Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that annual dog licenses for 2026 will be available for purchase beginning December 1. Licensing is required for all dog owners in Pennsylvania and funds the work of state dog wardens.
Secretary Redding was joined by Montgomery County Treasury officials and members of the Montgomery County 4-H Speedy Paws Dog Agility Club to highlight how licensing supports public safety and animal welfare.
According to state law, dogs must be licensed at the time of purchase or adoption, or by three months of age if no transfer of ownership has occurred. The minimum age for adoption or purchase of a dog in Pennsylvania is eight weeks.
Beginning December 1, dog owners can purchase annual licenses online through their county treasurer at licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov. Lifetime licenses may also be available online depending on the county; the website provides details on purchasing lifetime licenses and lists contact information for dog wardens and county treasurers.
The cost of an annual dog license is $10.80. Lifetime licenses cost $52.80 for dogs with permanent identification such as a microchip or tattoo. Senior adults and individuals with disabilities may qualify for reduced fees of $8.80 annually or $36.80 for a lifetime license. Owners who fail to license their dogs can face fines of up to $500, plus court costs, for each unlicensed dog.
Montgomery County Treasurer Jason Salus said licensing helps local governments maintain positive interactions with residents and noted that most Montgomery County dog owners comply because they recognize the protection licensing provides.
Members of the Montgomery County 4-H Speedy Paws Dog Agility Club demonstrated agility courses at Orchard Hills Training Center in Barto, where dogs wore their Pennsylvania dog licenses. Orchard Hills offers 15,000 square feet of training space for the club’s activities.
A visible license on a dog’s collar increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. In 2024, only 3% of stray dogs in Pennsylvania were immediately returned to their owners, and 23% were transported to shelters in other counties due to lack of space.
More information on dog licensing and dog ownership responsibilities is available at licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov.
