In the months ahead, Pennsylvania dog wardens will canvass homes in Berks County to ensure all dogs have current licenses and rabies vaccinations.
Pennsylvania law requires that dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at 3 months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. The earliest that dogs can be purchased or adopted in the state is 8 weeks old.
An annual license costs $10.80. Lifetime licenses are available for $52.80 for dogs with permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Senior adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounted fees of $8.80 for an annual license 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.
The work of dog wardens inspecting kennels, investigating illegal puppy mills, monitoring dangerous dogs and picking up stray dogs is made possible by the sale of dog licenses.
Troy Lipp, who serves as dog warden for the region of the state that includes Berks, said owners who license their dogs become a vital partner in the mission to help reunite lost pets with their families, support rescues, shut down bad actors and ensure humane treatment for all dogs in every community across the state.
“A current dog license is more than a tag on a collar; it’s a heartfelt commitment to responsible ownership and a stronger, safer future for Pennsylvania’s dogs,” he said.
Additionally, Lipp said all dogs and cats 3 months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies and booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.
Residents can buy licenses online at padoglicense.com or at the Berks County Treasurer’s Office at 633 Court St. in Reading between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.