Agriculture Secretary George Greig is challenging Pennsylvanians to license their dogs by setting a goal to sell 100,000 licenses in March.
 
The challenge is part of “Dog License Awareness Month.”
 
If the licensing goal is met, PetSmart will donate $10,000 to Susquehanna Service Dogs, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service and hearing dogs that help children and adults with special needs become more independent. The cost of training and placing one service dog is approximately $20,000. Fundraising and donations by individuals, groups and corporations helps defray the cost.
 
State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed each year. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
 
An annual dog license is $8.45 and a lifetime license is $51.45. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.45 and lifetime is $31.45. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities. Licensing fees support the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
 
For more information, visit www.licenseyourdogPA.com or call the Dog Law Enforcement Office at 717-787-3062.