Section 217. Service dogs and dogs used by municipal or State Police departments.
(a) Fee exemptions.--
(1) The provisions of this act relating to the payment of fees and other charges shall not apply to:
(i) A person who uses a service dog for aid.
(ii) A municipal or State Police department or police agency using a dog in the performance of the functions or duties of the department or agency.
(iii) A dog used in the performance of services by a police department, fire department or sheriff's office or in the performance of rescue services or emergency medical services.
(2) A license tag for a dog described under paragraph (1) shall be issued without charge.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (1)(iii), a letter on official letterhead from the respective police chief, fire chief, sheriff or director or authorized agent of the department, agency or office providing the services shall accompany the application under section 201.
((a) amended July 8, 2024, P.L.527, No.47)
(b) Licensing exemption for puppies being trained to be service dogs.--Notwithstanding the provisions of section 201 or any other provisions of this act, puppies that are brought into this Commonwealth for a period of less than 18 months as part of a formalized training to be service dogs shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of this act.
(217 amended Dec. 11, 1996, P.L.943, No.151)