The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced that dog wardens will be canvassing the Jim Thorpe and Weatherly areas in April to check that dogs are properly licensed and vaccinated.

Jim Thorpe residents can expect wardens to canvass homes the week of April 3 while Weatherly residents will see wardens knocking on doors the week of April 8.The department said all dogs 3 months older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Failure to do so is a summary offense.The annual license is $8.45, and a lifetime license is $51.45. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the fees are $6.45 annually or $31.45 for lifetime. Older adults and people with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.45 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6.45 for others. There is a $1.50 per license convenience fee to order licenses online.Licensing fees support the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office, which ensures the welfare of breeding dogs and puppies in commercial breeding kennels, regulates dogs classified as dangerous and oversees annual licensure and rabies vaccinations for dogs.Additionally, all dogs and nonferal cats 3 months or older must be vaccinated against rabies. Booster vaccinations must be administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity.The department said violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation, plus court costs.Carbon County residents can purchase their dog licenses from the treasurer's office in the courthouse annex in Jim Thorpe from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; online at

www.carboncounty.com/doglicense.htm; or at any of the following locations:Bedrock Notary, 210 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, 610-826-4931.Carbon Notary express, 195 S. First St., Lehighton, 610-377-8075.Halo Inc., 107 Carbon St., Weatherly, 570-427-8257.Jim Thorpe Pet Center, 1592 Center Ave., Jim Thorpe, 570-325-8983.Kidder Township Municipal Building, Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony, 570-722-8179.Marzen Feed and Hardware, 75 Harrity Road, Lehighton, 610-377-3000.Palmerton Borough Building, 433 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, 610-826-2505.Panther Valley Lumber and Home Center, 99 Riley St., Lansford, 570-645-7969.