Credit: PA Internet News Service
This month has been designated by Bucks County as Dog License Awareness Month.
The county has named the month to remind residents about the importance of licensing their dogs. State law requires that all dogs three months of age and older be licensed by January 1 each year.
Residents are now able to purchase their 2018 dog license at the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office in Doylestown.
“If your dog is lost, a license is the best way to get your dog home. License fees support animal control through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs, and overseeing annual dog licensing and rabies vaccinations,” said Bucks County Treasurer Thomas Panzer.
Bucks County Treasurer Thomas Panzer moves to pet a dog held by Dog Warden Verna North.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
An annual license is $8.50 or $6.50, depending if the dog is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are also available at $51.50 or $31.50 for dogs that have permanent identification such as a microchip or tattoo. Seniors (age 65 at time of application) and persons with disabilities (specific proof required) may purchase a license at a discounted rate. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
To purchase a dog license online, please click here. Lifetime Licenses are only available through the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office.
The license application provides owner contact information and details about the dog; the name, age, breed and color. This information is used by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law, local police and shelters to identify lost dogs and return them home safely.
A dog at the Upper Bucks County SPCA.
Credit: PA Internet News Service
“Having a dog license is the surest way to have your four-footed friend reunited with you if he or she gets lost or goes missing,” said Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Smith, noting that approximately 5,000 lost dogs end up in animal shelters each year. “But more than that, the revenues we receive from dog license sales help make sure dogs in kennels are raised safely and treated humanely; that the public has someplace to turn when there is a need to investigate dog bites; and that there is a database to track dangerous dogs that could pose a threat to the community. So if you love your dog—if you want to ensure our communities are safe from dangerous dogs—license your dog.”
Dog Wardens, according to the county, will be canvassing neighborhoods to ensure dogs are licensed in the coming weeks.
Smith, Panzer, state Dog Warden Verna North and other officials toured the Upper Bucks County SPCA facility in Richland Township to bring awareness to dog licenses.
