Dog Wardens, PetSmart® Challenge Pennsylvanians to License 100,000 Dogs in March

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary George Greig, state dog wardens and pet specialty retailer PetSmart^® today challenged Pennsylvanians to license their dogs by setting a goal to sell 100,000 licenses in March. The challenge is part of "Dog License Awareness Month."

If the licensing goal is met, PetSmart will donate $10,000 to Susquehanna Service Dogs, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service and hearing dogs that help children and adults with special needs become more independent. The cost of training and placing one service dog is approximately $20,000. Fundraising and donations by individuals, groups and corporations helps defray the cost.

"A dog license is the best way to protect your dog if he gets lost, and it's the law," Greig said. "Buy a license for your dog in March. You'll not only help your best friend, you'll support an organization that helps Pennsylvanians lead independent lives."

State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed each year. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.

"At PetSmart, supporting the communities in which we live and work is not just what we do - it's who we are," Sue Colrus, PetSmart's District Manager for Southern Pennsylvania said.  "So we are thrilled to be a part of this important licensing effort because it's good for Pennsylvania; it's good for pet parents; and it's good for our dogs."

"Licensing your dog is easy and affordable," Dauphin County Treasurer Janis Creason said. "Buy a license from your county treasurer or another licensing agent like a retail store, veterinarian office or, in some cases, online."

An annual dog 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.

Licensing fees support the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.

For more information, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call the Dog Law Enforcement Office at 717-787-3062.

Media contact: Samantha Elliott Krepps, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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