Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 18 of 2023 (formerly SB 746) on October 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 December 1, 2023, through January 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 January 31, 2024.
The second phase of the price change begins February 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 Senior (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 December 1, 2023, 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 December 8, 2023. When renewing licenses, it is important to remember that the spayed/neutered discount will no longer be applicable starting February 1, 2024.
Visit the Berks County Treasurer’s website for additional information regarding dog licensing countyofberks.com/departments/treasurer/dog-license.
