The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced that dog wardens will be canvassing Palmerton the week of April 20 to check that dogs are properly licensed and vaccinated.

Dog wardens will also be canvassing the borough of Lehighton sometime in June, and Lansford in July, and can conduct a canvass of any town without advance notice.All dogs 3 months older should be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Failure to do so is a summary offense.The annual license is $8.50 for dogs. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the fees are $6.50 annually. Older adults and people with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.50 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6.50 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; or at any of the following locations:• Bedrock Notary, 210 Delaware Ave., Palmerton; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 2-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or call 610-826-4931.• Carbon Notary Express, 195 S. First St., Lehighton; Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; or call 610-377-8075.• Halo Inc., 107 Carbon St., Weatherly; Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or call 570-427-8257.• Jim Thorpe Pet Center, 1592 Center Ave., Jim Thorpe; Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or call 570-325-8983.• Kidder Township Municipal Building, Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony; Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or call 570-722-8179.• Marzen Feed and Hardware, 75 Harrity Road, Lehighton; Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; or call 610-377-3000.• Palmerton Borough Building, 433 Delaware Ave., Palmerton; Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or call 610-826-2505.• Panther Valley Lumber and Home Center, 99 Riley St., Lansford; Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or call 570-645-7969.