State Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th

Dog owners will see license fees increase next year, after the Dog Law Modernization Bill, proposed by state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, was signed into law Tuesday, Oct. 24, by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The bill, which includes a gradual fee increase to $10 for an annual dog license and $49 for a lifetime dog license by 2027, comes as an effort to help fund deficits for the struggling Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

And while fee increases will not take effect until March 1, 2024, applicants will see increased compensation charges as soon as Dec. 1.

Compensation charges for annual dog licenses will increase by 20 cents, according to Butler County Treasurer Diane Marburger, and lifetime license charges will increase by $2.20.

With the treasurer’s department acting as a dog enforcement agent for the county, she said the increase is meant to help offset rising administrative costs.

The bill will also do away with current discounts for spayed or neutered dogs on March 1. Seniors age 65 and older will be eligible for a $2 discount on annual licenses and a $16 discount on lifetime licenses, according to the bill.

Marburger said the bill was recently adjusted to take effect March 1, easing the burden on enforcers in the midst of their renewal season.

“Having it begin at the first of the month is so much better for sales and reporting for the treasurers,” she said, “as opposed to starting mid-month.”

However, she encouraged applicants to apply ahead of the changes by Feb. 29, 2024, to take advantage of lower fees and current discounts.

“This bill has been in the works for several years at this point,” Vogel said in a statement, “and with the diligent discussions with the Department of Agriculture and stakeholders, as well as with the support of my colleagues in both Chambers, I am proud to see this legislation get over the finish line.”