Dog Wardens to Canvass 22 Counties for Current Dog Licenses, Rabies Vaccinations in June

Harrisburg, PA – The state Department of Agriculture announced today that state dog wardens will conduct dog license and rabies vaccination checks in 22 counties in June. This program aims to raise awareness of the importance of up-to-date dog licenses, and rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats to the health and safety of Pennsylvania communities.

Counties to be canvassed in June include Adams, Beaver, Bedford, Bradford, Cambria, Cameron, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Dauphin, Erie, Fulton, Greene, Juniata, Luzerne, Lycoming, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Sullivan, and Venango counties. Canvassing began in April and will conclude this month.

June’s canvassing schedule is as follows:

June 4-8: Adams, Cambria, Crawford, Fulton, Juniata, Lycoming, and Pike counties
June 11-15: Beaver, Bedford, Perry, Potter, Northumberland, Sullivan, and Venango counties
June 18-22: Bradford, Cameron, and Greene counties
June 25-29: Clinton, Columbia, Dauphin, Erie, and Luzerne counties

Pennsylvania law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by January 1 of each year. The fee is $6.50 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8.50 for other dogs. Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.50 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $6.50 for others. Dog licenses are available through county treasurers’ offices.

All dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older must also be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.

Violators may be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs.

Dog wardens drive vehicles and wear uniforms labeled with “Pennsylvania Dog Law Enforcement Warden” in a keystone with a state seal. They wear a badge and state identification.

Wardens will request proof of licensure and proof of rabies vaccination. They will leave written notice for someone who is not home, or does not answer the door. Dog wardens will not enter a home or building without the owner’s permission.

For more information, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com, or call 717-787-3062.