Georgetown, Del., Dec. 14, 2011: Sussex County is keeping a tight leash on its dog licensing fees for another year.

County dog licenses for 2012 will be available beginning Jan. 1, and must be obtained for the new calendar year by March 1 for dogs 6 months or older. For spayed and neutered dogs, the annual cost will remain $10; for non-spayed and unneutered dogs, the cost will stay at $15 yearly.

Dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations at the time the license is obtained. Fees will be 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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