Dog Licenses

Find complete information on fees, senior citizen discounts, lifetime licenses, and more.

In October, PA Dog Law was changed to allow fee increases for the new year. Starting December 1, 2023, all license fees have increased by 20 cents.

On February 1, 2024 the fee for an annual dog license will increase to $8.70 for all dogs. Discounts for seniors and disabled persons will still be available, but there will no longer be a discount for spayed or neutered dogs.

As a convenience, dog owners have the option of purchasing a one-time Lifetime license for their dog instead of purchasing an annual license every year (see details below). Lifetime license fees will increase to $52.70 on February 1, 2024. The rates for Lifetime licenses purchased between December 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024 are $31.70 for neutered animals and $51.70 for others. Discounts are available for qualified seniors and disabled persons.

Requirements

State law requires that all dogs three months or older must be licensed in the county where they are maintained. New tags should be displayed beginning January 1 each year. Dogs without licenses could subject their owners to penalties. A license serves a very important purpose in helping to return a dog to its owner if it should happen to stray or become lost.

• License your dog online (convenience fees apply)
• Dog License Application (fillable PDF)
• Lifetime License Application (fillable PDF)
• Permanent ID Verification (PDF)
• Transfer Dog License Form (PDF)
• Request for Replacement Lifetime License (PDF)
• Application locations - Licenses may be purchased at the Treasurer’s Office or several additional convenient locations throughout the county.
  
  

Fees: December 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024

Lifetime licenses are only available through the Treasurer’s Office. To obtain a lifetime license, your dog must be microchipped, and you must submit with your application a Permanent Identification Verification (PIV) form completed and signed by your veterinarian or kennel. You should receive this form when the dog is microchipped. For dogs that are already microchipped, a veterinarian can scan the microchip to complete the PIV form. (Veterinarians in the area very familiar with this process.) The lifetime license application cannot be processed without a PIV form. If you choose to have your dog tattooed, you must first contact the Treasurer’s office to receive paperwork. For additional information, call the Centre County Treasurer’s office at (814) 355-6810.

Discounted dog licenses are available to people with a disability as defined by Section 102 of the Pennsylvania Dog Law: "Person with a disability"

A person who receives:

• Disability insurance or supplemental security income for the aged, blind or disabled under the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620, 42 U.S.C. Section 301 et seq.);
• Who receives a rent or property tax rebate under the act of March 11, 1971 (P.L.104, Number 3), known as the "Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act," on account of disability;
• Who has a disability certificate issued by the United States Veterans’ Administration;
• Or who has a special registration plate under 75 Pa.C.S. Section 1338 (relating to person with disability plate and placard).

Proof of disability must be provided in order to qualify for a discounted license.

For more information, please visit the PA Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.