Changes to the state’s dog regulations signed into law back in October go into effect this month.

And a part of the change will see the cost of a dog license increase.

The legislation was proposed by Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver, Butler, Lawrence counties).

“The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (BDLE) has been operating in a deficit for several years and annually requires a transfer of funds to maintain operations,” Vogler wrote in a legislative memo.

As a result, the bureau has been understaffed.

“This legislation will revise annual and lifetime dog licenses and reasonably increase fees for the first time in over 25 years,” Vogel said.

The legislation also proposed an increase in the cost for kennel inspections, the first increase since 1965.

In addition, since kennel inspections are a significant portion of the work done by this Bureau and kennel license fees have not been increased in 57 years, since 1965, the proposal includes a 25% percent increase for each classification.

“Currently, the Department of Agriculture acknowledges that only approximately 50% of dogs in the Commonwealth are licensed,” Vogel wrote.

“To capture additional licenses, this legislation will update the current licensing requirement for a dog at three months of age or older, to the point of transfer to a new owner, or whichever occurs first.”

Both Rep. Kathy Rapp and Sen. Scott Hutchinson voted against the bill.

According to a statement from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office, the fee for an annual dog license will increase to $8.70 on March 1. Lifetime license fees will increase to $52.70 on March 1.

The legislation, among many other changes, also includes language that will allow the Secretary of Agriculture to increase fees by $2 on Dec. 1, 2025 and $1 on Dec. 1, 2027.

“Those selling or offering dogs for adoption will be required to provide a dog license application along with the dog,” the statement added.

“Dog license sales fund Pennsylvania dog wardens’ work upholding high standards of care in kennels; shutting down illegal kennels; and keeping communities safer by holding dangerous dog owners responsible,” the statement from Shapiro’s office explained. “Kennel fees had not increased in nearly 60 years and the price of a license had not increased in nearly 30 years, severely straining funds to support enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law.

“Dog licenses, required in Pennsylvania, help make dogs readily identifiable if they are lost. Even if a dog has a chip, a license on their collar is clearly visible, and helps ensure they make it home rather than ending up in a shelter.”