Dog licenses for 2008 available from county

HARRISBURG - State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff is reminding Pennsylvania dog owners to apply for their 2008 dog licenses.

"Obtaining a license is a quick and easy process that is essential to the safety of our pets," said Wolff. "If a dog is lost or stolen, a license can help make sure they get home safely."

State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1 each year. An annual license is $8 and a lifetime license is $51. If the license is for a spayed or neutered animal, the annual fee is $6 while a lifetime license is $31. Discounts are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Fees collected through dog licensing are used to fund dog wardens as part of a crack down on unsatisfactory dog kennels throughout Pennsylvania, helping to protect the health, safety and welfare of kenneled dogs. More than 900,000 licenses were obtained in 2007.

The Pennsylvania dog-licensing program is administered by the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

License applications are available at every county treasurer's office.

A list of county treasurers and a downloadable license application is available online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/pa doglaw