Released: December 11, 2023
Dog owners reminded to purchase annual license before January 1 (and before 2024 price increases take effect)
If you own a dog in Pennsylvania, whether a Beagle or Bulldog, Dalmatian or Doberman, Saint Bernard or Shih Tzu, then you’ll need an up-to-date dog license for 2024 (it’s the law).
2024 dog licenses are now available! Licensing your dog prior to the new year will ensure that you start 2024 off on the right paw (ba dum dum).
All dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year. Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31, regardless of when the license was purchased. This means that if you purchased an annual license for your dog a few weeks or months ago, that license was a 2023 license and will expire on December 31. Your dog will still need a new license for 2024.
Prices range slightly, depending on whether or not the dog is spayed or neutered, with discounts for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
There is also an option to purchase a lifetime dog license (which requires the dog to be tattooed or micro-chipped).
Please note that the new bi-partisan Dog Law Modernization Act, signed into law by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in October 2023, will take effect on January 21, 2024. This new law provides updated protections for dogs, including the first increase in licensing fees in 27 years as well as increased penalties for unlicensed dogs and negligent kennels and dog owners. These increased fees will help fully fund the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. More information on this bill, as well as details about the 2024 licensing fees that will take effect on January 21, will be made available on the Delaware County Treasurer’s website in January.
To purchase your dog license online with a credit/debit card or echeck, go to the PA Dog License website at http://www.padoglicense.com. After completion of payment, a proof of license can be printed, and the license and tag will be mailed to you the following business day.
To obtain duplicate tags, license transfers, a printed application, and more, visit the Treasurer's Office web page on the Delaware County website.