Animal Control
The Animal Control Division of the Upper Darby Township Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) is responsible for enforcing Township ordinances, including Chapter 222 (Ordinance 2521 of 1977), and applicable State laws governing the care, control, and welfare of animals.
Animal Control Officers respond to complaints involving domestic and feral animals, investigate animal bites and potential rabies exposures, enforce local animal regulations, and promote responsible pet ownership throughout the Township.
The Animal Control Division works closely with residents, the Police Department, the Delaware County Health Department, the Delaware County Humane Officer, and other agencies to ensure that animals are treated humanely and that public health and safety are protected.
Responsibilities of Animal Control
Animal Control Officers respond to a variety of animal-related concerns, including:
• Dogs running at large
• Stray animals
• Animal bites and rabies exposure investigations
• Animal cruelty or neglect referrals
• Barking dog complaints
• Dangerous animals
• Enforcement of Township animal regulations
• Enforcement of Township nuisance provisions related to animal behavior
• Enforcement of Township requirements related to animals running at large
Animal Control Officers also work to educate residents about responsible pet ownership and proper care of animals.
Pennsylvania Dog Laws
Animal ownership and control in Pennsylvania is governed by the Pennsylvania Dog Law administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The law establishes requirements for dog licensing, rabies vaccinations, kennel operations, and animal control enforcement.
Residents may learn more about Pennsylvania Dog Laws by visiting: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/animals/information-about-dogs/pas-dog-laws
Upper Darby Township Animal Regulations
In addition to applicable State laws, animal control within Upper Darby Township is also governed by Chapter 222, Animals, of the Upper Darby Township Code, including the Township’s dog ordinance and other local animal control requirements.
As a home rule community, Upper Darby Township enforces its own local animal regulations in addition to Pennsylvania law. Residents, pet owners, and property owners are encouraged to review both State and Township requirements.
Upper Darby Township Code – Chapter 222, Animals: https://ecode360.com/33163942
Dog Licensing
Under Pennsylvania law, all dogs three months of age or older must be licensed.
Dog licenses are issued by the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office, not by Upper Darby Township.
Licensing helps ensure that lost dogs can be quickly returned to their owners and supports rabies control and animal welfare programs.
Upper Darby residents must apply for dog licenses directly through Delaware County.
Delaware County Dog Licensing: https://www.delcopa.gov/treasurer/licenses/dog
Residents may purchase an annual dog license online through the Delaware County Treasurer's Office using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
After completing payment online, a proof of license can be printed immediately, and the official license and tag will be mailed the following business day.
A convenience fee of $2.00 is charged by the credit card processor.
Apply online through the Delaware County Treasurer’s website: https://www.delcopa.gov/treasurer/licenses/dog
Dog licenses may also be obtained by printing the application form and mailing it to the Delaware County Treasurer's Office.
Completed applications and payment should be mailed to:
Delaware County Treasurer's Office
Attn: Dog License
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063
When paying by check, make checks payable to:
Delaware County Treasurer
Dog licenses may also be obtained in person at the Delaware County Treasurer's Office.
(Fees subject to change. Please contact the appropriate department or agency to verify the most current licensing fees.)
Regular License Fee
Male or Female Dog
$10.80
Senior Citizen / Person with Disability License
Male or Female Dog
$8.80
Annual dog licenses may be purchased online, by mail, or in person through the Delaware County Treasurer's Office.
(Fees subject to change. Please contact the appropriate department or agency to verify the most current licensing fees.)
Lifetime licenses must be obtained through the Delaware County Treasurer's Office.
Dogs must first be tattooed or microchipped for permanent identification before a lifetime license can be issued.
Lifetime License Fee
Male or Female Dog
$52.80
Senior Citizen / Person with Disability Lifetime License
Male or Female Dog
$36.80
For additional information regarding lifetime licenses, residents should contact the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office.
Phone: 610-891-4276
The following forms are available through the Delaware County Treasurer’s Office website:
• Annual Dog License Application: ePetLicensing.com
• Lifetime Dog License Application: Lifetime Dog License Application
• Permanent Identification Verification Form (portions must be completed by a veterinarian): Permanent Dog ID Form
To qualify for a disability license, applicants must provide proof of disability such as a handicap placard.
To qualify for a senior citizen license, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and provide proof of age.
If a dog license tag is lost, a duplicate tag may be obtained through the Delaware County Treasurer's Office.
A written request and fee of $1.70 must be submitted. The request should include a copy of the license or as much information as possible from the original application.
Duplicate tags may also be obtained directly at the Treasurer’s Office.
If a dog owner moves to another county, the dog license may be transferred through the Pennsylvania Dog License System.
