With the end of 2012 comes a reminder from Lycoming County Treasurer Connie L. Rupert that all dogs 3 months and older need to be licensed by Jan. 1, as required by state law.
Rupert reminded dog owners that licenses are only valid until the end of the calendar year. A license purchased this August, for example, expires on Dec. 31 and is not valid through next August.
Between the county treasurer's office and two authorized point of sale agents, about 10,500 dog licenses were processed in 2012, according to Rupert. That generated more than $13,400 in revenue for the county, she said.
Dog licenses for 2013 became available for sale on Dec. 1 and are available at the treasurer's office between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St. and the Lycoming County SPCA, 2805 Reach Road. While licenses are available now at the treasurer's office, tags will be available after Jan. 2 at the SPCA, Rupert said.
Licenses also can be purchased online at www.lyco.org or www.licenseyourdogPA.com. An annual license is $8.45 and a lifetime license is $51.45. An annual license for spayed or neutered dogs is $6.45 and $31.45 for a lifetime tag. Discounts are available for senior citizens and those with disabilities.
A lifetime license, which only can be purchased at the treasurer's office, requires dogs to be microchipped or tattooed, Rupert said.
"A dog license is an inexpensive way to keep peace of mind in the event your dog gets lost," said George Greig, state Department of Agriculture Secretary. "It's your dog's ticket home and it's the law."
License fees support the state's Dog Law Enforcement Office, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Failure to license dogs could result in a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
