Animal Control & Licensing
Effective January 1, 2016, the State of Delaware Office of Animal Welfare assumed animal control duties from the counties. This includes dog licensing.
Dog licensing purchases and renewals are available by calling 1-877-730-6347 or visiting Petdata.com.
Delaware Dog Control Panel
The Delaware Dog Control Panel is a quasi-judicial body, created under Title 16 of the Delaware Code, that meets in each county on an as-needed basis. The purpose of the Dog Control Panel is to consider and determine the outcome of cases involving dogs that have been seized or impounded in accordance with State law, and are believed to be dangerous or potentially dangerous. Serving on the panel are five members, including a licensed veterinarian, a dog club member, an animal behaviorist, a law enforcement officer, and a member of the Delaware Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Meetings of the Delaware Dog Control Panel are open to the public, and all decisions are final. Transcripts of all meetings pertaining to Sussex County cases are hosted here.