Calling all dog owners: Is your furry friend legal?

It’s all ears, eyes and paws up for this one.

“The best protection for the dog is a license,” said Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture.

If you have a furry, four legged friend at home, you’ll want to listen up.

2026 dog licenses will be available to purchase starting December 1st.

Rose Lopiccolo with the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Northampton County said it’s about making sure your township, county and state know there is a dog in your home and you’re taking care of them responsibly.

“Having that licensing again is a great way to make sure that your pet gets back to you if something happens,” said Lopiccolo. “It matches up to all of the descriptions. It matches up to the ownership, and that keeps you responsible, but it also keeps other people accountable if they if they wind up coming across your animal.”

Officials said licensing your pup is a legal requirement and they must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase.

If you don’t, you can be hit with a fine and court costs.

An annual license costs $10.80.

For dogs with permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo, a lifetime license costs $52.80.

Chris Baringer with Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue in Lehigh County said the money goes towards the work of dog wardens.

“That helps cover their salaries and pay for them to be here in Pennsylvania, it also helps support our laws that we have to protect dogs in Pennsylvania,” said Baringer.

Officials said owners can visit www.pa.gov to apply for a dog license. 

The 2026 licensing year runs through the end of January.