Carbon County Treasurer Ronald J. Sheehan has announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has increased the cost of 2011 dog licenses by 45 cents.

Sales of 2011 licenses began Dec. 1 in the Carbon County Treasurer's office, and at various dog agents throughout the county. Commonwealth law requires all dogs three months or older to be licensed.The regular rates will be $8.45 for males or females; $6.45 for neutered males or spayed females. The rates for senior citizens/owners on disabilities are: $6.45 for males or females; $4.45 for neutered males or spayed females. Seniors must be 65 years of age at the time of the purchase in order to be eligible for the discount.Lifetime licenses are also available. The dog must be permanently identified with a microchip or tattoo. The regular rates are $51.45 for males or females; $31.45 for neutered males or spayed females. The rates for senior citizens/owners on disability are: $31.45 for males or females; $21.45 for neutered males or spayed females. Lifetime licenses are only available through the treasurer's office.For those who wish to obtain licenses through mail, send an application to Carbon County Treasurer's Office, P.O. Box 247, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. You can also visit any of the following dog agents to acquire a license: Bedrock Notary, Palmerton; Panther Valley Lumber and Home Center, Lansford; Leslie Notary Service, Lehighton; Halo, Inc., Weatherly; Carbon Notary Express, Lehighton; Marzen Feed and Hardware, Lehighton; Jim Thorpe Pet Center, Jim Thorpe; Joanne Nemeth, Palmerton; Kidder Township Municipal Building, Lake Harmony; Palmerton Borough Building, Palmerton; and Moyer Plumbing Supply and Hardware, Jim Thorpe.