In Pennsylvania, all dogs must be licensed at point of purchase or adoption (earliest is 8 weeks of age) or by 3 months if no transfer of ownership has occurred. All dogs that do not have a lifetime license must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year.
For 2026, an annual license is $10.80, and a lifetime license is $52.80. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities.
The small license fee helps protect the millions of dogs across the state, the families who adopt or purchase them, and the communities they live in by funding the important work of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Dog licenses are available from your local county treasurer and other licensing agents.
Reasons for dog licensing:
- It’s the law. All dogs must have a license when they are purchased or adopted.
- If your dog gets lost, a license is the best way to get him back. A license helps animal control and shelters identify your dog and get him back home safely.
- The cost of a license is less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $500, plus court costs, for each unlicensed dog.
- License fees support animal control. The annual fee you pay to license your dog helps keep shelters running and supports the work of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
source: www.licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov
