!

For more information on dog licenses in Pennsylvania, visit http://www.padoglicense.com/. In Chester County, visit https://www.chesco.org/1112/Dog-License.

As MyChesco continues its mission to provide the utmost in news and information to Chester County, we are working hard to make sure that you have access to everything you need. From traffic reports to weather updates, the site is a great resource for anyone who wants to stay informed about what’s going on in the county. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media so that you can stay up-to-date.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.

This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.