HOLLIDAYSBURG - The Blair County Treasurer's Office and local vendors have started selling 2012 dog licenses.
Treasurer James Carothers, whose office distributes the licenses to the vendors, is urging dog owners to make the purchase now.
"Some people wait for the state's reminder notices, but that reminder notice is only a courtesy," Carothers said. "People are still required to get their dog licenses by Jan. 1."
Article Photos
Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec
Lance Hughes of Bellwood holds his dog, Penelope, while Tammy Ingham of the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society attaches a new dog license last week in Logan Township.
For 2011, the treasurer's office sold 10,276 regular and lifetime licenses.
Carothers' office, on the first floor of the courthouse, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Dog licenses also can be purchased at: Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.; Fiore's True Value Hardware, 5514 Sixth Ave.; Lighthouse Hardware Store, Claysburg; Campbell's Sporting Goods, Hollidaysburg; Over's Country Store, Martinsburg; Ace Fix-It Hardware store, Tyrone; and Mill Hill Agway, Williamsburg.
In addition, applications for dog licenses, available online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us, can be printed and mailed to the treasurer's office at 423 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
Carothers said his office sells dog licenses to all county residents except those residing in the City of Altoona, which sells its own dog license.
City residents can buy dog licenses at City Hall, 1301 12th St., or from one of its vendors: the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society; Fiore's True Value Hardware; or Lou's Tackle Box, 906 Eighth Ave.
The cost of dog licenses that Carothers sells remains the same as last year, up to $8.45 for male or female dogs, with discounts for dogs that are spayed or neutered and for dog owners who are senior citizens or disabled. Those buying from vendors will pay a service fee of 50 cents.
The city's price for a dog license is as much as $12, with similar discounts available.
Dog law enforcement officers canvassed Blair County in May, and citations were written not only for the lack of licenses but also for the lack of rabies vaccations. At that time, state Agriculture Department spokeswoman Nichole Bucher described the canvass as an effective way to make sure the state's dog laws are enforced and that animals remain safe.
Licenses are an effective way of helping owners with lost dogs, Carothers said.
His office retains the identification number of each dog tag and registered owner. Anyone finding an dog with a license is urged to contact his office for assistance.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.
