A Note to Veterinarians from the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement

Original Letter: November 7, 2023
Updated February 1, 2024

To: Pennsylvania Veterinarians

From: Kristen Donmoyer, Director, Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement

Re: Act 18 of 2023 (formerly SB 746)

As you may be aware, the legislature passed the Dog Law Modernization Bill (formerly SB 746), which was
signed into law as Act 18 by Governor Shapiro on October 23, 2023. This critical bill will increase funding to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (“BDLE”) to improve public safety and uphold animal welfare standards. We would like to highlight provisions of this law that will impact your operations:

The Permanent Identification Verification (“PIV”) forms used when microchipping or tattooing a dog have been updated. Updated forms are available for order now, and we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

Due to licensure being required as early as eight (8) weeks (legal point of transfer to a new owner), the lifetime license applications have been revised with new fees and types. After December 1, 2023, you will be able to place orders for these new lifetime applications that will reflect these updates.

Once you receive new forms, please discard any old forms in your possession.

Enclosed you will find a supply order form to be completed and submitted to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. Orders will be shipped directly to you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 717-787-3062 or email Linda Hansen at lhansen@pa.gov or Kristen Donmoyer at kdonmoyer@pa.gov.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to improve the animal welfare and public safety in the Commonwealth.

**UPDATE** Beginning February 1, 2024, there is a new PIV form for veterinarians to submit to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. This form has been updated in the link below.