Photo courtesy of Pauline Loroy on Unsplash
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 18 of 2023 (formerly SB 746) on Oct. 23, changing the pricing of all dog licenses. This price change is being implemented in two phases.
The first phase of the price change increases is effective Dec. 1, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024. Annual regular licenses will be priced at $8.70 for male/female dogs or $6.70 for spayed/neutered dogs. Senior (65+) owners or persons with disability will be charged $6.70 for male/female dogs or $4.70 for spayed/neutered dogs. Lifetime regular licenses will be $51.70 for male/female dogs or $31.70 for spayed/neutered dogs. Senior (65+) owners or persons with disability fees will be $31.70 for male/female dogs or $21.70 for spayed/neutered dogs. This pricing will expire on Jan. 31, 2024.
The second phase of the price change begins Feb. 1, 2024. This change eliminates the discounted pricing for spayed/neutered dogs. Annual regular licenses will be $8.70 for all dogs. Senior (65+) owners or disabled owners will be charged $6.70 for all dogs. Lifetime regular licenses will be $52.70, and for seniors (65+) or persons with disability, the price will be $36.70 for all dogs. Permanent Identification verification forms that are required for lifetime licenses will also be updated to remove the spayed/neutered designations.
Online renewal notices will be emailed starting Dec. 1 to those owners with email addresses recorded in the licensing system. Reminder postcards are also being sent to dog owners and should begin to reach households by Dec. 8. When renewing licenses, it is important to remember that the spayed/neutered discount will no longer be applicable starting Feb. 1, 2024.
Please visit the Treasurer’s website for additional information regarding dog licensing: https://www.countyofberks.com/departments/treasurer/dog-license.
