*** PSA ***
The Borough received notice from the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog that all PA municipalities are asked to post the below info and link on their social media and websites. They have also notified ALL PA municipalities that beginning in March 2026, the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is requiring Dog Wardens to canvass residential neighborhoods for dog licenses.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Laws:
– If your dog is not licensed, you may be fined up to $500 per dog. Find where to purchase yours online at: https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-a-dog-license
– Your dog must be under control and supervised at all times; fines range from $500-$1000 per dog. You are responsible for any damage caused by your dog on someone else’s property.
– It is illegal to mistreat or abuse animals. Report suspected abuse to your local humane organization or police.
– Purposely poisoning a dog, whether it is yours or someone else’s, is illegal.
– You may not abandon or attempt to abandon any dog. You could be fined $1,000 plus court costs.
– Puppies under eight weeks old cannot be bartered, traded, sold, or transferred.
– You must have a kennel license if you keep, sell, transfer, adopt or foster at least 26 dogs in a calendar year.
– If your dog attacks or kills a human or domestic animal without provocation, it may be considered dangerous. You may face extensive fines and restrictions.
Pennsylvania’s Rabies Law:
Ignoring Pennsylvania’s rabies vaccination law can be costly – in more ways than one. Dogs and cats are exposed to the rabies virus through wild and stray animals, posing a threat to their health and yours.
– Dogs and cats three months or older must have a current rabies vaccination
– Owners of non-vaccinated pets may be fined up to $300 plus court costs
– Licensed veterinarians can vaccinate dogs and provide a vaccination certificate
– Dog wardens perform random checks to ensure rabies vaccinations are current
License Your Dog. It’s the Law:
– All dogs three months or older or upon transfer must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year
– Owners of non-licensed dogs can be cited with a maximum fine of $500 per dog plus court costs
– Dog wardens randomly canvass neighborhoods to ensure all dogs are licensed, violators may be fined
– If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home
– Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
– Purchase a license from your local county treasurer or issuing agent
– An annual license is $10.80, and a lifetime license is $52.80, discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities
Find out how to purchase your 2026 dog license visit:
https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-a-dog-license
Then click on your county. Portland Borough is in Northampton County.
