SMETHPORT — Dog licenses are now available at the McKean County Treasurer’s Office in the county courthouse in Smethport.
Dogs must be licensed by Jan. 1. State law requires all dogs, ages three months of age and older, to be licensed by that date each year.
Licenses may be purchased at the treasurer’s office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or through the mail. They can also be purchased online at the website mckeancountypa.org. Licenses will also be for sale through the Bradford Senior Center and Kane Community Center.
Officials said an annual dog license is $8.50 or $6.50 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are also available at $31.50 or $51.50 for dogs that have permanent identification such as a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase a license at a discounted rate.
The license application collects information such as the owner’s contact information and details about the dog being licensed, such as the pet’s name, age, breed and color. The information is used by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law, local police and shelters to identify lost dogs and get them home safely.
McKean County Treasurer Mary Jo Sherwood said owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
License fees support animal control through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
For more information, contact Sherwood at 814-887-3220 or mjsherwood@mckeancountypa.org.
