Nov. 28—The price of a dog license is increasing for the first time in nearly 30 years.
This year Gov. Josh Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation that hikes the cost in an effort to boost funding for the agency tasked with enforcing the state dog law, shutting down illegal kennels and holding owners responsible for dangerous dogs.
This price change is being implemented in two phases. The first phase begins Friday and runs through the end of January.
In the first phase, the price of an annual license will rise $2 to $8.70 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered. For dogs that are spayed or neutered the price will remain at $6.70.
Lifetime licenses in the first phase will cost $51.70 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered, and $31.70 for those that are.
Senior citizens and people with disabilities will be charged $6.70 for annual licenses for dogs that are not spayed or neutered during the first phase and $4.70 for dogs that are. They will pay $31.70 for lifetime licenses for dogs that aren't spayed or neutered and $21.70 for ones that are.
The second phase begins on Feb. 1 and sees the end of discounts for dogs that are spayed or neutered.
As of February annual licenses for all dogs will cost $8.70. Annual licenses for all dogs will be $51.70.
Seniors and people with disabilities will pay $6.7 for annual licenses and $31.70 for lifetime licenses.
Online renewal notices will be emailed starting Friday to owners with email addresses recorded in the licensing system. Reminder postcards are also being sent to dog owners and should begin to reach households by Dec. 8.
For additional information regarding the price changes, visit the Berks County treasurer's office website at countyofberks.com/departments/treasurer/dog-license.