Love your dog? License your dog. It’s the law.

What are the laws?

• Cumberland County requires that all dogs, three months or older, be licensed by January 1 of each year.
• Cumberland County requires that all dogs and non-feral cats, three months of age or older, be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.

What is the cost?

Update: Pricing has changed as of February 1, 2024. See new prices below.

• Annual dog license: The cost is $8.70. Discounted Lifetime Licenses are available to dog owners 65 and older or dog owners with certain disabilities. The discounted cost is $6.70. Annual dog licenses expire on December 31st of every year.
• Lifetime dog license: The cost is $52.70. Discounted Lifetime Licenses are available to dog owners 65 and older or dog owners with certain disabilities. The discounted cost is $36.70.

Where do I register?

Update: County dog licenses are no longer available at the Borough Office.

• Annual licenses may be purchased in person at an agent’s office or online at https://www.doglicenses.us/PA/Cumberland/.
• Lifetime Licenses can only be submitted by mail or obtained in person at the County Treasurer’s Office. Find the details on how to apply and download the forms at www.doglicenses.us. Lifetime Licenses cannot be purchased online or at an agent’s office.

Why get your dog licensed?

• If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way for it to be reunited with you.
• Licensing reduces the number of dogs in shelters, thereby creating space for truly homeless pets and reducing euthanization rates.
• A dog without a current license can be transported to shelters far from their homes, and eventually adopted out if no owner is identified.
• A dog license helps to control the stray dog population.
• Violators will be cited with a maximum fine of $500 per violation plus court costs.

Where does the money from purchased licenses go?

Revenue from the sale of dog licenses funds the work of dog wardens protecting all dogs and puppies in kennels, shutting down bad actors and puppy mills, keeps dangerous dogs monitored and off the street, and our communities safe.

Allows dog wardens to:

• Inspect more than 2,500 state-licensed kennels, a minimum of twice annually
• Investigate and prosecute illegal kennel operations “puppy mills”
• Control the spread of infectious and contagious diseases
• Track and monitor more than 600 dangerous dogs
• Pick up stray or abandoned dogs
• Reimburse shelters for holding stray dogs
• Reimburse farmers for damages to livestock caused by dogs or coyotes

General Dog Law Information

• The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs and puppies in kennels, regulating activities pertaining to dogs that are classified as dangerous, and oversees annual licensure and rabies vaccinations for dogs.
• Complaints or tips can be submitted to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement online at www.licenseyourdogPA.com or by contacting your local dog warden.