Dog wardens will canvass homes in Berks County several times during the spring to summer months to ensure all dog owners have current licenses and rabies vaccinations for their dogs.
It’s the Law – A dog license is a legal responsibility of owning a dog in Pennsylvania and the best way to ensure that your pet doesn’t end up in a shelter if it gets lost. Sales of dog licenses fund dog wardens’ work to protect all Pennsylvania dogs and the communities they live in.
Dogs must now be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. The earliest that dogs can be purchased or adopted in Pennsylvania is eight weeks old.
An annual license costs $10.80. Lifetime licenses are available for $52.80 for dogs with permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. Senior adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounted fees of $8.80 for an annual license or $36.80 for a lifetime license.
The cost of a license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs can face fines of up to $500, plus court costs for each unlicensed dog.
Unlike a microchip, a license on a dog’s collar is clearly visible and increases their chance of being returned home, rather than ending up in a shelter.
The work of dog wardens inspecting kennels, investigating illegal puppy mills, monitoring dangerous dogs, and picking up stray dogs is made possible by dog license sales.
By licensing your dog, you become a vital partner in this mission — helping to reunite lost pets with their families, support rescues, shut down bad actors and ensure humane treatment for dogs in every community across the Commonwealth.
A current dog license is more than a tag on a collar; it’s a heartfelt commitment to responsible ownership and a stronger, safer future for Pennsylvania’s dogs.
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.
Purchase a License – Licenses may be purchased in person between 8:00am-4:00pm; by mail to, Berks County Treasurer at 633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601; online at https://www.padoglicense.com or at one of our issuing agents in Berks County. Questions may be directed to the Treasurer’s office at 610-478-6640. Visit www.licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov or call 717-787-3062.
