New law increases Pennsylvania dog license fees for first time in nearly 30 years
HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- The price of dog licenses in Pennsylvania will increase for the first time in nearly 30 years under legislation Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law on Monday.
The Shapiro administration said the sale of dog licenses, which are required in Pennsylvania, funds dog wardens' work in upholding high standards of care in kennels, shutting down illegal kennels and holding dangerous dog owners responsible.
There's been a severe strain on funds to support the enforcement of Pennsylvania's Dog Law because fees haven't increased in decades, the Department of Agriculture said.
Fees will increase to $8.70 for an annual license and $52.70 for a lifetime license on March 1. Between Dec. 1 and March 1, owners of dogs that are spayed and neutered can get the prior rates of $6.70 for an annual license and $31.70 for a lifetime license.
The law also enables the secretary of agriculture to increase fees again by $2 in 2025 and $1 in 2027.
Fines for unlicensed dogs will range from $100 to $500 on top of court costs.
The law also increases the license fees for kennels, which haven't gone up in nearly 60 years, and criminal penalties for other violations of the Dog Law.
"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 news release. "They want their communities to be safe from stray and dangerous dogs. They want owners to be held responsible when their dog attacks, and they want unscrupulous breeders to be shut down. The Shapiro Administration, working with both parties in the legislature, has made commonsense changes to the dog law to keep our communities, our families, and our dogs safe and healthy."
The bill, which had bipartisan support, was sponsored by Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Sen. Elder Vogel. It takes effect in 90 days.
Licenses can be bought through Pennsylvania's county treasurers. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs with a microchip or tattoo. Each license fee includes $1.70 postage and administrative costs.