Dog Wardens to Canvass 36 Counties for Current Dog Licenses, Rabies Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – To help ensure that pets and people are kept safe across Pennsylvania, state dog wardens will conduct dog license and rabies vaccination checks in 36 counties in May. This outreach program helps educate Pennsylvanians about the need to keep dog licenses and rabies vaccinations – for both cats and dogs – up to date.

Counties to be canvassed in May include Adams, Allegheny, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cameron, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Fayette, Franklin, Forest, Fulton, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, McKean, Mercer, Monroe, Montour, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, Snyder, Tioga, Union, Washington, Warren, Wayne, Wyoming, and York. Canvassing began in April and will continue in additional counties in June.

May’s canvassing schedule is as follows:

May 1-4: Adams, Butler, Clinton, Fulton, Lehigh, McKean, Montour, Northampton, and Washington counties

May 7-11: Bedford, Blair, Chester, Lawrence, Tioga, Warren, Washington, and Wayne counties

May 14-18: Allegheny, Cameron, Cumberland, Franklin, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, and Snyder counties

May 21-25: Allegheny, Centre, Lebanon, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, and Union counties

May 28-31: Clearfield, Fayette, Forest, Schuylkill, Wyoming, and York counties

Pennsylvania law requires all dogs three months or 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.

Additionally, all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older must 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.