
To license your dog in Philadelphia, you'll need to obtain a new license every year by December 1st. This applies to all dogs over six months old.
The cost of a dog license in Philadelphia is $8.50 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $13 for dogs that haven't been spayed or neutered. You'll also need to pay a $6.50 late fee if you miss the December 1st deadline.
You can apply for a dog license online or by mail, but you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination and a copy of your dog's spay or neuter certificate if applicable.
Getting a Dog License
To get a dog license in Philadelphia, you'll need to provide proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination.
You can obtain a license at the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control (ACC) or at a participating veterinarian.
The license fee is $8 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 for intact dogs.
You'll also need to provide your dog's identification information, such as its name, breed, and age.
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
You can also license your dog online through the City of Philadelphia's website.
Application Process

The online Philadelphia dog license application is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to fill out the fields and upload digital copies of the required documents.
The required documents include proof of rabies vaccination for each dog, which is a must-have for any dog license application. For the Altered options, you'll also need to upload a spay/neuter certificate. If you're applying for the senior discount options, you'll need to upload proof of age, such as a driver's license.
The online application process takes 8-12 weeks to process, which is a significant amount of time.
Online Application Guide
The online application process for a Philadelphia dog license is relatively straightforward. You can fill out the fields and upload digital copies of the required documents.
You'll need to upload proof of rabies vaccination for each option. If you're applying for the Altered option, you'll also need to upload a spay/neuter certificate. For the senior discount options, you'll need to upload proof of age, such as a driver's license.

There are four options of online applications: Annual Dog License, Altered; Annual Dog License, Altered (senior discount); and likely two other options, but the article doesn't specify what they are.
The online application process takes 8-12 weeks to process, supposedly due to the volume of applications. It's worth noting that this is the same processing time as the mail-in application method.
You can submit your online application through Philadelphia Animal Control (ACCT Philly), the same organization that handles mail-in applications.
Lifetime Registration
Permanent licenses are no longer available in Philadelphia.
You can ask about lifetime dog licenses when you apply for your dog's license.
I applied for a permanent license a year after adopting my dog because I thought they were no longer available, but I wasn't told about going back a year later to get it.
You can comment below if you're fluent in legalize to clarify the confusing paragraph about permanent licenses.
Lifetime dog licenses are no longer available, according to one person's experience.
Cost and Discounts
If you're looking to save some money on your dog's license, you're in luck. Philadelphia offers discounts for spayed or neutered dogs.
You'll need to provide a certificate from your veterinarian proving that your dog has been spayed or neutered to qualify for the discount.
What is the Cost
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Can I Get a Discount?

If you're wondering if you can get a discount on your license fees, the answer is yes. In some cases, you might not need to pay full price for your dog's license.
Philadelphia gives discounts for dogs who are spayed or neutered, so if your furry friend has been fixed, you'll need to provide a certificate from your veterinarian proving it.
Seniors applying for a discount must be over 65 at the time of license purchase, so make sure to have your ID ready.
Required Documents
To obtain a Philadelphia dog license, you'll need to provide some essential documents. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required, which must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within the past 12 months.
You'll also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a purchase receipt or a bill from a veterinarian. This documentation helps verify that you're the dog's owner.
Make sure the documents you provide are legible and up-to-date, as this will help speed up the licensing process.
Prerequisites for Getting

To get a license for your dog in Philadelphia, you'll need to meet some basic prerequisites. Your dog must have a current rabies vaccine.
Obtaining proof of your pup's rabies status is relatively easy. You can get a certificate from your veterinarian.
A current rabies vaccine is the only prerequisite mentioned, but it's a crucial one. It's a good idea to check with your vet to ensure your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations.
Required Documents & Fees
To get the required documents, you'll need a certificate of vaccination for rabies from a veterinarian. This is a must-have before you can get a license for your dog.
The costs of a license vary depending on your dog's status. For altered dogs, the fee is $16, while unaltered dogs cost $40.
Senior pet owners are eligible for a 50% discount, which brings the altered dog license fee down to $8 and the unaltered dog fee to $20.
You'll also need proof of spay/neuter for the altered dog license fee and proof of age for the senior discount.
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
The Code

