The small license fee helps the millions of dogs in the state by funding the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
All dogs three months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs.
· The cost of a license is less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 and lifetime is $31.50. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities.
· License fees support animal control. The annual fee you pay to license your dog helps keep shelters running and supports the work of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
The Berks County Treasurer’s office also offers a lifetime license for dogs who are microchipped or tattooed. The ARL can not process lifetime licenses, but we can assist you with the forms and verifying your dog’s microchip. Please make sure your dog accompanies you to your visit. To expedite your visit, please download these forms here, or you can complete them when you arrive at the shelter:
To comply with Pennsylvania law, all dogs 12 weeks of age and older are required to be licensed by January 1st of each year. You can purchase a yearly dog license at the ARL during general business hours. To expedite your visit, please download a copy of the license form here, or you can complete this form when you arrive at the shelter.