Dec 4, 2013 3 min read

It’s that time of year again. Local dog owners have until Jan. 1 to renew or purchase their furry friend’s license.

Francis King, Washington County treasurer, said securing a license for your dog is not only the law, but the responsible thing to do.

“If the dog gets lost and is found, we can locate the owner right away,” said King.

Although a dog license can be purchased at any time through the course of the year, King said a new license must be purchased at the beginning of each year. State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year, according to a news release from the Department of Agriculture.

“If you get caught without a license, you could be fined up to $300,” King said, a large cost compared to the minimal annual fee of $8.45.

The cost is reduced to $6.45 if the dog is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses also are available for dogs that have permanent identification such as a microchip or tattoo. King said the cost is $51.45, or $31.45 for dogs that are spayed or neutered. Discounts also are available for older and disabled dog owners.

Two years ago, the Greene County treasurer’s office saw a 100 percent increase in the number of dog licenses it issued, according to county Treasurer Cory Grandel. Grandel attributed the increase to a mass publicity campaign in newspapers, on billboards and in mailings sent with drivers’ license renewals in the state. Grandel said the push made the public more aware of the need for licensing and the consequences of not having a license for one’s pets.

A new online system, implemented in Greene County for the 2013 licensing year, has also helped to bring the numbers up, without costing taxpayers. It can be accessed at www.padoglicense.com.

Grandel said he believes the online system will help with dog licensing in the county even more starting in November 2014. At that time, renewals will be sent out from a mailing list generated from those who have previously renewed or received a new dog license online from Greene County. Grandel estimated the mailing would number between 5,000 and 8,000 pieces and be sent with help from state funding.

“This is definitely going to increase license purchases, as well. The website has helped us to reach certain individuals that we haven’t been able to reach in the past,” Grandel said.

It isn’t only Greene County that has experienced a jump in the number of dog licenses being issued.

“Last year was the first year in the history (of dog licensing) the state sold over 1 million dog licenses statewide,” Grandel said.

Grandel said a lot of credit goes to Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Pechart, who has been aggressive in his role enforcing the dog laws of the commonwealth.

With the deadline fast approaching for dog license renewals, King said his office already is busy.

“We sent out postcards to remind pet owners the Wednesday before Thanksgiving,” he said. “On Monday, when we came back to work (from the holiday), we had 40 (replies).”

Last December, King said the treasurer’s office sold 8,500 licenses, a third of its typical annual sales.

“We normally sell between 24,000 and 25,000 dog licenses in a year,” King said. “We expect the same this year. There’s no reason for it to be different. It might be more, but it won’t be less.”

Dog licenses can be purchased at the treasurer’s office, 100 W. Beau St., Washington, or online at www.co.washington.pa.us.