Licenses, which went on sale last month, are required for all dogs older than three months.

"Buying a dog license is essential to the safety of our pets," Wolff said via a news release. "If a dog is lost or stolen, a license provides information that can help reunite pets with their owners."

More than 1 million licenses were issued by county treasurers across the state in 2003.

Cost for the license is $8, or $6 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are also available at a cost of $31 for animals that are fixed and $51 for those that aren't.

Discounts are available to senior citizens or people with disabilities.

Licenses can be purchased from Mercer County Treasurer Ginny Richardson via mail at 104 Courthouse, Mercer, 16137, or at the following approved dog license locations: Burnett's Hardware, Jamestown; Campbell's Camp Perry, Camp Perry; Country Crossing Gift & Collectibles, Leesburg; Greenville Agway; Grove City Agway; Hermitage Agway; Hermitage Veterinary Clinic; Hurlbert's Hardware, Greenville; McCartney's Feed & Hardware, Fredonia; John N. Miller, New Wilmington; Sandy Lake Mills; Sereday's Mercer Mill; Sereday's True Value, West Middlesex; Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, Hermitage; South Pymatuning Township Building; and Wilmington Township Building.

In addition, Mrs. Richardson will be selling licenses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Hermitage Agway and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 in Shenango Valley Mall, Hermitage.

For more information, call 724-662-4440.