Dog owners in Warren County will soon be getting a reminder that their pets need to be licensed by January 1 of each year.
The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement will put people on the streets of the county in May checking that dogs are licensed, have current shots, and are not running loose.
"They will be canvassing," County Treasurer Nancy Siggins said on Friday.
According to a release from the bureau, "state law requires that all dogs three months of age and older be licensed. The fee is $6 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8 for other dogs."
Senior citizens and people with disabilities may purchase licenses at a $2 discount.
"Additionally, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and any cat that enters a human dwelling over three months of age," the release said.
A fine of up to $300 per violation of the requirements may be levied and court costs assessed.
In addition to being the law, dog licenses serve important purposes.
"For instance, if a dog gets lost, having a current license is the fastest way for it to be reunited with its owner," Nicole Bucher of the Department of Agriculture press office said. "Dogs that lack a current license could be transferred to shelters far from their homes and adopted by other families if the original owner cannot be identified."
Licenses are available through the treasurer's office (728-3415) at the Warren County Courthouse; the Warren County Humane Society (726-1961), 212 Elm St., Warren; or Lottsville Milling (489-3977), RD 1, Box 160, Bear Lake.
Complaints about dogs that are not kept under control may be reported by calling the State Dog Law Enforcement officer for Warren and McKean counties at 837-7813.
Unlicensed kennels and unsatisfactory kennel conditions may be reported by calling 877-DOG-TIP1.
More information regarding dog licensing may be obtained by calling the bureau at (717) 787-3062 or by clicking on Bureaus, Commissions and Councils and Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at www.agriculture.state.pa.us.
