Pennsylvanians Reminded to Apply for 2011 Dog Licenses by Jan. 1

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania dog owners are reminded to apply for required 2011 dog licenses before the Jan. 1 deadline, Deputy Secretary for Dog Law Enforcement Jessie Smith said today.

All dogs must be licensed. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and could result in a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog.

"Applying for a license is a simple and inexpensive way to ensure your dog will be cared for in the event of an emergency," said Smith. "If your pet gets lost, a license is the easiest way to identify the owner and return the dog home safely."

State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1 each year. An annual license is $8.45 and a lifetime license is $51.45. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.45 and lifetime is $31.45. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities. New this year, the dog licensing law was altered to reflect a 45-cent administrative fee for cost of postage involved with licensing. Due to this change, only new applications reflecting this fee will be accepted.

Fees collected through dog licensing are used by the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to protect the safety, health and welfare of dogs. More than 929,000 dogs were licensed in 2010.

More information about dog licensing, a list of county treasurer's offices and a downloadable license application are available online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us, under "Programs" and then "PA Dog Licensing."

Media Contact: Matt Tindall, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture