HARRISBURG, Pa. — The price of dog licenses in Pennsylvania will increase for the first time in nearly 30 years under legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The Shapiro administration said the sale of dog licenses, which are required in Pennsylvania, funds the work of dog wardens in maintaining high standards of care in kennels, shutting down illegal kennels and holding dangerous dog owners accountable.
Funding to support the enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law has been severely strained because the fees haven’t increased in decades, according to the Department of Agriculture.
On March 1, fees will increase to $8.70 for an annual licence and $52.70 for a lifetime licence. Between December 1 and March 1, owners of spayed or neutered dogs can pay the previous rates of $6.70 for an annual licence and $31.70 for a lifetime licence.
The Act also allows the Minister of Agriculture to increase the fees by $2 in 2025 and by $1 in 2027.
Fines for unlicensed dogs will range from $100 to $500, plus court costs.
The law also increases licensing fees for kennels, which haven’t risen in nearly 60 years, and criminal penalties for other dog law violations.
“Pennsylvanians have made it clear that they expect kennels, breeders and shelters to be held to high standards,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a press release. “They want their communities to be safe from stray and dangerous dogs. They want owners to be held accountable when their dog attacks, and they want unscrupulous breeders to be shut down. The Shapiro Administration has worked with both parties in the Legislature to make common sense changes to the Dog Act to keep our communities, our families and our dogs safe and healthy.”
The bill, which had bipartisan support, was sponsored by Senator Elder Vogel, Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. It will take effect in 90 days.
Licences can be purchased through Pennsylvania’s county treasurers. Lifetime licences are available for microchipped or tattooed dogs. Each licence fee includes $1.70 for postage and administration.