Georgetown, Del., March 12, 2012: You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, the saying goes. But it’s easy to keep you and your pet legal and out of the dog house by obtaining a new Sussex County dog license, available through the end of this month.

Sussex County reminds dog owners that March is the deadline to obtain licenses for dogs 6 months and older. For spayed and neutered dogs, the annual cost is $10; for non-spayed and unneutered dogs, the cost is $15 yearly. Licenses must be obtained by March 1 each year, but the County is offering a grace period through the end of the month for last-minute applicants.

Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required at the time the license is obtained. Fees are waived for seeing-eye, lead or guide dogs and those that have previously served in a branch of the U.S. military.

Licenses are available in one-, two- and three-year increments, and are valid through Dec. 31 of the expiration year. Owners who fail to comply with the County’s licensing requirements face an initial $50 fine, with a maximum fine of $100 for repeat offenses within a 12-month period.

Applications can be made online, by mail or in person. Visit sussexcountyde.gov and click on the ‘Dog Licenses’ link under the ‘Residents’ tab at the top of the main page, or stop by the County Administrative Offices building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For questions about dog control services and licensing requirements, call (302) 855-7380.

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