State dog wardens will begin checking for unlicensed and unvaccinated dogs beginning Monday, Westmoreland County Treasurer Jared Squires said .
Inspectors with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement Office will randomly canvass neighborhoods next week as part of its annual effort to ensure the animals are properly licensed.
State law requires dogs three months and older be licensed.
Wardens last year issued more than 3,000 citations and filed 115 misdemeanor complaints in Pennsylvania for violations of the dog law, including failing to license dogs, abandoning dogs, and allowing them to run at large.
Owners could face fines of up to $300 for each unlicensed animal.
Annual dog licenses cost $8.50, or $6.50 if the animal is spayed or neutered.
Lifetime licenses are available for dogs with permanent identification such as microchip or tattoo. Older adult dog owners and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts.
Licenses can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office at the courthouse in Greensburg or at apps.co.westmoreland.pa.us/Treasurers/DogRenewals/Default.aspx.
