By ANDREW MORRISON

amorrison@timesobserver.com

Pennsylvanians can now purchase 2018 dog licenses from their county treasurers. State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year.

“Dog licenses go on sale December 1 each year and are valid from January 1 to December 31,” said Warren County Treasurer Denny Munksgard. “Warren County residents can obtain their licenses at the courthouse, from one of our agents, or online.”

Places to purchase license in Warren County:

¯ County Treasurer’s Office – Warren County Courthouse, 204 4th Ave., Warren;

¯ Paws Along River – 212 Elm St., Warren;

¯ Lottsville Milling – 17235 Route 957, Bear Lake;

¯ Online, www.padoglicense.com.

An annual dog license is $8.50, or $6.50 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs that have permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts.

The dog license application is simple, only requesting owner contact information, and details about the dog being licensed, like name, age, breed and color.

Munksgard offered these reasons for dog licensing:

¯ It’s the law. All dogs three months and older must have a current license.

¯ If your dog gets lost, a license is the best way to get them back. A license helps animal control and shelters identify your dog and get him back home safely.

¯ 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.

¯ 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.

For more information, including a list of county treasurers, visit licenseyourdogpa.com, call the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement Office at (717) 787-3062, or call the Warren County Treasurer’s Office at (814) 728-3417.