If you’ve ever had a lost dog scare you’ll know the sinking, pit of the stomach feeling – where’s your four-legged bestie? Will you ever see your furry friend again?
Bucks County officials want to remind resident canine owners to make sure their dog licenses are up to date as the annual January 1 deadline for renewals has passed.
Bucks County Treasurer Mark Moffa is reminding dog owners that Pennsylvania law requires all dogs to be licensed. A visible license tag is among the most effective ways to reunite lost pets and their owners, a Bucks County Treasurer’s Office press release said.
Bucks County offers annual and lifetime licenses here.
Residents who are aged 65 or older may receive discounted dog licenses. Bucks County’s dog license application may be found here.
All dogs 8 weeks old or three months of age (whichever comes first) by January 1 in Pennsylvania must be licensed. Pennsylvania’s dog laws may be found here.
Dog license enforcement efforts by state dog wardens begin across Bucks County in March. Dog owners found with unlicensed dogs may face fines of up to $500 per dog, plus court costs, the press release said.
“Licensing your dog isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a simple step that can make all the difference when a pet goes missing,” said Moffa.
“When my family’s beagle, Sox, got loose, we were incredibly relieved knowing he was licensed and wearing his tag. Whoever found him would have been able to call the treasurer’s office and quickly find out that Sox belonged to us. That little tag helps bring your dog home.”
Dog licenses are clearly visible on a collar and allow animal control officials, shelters or others to identify where the dog belongs right away, the press release said.
In 2024, only 3% of stray dogs statewide could be returned directly to their owners and 23% were transferred to shelters outside the county where they were found due to limited shelter space, the press release said.
Moffa said in the press release dog licenses benefit pets and owners by:
· A faster return home. A dog license helps animal control officers and shelters quickly identify a dog’s owner and county of residence.
· Lower cost than paying unlicensed dog penalties.
· Support for animal welfare and public safety. License fees help fund inspections, enforcement and oversight that protect both dogs and the community.
According to the press release, in 2025 the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement:
· Licensed nearly 2,800 kennels and conducted more than 5,500 inspections statewide.
· Revoked or refused licenses for 10 kennels, including several identified on the Humane Society of the U.S. puppy mill list.
· Issued 36 civil penalties for illegal kennel and advertising violations and made numerous referrals for animal cruelty investigations.
· Tracked and monitored 826 dogs deemed dangerous by magisterial judges to help keep communities safe.
For more information contact the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office at treasurer@buckscounty.org or call 215-368-6244.