All dogs 4 months or older need to have a dog license in Philadelphia. This includes dogs adopted from rescues or shelters, as long as they are 4 months or older.
You have 30 days to buy a dog license after adopting a dog 4 months or older, or after moving into Philadelphia. This gives you a chance to get settled and take care of the necessary paperwork.
Senior citizens (65 or older) get a 50% discount towards licensing their dog(s). This can be a nice perk for seniors who want to give their furry friends a happy home.
Dog license fees for guide dogs (or service animals) are waived (no charge). This is a great benefit for people who rely on these special dogs for assistance.
Your dog must have proof of vaccination for rabies to receive a dog license. This is an important health requirement that ensures your dog stays safe and healthy.
A dog must have the license tag on its collar at all times. This is a simple but crucial step in complying with the licensing code.
Philly's Digital ID Linked to Free Online Profiles

The city of Philadelphia has launched a new digital dog license system called Liberty Licenses.
This system links your dog's license to a free online profile that you can customize with emergency contact information.
To get a Liberty License, you need to pay the city's $16 annual registration fee.
The online profile allows you to list contact information for veterinarians, pet sitters, family, and friends.
You can also upgrade your profile with optional features like "found pet" alerts and GPS mapping.
The technology behind Liberty Licenses aims to increase license compliance in Philadelphia, which has been below 5 percent in recent years.
For more information, visit license.acctphilly.org.
Lost and Renewed Tags
If you lose your dog's license tag, you can get a replacement for $2 by contacting the relevant authorities and providing your name, address, your dog's name, and the license tag number and date it was issued.
A replacement tag is necessary because the Philadelphia dog license is only valid for one year, so you'll need to apply for a new tag and provide proof of vaccination again.
To avoid losing your dog, it's essential to keep a close eye on them, but having a Philadelphia dog license can help ensure you get your dog back if they do get away from you.
News and Articles
In Philadelphia, dog owners must obtain a license for their dogs within 90 days of moving into the city. This requirement is enforced by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
The cost of a dog license in Philadelphia varies depending on the dog's spay/neuter status. For a spayed or neutered dog, the license costs $8.50, while for an unspayed or unneutered dog, it costs $14.50.
Philadelphia dog owners must also provide proof of rabies vaccination when applying for a dog license. This is to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of disease.
Dog owners can obtain a dog license at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health or through the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. Both options are convenient and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a dog license in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a dog license helps reunite lost dogs with their owners quickly, and licensing fees support the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. Licensing your dog is a responsible and proactive step in ensuring their safe return home.
Is padoglicense.com a legitimate site?
No, padoglicense.com is not a legitimate site for obtaining Pennsylvania dog licenses, as it has been identified as selling fake licenses and manipulating search results. If you're looking to license your dog, please visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website for accurate and trustworthy information.
Is Philadelphia a dog friendly city?
Yes, Philadelphia is a dog-friendly city with many activities and attractions that welcome furry friends. From parks to pet-friendly restaurants, there's something for every dog owner to enjoy with their pet in Philly.
Sources
- https://indyvetcare.com/philadelphia-dog-licenses/
- https://fairmountpetservice.com/Blog/pet-services-blog/dog-walking/philadelphia-dog-license-online-mail-in-person/
- https://www.inquirer.com/philly/columnists/stu_bykofsky/philadelphia-dog-owners-licenses-acct-lawbreakers-stu-bykofsky-20180607.html
- https://northeasttimes.com/2018/07/30/digital-dog-licenses-are-now-available-at-acct/
- https://www.pennlive.com/news/2023/12/new-dog-licenses-need-to-be-purchased-by-jan-1-pa-ag-secretary.html
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