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It’s that time of year again: Get your dog a license

2 min read
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or at the very least, it’s time to get your favorite canine a new dog license.

Pennsylvania law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Licenses can now be purchased from county treasurers.

“We issue about 20,000 licenses a year,” said Lisa Carpenter, office manager of the Washington County treasurer’s office.

An annual dog license costs $8.50, but it’s only $6.50 if the dog is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses also are available if dogs have permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo, and older adults and people with disabilities may also be eligible for discounts. Lifetime licenses do require a different application and must be filled out by a veterinarian.

“If you purchase a dog license, if someone finds the tag they’ll call us and we can let them know who the owner is,” Carpenter said. If your dog is licensed, then you also can avoid a fine of $300.

Dog license applications ask for owner contact information and details about the dog being licensed such as its name, age, breed and color.

“The state requires it, and it helps to identify the owners more quickly,” Carpenter added.

Licenses are annual, running from January until December. Even if a license was purchased in October for 2014, owners are still required to get a new one for 2015.

“If you own a dog, you need to get him a license,” Agriculture Secretary George Greig said in a news release. “Buying a dog license is easy and affordable, and it gives owners peace of mind knowing that if their dog gets lost, it’s his ticket home.”

Some dog owners are very enthusiastic about their dog licenses, according to Carpenter.

“The people … that make (their dogs) a family member are very passionate about getting their licenses and making sure they get the information correct,” she said. “(They’re) very sentimental.”

Dog license applications can be downloaded and mailed to the treasurer, or dropped off at the office. They also can be filled out in person at the office or filled out online once the county treasurer’s website is up and running again next week, after being down for maintenance.

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