To request a transfer, the license number and owner information must be sent to the county where the license was originally issued along with the new county and address where the dog will be licensed.
The cost of transferring a license is $1 payable to each county treasurer involved in the transaction.
A transfer or change of ownership cannot be completed without written permission and signature from the current license holder.
Dogs that are kept outdoors must have access to proper shelter and care.
Outdoor dog shelters must be:
• Large enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortably
• Moisture-proof, windproof, ventilated, and protective against extreme weather
• Constructed with durable materials and a solid floor raised at least two inches above ground
• Maintained in a clean condition and free of debris or waste
Shelters must contain clean bedding such as hay, straw, or cedar shavings to keep the dog warm and dry.
Dogs must always have access to clean drinking water. Snow or ice is not considered an acceptable source of drinking water.
Residents who observe animals being kept in unsafe, unlawful, or inhumane conditions should report the concern to Animal Control.
Upper Darby Township ordinance prohibits cats from running at large, causing annoyance, damaging property, or trespassing on the property of others.
Pet owners are responsible for maintaining control of their animals and preventing them from becoming a public nuisance. This includes properly confining female cats in heat.
It is also prohibited under Township ordinance to feed stray cats.
Residents should also be aware that Upper Darby Township Animal Control does not trap stray cats.
Animal Bites and Rabies Concerns
Animal Control Officers investigate animal bite incidents and potential rabies exposures.
If you or someone else has been bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Animal Control.
Prompt reporting allows the Township and health authorities to ensure appropriate rabies monitoring procedures are followed.
Animal Control Officers also work closely with the Delaware County Humane Officer, which has jurisdiction over animal cruelty, abuse, abandonment, and neglect matters.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Act, commonly referred to as the “Puppy Lemon Law,” protects consumers who purchase dogs from breeders or pet sellers.
Under this law, dog sellers and breeders must post a visible notice informing buyers of their rights and must provide a written copy of those rights at the time of sale.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s Puppy Lemon Law, or to file a complaint, visit the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Beekeeping and Apiary Regulations
Upper Darby Township permits the keeping of honey bees (beekeeping) in accordance with Chapter 222, Article II of the Township Code.
Beekeeping is regulated to ensure that it is conducted in a safe and responsible manner that minimizes impacts on neighboring properties and protects public health and safety in a densely populated community.
Individuals who maintain beehives or colonies within Upper Darby Township must comply with all applicable Township regulations governing apiaries. While a separate permit may not be required in all cases, beekeeping activities must fully comply with Township standards and are subject to inspection and enforcement.
Beekeepers are required to maintain colonies in properly constructed hives with removable frames that are kept in sound and usable condition. A consistent and convenient source of water must be provided for the bees at all times when colonies are active. All beekeeping equipment must be maintained in good condition, and materials such as wax comb or other substances that may attract bees must not be left exposed on the property.
The number of bee colonies permitted on a property is limited based on lot size. Properties one-half acre or smaller are limited to two colonies. Properties greater than one-half acre but less than three-quarters of an acre may have up to four colonies. Properties greater than three-quarters of an acre but less than one acre may have up to six colonies. Properties between one acre and less than five acres may have up to eight colonies, while properties greater than five acres are not subject to a colony limit. Beekeepers who temporarily house a swarm removed from another location may exceed these limits for a period not to exceed 30 days, provided all other requirements are met.
When a hive is located within 25 feet of a property line, the beekeeper must install and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet in height. This barrier may consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation, or a similar structure designed to direct bees to fly upward and away from neighboring properties. The barrier must extend at least 10 feet in either direction from the hive or fully enclose the apiary area as required. Certain exemptions may apply where adjacent properties are undeveloped or otherwise exempt under Township regulations.
The Township reserves the right to inspect apiaries to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Routine inspections may occur with prior notice, and inspections may also occur in response to complaints. Beekeepers are expected to cooperate with Township officials during inspections.
Beekeeping must be conducted in a manner that does not create a nuisance or public safety concern. Compliance with Township beekeeping regulations does not exempt a beekeeper from other applicable laws or nuisance provisions. Due to the Township’s dense residential character, beekeepers must take additional care to ensure that their activities do not negatively impact neighboring properties or the public.
Residents are encouraged to review all applicable Township requirements prior to establishing or maintaining an apiary.
Upper Darby Township Department of Licenses & Inspections Animal Control Officers maintain professional training and certifications to ensure that animal-related issues are handled safely and humanely.
The Department of Licenses & Inspections is a member of the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), and Animal Control Officers maintain professional trainings and certifications consistent with national standards for animal control professionals.
For animal-related concerns or questions, please contact the Animal Control Division.
Email: AnimalControl@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7640
Residents may also report concerns through the Township One Center.
To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.
