Current Rabies Vaccinations are required.
Township Ordinance §2-602 – DOGS & CATS MUST HAVE CURRENT RABIES VACCINATIONS (Ord. 06-2013-583, 6/13/2013, §602)
It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any dog or cat to keep, harbor or have in his, her or its custody or control within the Township any dog or cat three months or older unless such dog or cat has a current vaccination against rabies with a vaccine as approved by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Proof of vaccination shall be furnished at the request of the Township.
Dog Law Legislation
PA dog wardens work daily for public safety. From investigating the nearly 1,300 dog bites reported in 2019, to charging the owners of dangerous dogs and tracking dangerous dogs’ whereabouts for life, the Bureau of Dog Law is committed to serving the people of Pennsylvania. Without proper funding, the safety of citizens may be in jeopardy. Contact your legislators about House Bill 1504 and Senate Bill 663. Help Dog Law continue this vital work.
License Your Dog in PA
All dogs three months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Violators could be cited with a $500 fine, per violation, plus court costs.
An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 and lifetime is $31.50. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities.
The small license fee helps the millions of dogs in the state by funding the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Dog licenses are available from your local county treasurer and other licensing agents.
Reasons for dog licensing:
- It’s the law. All dogs three months and older must have a current license.
- If your dog gets lost, a license is the best way to get him back. A license helps animal control and shelters identify your dog and get him back home safely.
- The cost of a license is less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
- License fees support animal control. The annual fee you pay to license your dog helps keep shelters running and supports the work of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
Cost of Dog Licenses
Annual licenses: $8.70
Lifetime licenses: $52.70
Senior citizens or residents with disabilities:
Annual fee: $6.70
Lifetime fee: $36.70
Effective 12/01/2023, all Dog Licenses may be purchased online.
Please visit https://www.doglicenses.us/PA/Lehigh/
Please see below for in-person purchases.
Annual Dog Licenses
Annual Dog licenses will no longer be sold at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 South Seventh Street, Room 119, Allentown, PA. They may be purchased at one of the designated issuing agents. The license is valid only for the calendar year.
- Paul’s Hardware, 2821 Rt. 309, Orefield, PA
610-395-3233 - Boyer’s Hardware, 130 Main St., Slatington, PA
610-767-3162 - Blose’s Market, 7070 Rt 309, New Tripoli, PA
610-298-2003 - Hometown Pet Center, 702 W. State St., Coopersburg, PA
610-282-5435 - K-9 Kampus, 1855 Folk Rd., Fogelsville, PA
610-285-6711 - Animal Control – City of Allentown, 641 S. 10th St., Allentown, PA
610-437-8729
The following information is needed when purchasing a dog license.
- Owner’s name, address, and telephone number.
- Dog’s name, age, breed, sex, and color.
- Proof of age is required for Sr. Citizen (age 65 or older).
- A veterinarian’s proof of neutering or spaying to take advantage of lower fees.
Lifetime Dog Licenses
Lifetime dog licenses are available if you are going to have the dog tattooed or implanted with a microchip. These licenses may be purchased by mail or in person at the Lehigh County Government Center. A tattoo number is issued by the County fiscal Office at the time of application. Completion of a Permanent Identification Form is required by the veterinarian tattooing, implanting or scanning the microchip. This form must be returned to the County Treasurer within 30 days of a receipt. A dog is not legally licensed until a dog owner returns the completed certificate.
Please mail or bring the completed documents to:
Lehigh County Government
17 S. 7th St., Room #119
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3112
Lifetime Dog License application and Permanent ID Verification Form »
Fees for a lifetime dog license is as follows:
- $52.70 Male or female dogs.
- $36.70 Sr. Citizen or person with disability male or female dogs.