How to Register Your Dog in Philadelphia, PA

Losing a dog is a pet parent’s nightmare. If this were to happen, you want to know that your fur baby has the best chance pawssible of coming home. Registering your pup and making sure they wear their license and collar is a great way to keep your doggo safe. Plus, the city of Philadelphia requires all pups four months and older to have a license. If a dog is registered, Animal Control officers may be able to contact you before your pooch reaches the shelter. If they can’t, it is easier to reunite you with your pet once they reach the shelter if they are registered. Dogs have to be current on their rabies vaccination before being registered, so your pup’s tag also tells the world they are up to date on their shots. Since people are more likely to help a healthy animal, their odds of receiving help from a Good Samaritan increase.

When it comes to registering your dog in Philadelphia, you have options. Three to be exact. Please note that even though a current rabies vaccination is required for registration, proof of the vaccine is only requested, not required. To order your pal’s license online, go to the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Team’s website and click on the License Your Dog link. If you want the discounted rate, you will need to attach your dog’s sterilization certificate. Be aware that online applications can take 8-12 weeks to process. If you’d rather register your pooch in person, stop by Animal Care and Control Team Philly, or another authorized location, and submit an application. Be sure to bring your doggo’s sterilization certificate. To order the license by mail, download the application from the ACCT website and send copies of your pup’s paperwork. Be sure to include a money order or a check made payable to The City of Philadelphia.

Like most cities across the country, Philadelphia charges a different rate for spayed or neutered dogs than unaltered animals. An annual license for a spayed or neutered doggo costs only $16.00. If your pooch is unaltered, registration will cost you $40.00. Philadelphia also offers a discount rate for senior citizens. A senior pet parent with a spayed or neutered dog pays just $8.00. And senior citizens with unaltered pups pay $20.00. If you want the senior citizen rate, be prepared to show proof of age. Please note that service dogs are free to register. If your doggo happens to lose their tag, contact ACCT Philly and provide as much infurmation as pawssible, including your name and address, your pup’s name, and the date they were licensed. Replacement tags only cost $2.00. For more infurmation about registering your pup in Philadelphia, contact the city’s Animal Care and Control Team.