Delaware County dog owners can now purchase their required dog license via computer.

Delaware County Council announced that the County Treasurer offers the added option to apply and pay for state-mandated dog licenses through the county’s website.

The online payment option is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to make transactions convenient for dog owners, while enhancing canine safety by ensuring they have identification.

Dog owners now have four options for obtaining a current dog license: in person at the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office, or visiting one of the 20 outside vendor locations; completing an online application and mailing a check or money order; printing the online application and mailing it in with a check or money order; or applying and paying online by credit card or PayPal with a small convenience fee.

When purchased online, individuals can print their license information instantly, and the actual license will be mailed within seven business days.

Lifetime dog licenses cannot be purchased online. They require verification from the veterinarian that a dog has a microchip or tattoo. Individuals are asked to apply in person.

“I am a new dog owner, and I know the importance of having a current dog license and identification on your family’s precious pet,” said County Councilwoman Colleen Morrone. “We are pleased that the Treasurer’s Office now offers this online option for dog owners so they can easily obtain a license without leaving home.”

Councilwoman Morrone added that the online completion of dog license applications also enables the County Treasurer’s Office staff to collect owner emails and send owners annual reminders in December to get the next year’s license.

Under Pennsylvania law, all dogs three months and older must be licensed. The fees range from $6.45 for a neutered pup to $31.45 for a lifetime license for a neutered dog that has been micro-chipped or tattooed, and $51.45 for a lifetime license for all others. If the animal is found with no license, the fine can run as high as $300.

A current dog license is the best way to ensure a dog’s safe return if they get lost and

automatically lists the dog in Delaware County’s “Return a Lost Dog” database.

If a lost dog has a current license, anyone who finds the dog can get the owner’s phone number through the County’s Return a Lost Dog feature on the county website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.

By entering the license number, the user can access the owner’s contact information and quickly and safely return the dog.

In Pennsylvania, dog licenses are sold at the county level. In Delaware County, people can get dog licenses at the County Treasurer’s Office in the Government Center, plus 20 additional sites throughout the county including the Department of Parks and Recreation Office in Rose Tree Park.

Each year, animal control officers report that many stray canines are turned in to shelters because they lack the proper identification to be reunited with their owners.

Fees collected through licensing are used by the state Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to protect the safety, health and welfare of dogs.

Humane societies report the Fourth of July holiday is the busiest time for lost dogs. Vacations, open windows, outdoor activities and loud fireworks result in pets running away from home, so now is a critical time to get each dog a license.

For more information, visit www.co.delaware.pa.us/treasurer or call (610) 891-4276.