Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk reminds all county dog owners that 2017 dog licenses are now due.

State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1. An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50.If the dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 while a lifetime license is $31.50.Discounts are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities.For each unlicensed dog, the warden can issue the dog owner a citation, which is a summary offense and carries a maximum fine of $300.Licenses are available at the treasurer's office or a local dog agent.Dog owners can also go online at

www.padoglicense.com to purchase a license.A list of 2017 dog agents and a downloadable application is available online at

www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/Offices/Treasurer/Treasurer.asp"Not only is it a state law, but obtaining a license is a good way to ensure the safety of our pets," said Marchalk. "If a dog is lost or stolen, a license can safely reunite them with the owner."