Sussex County is reminding dog owners that the deadline is near for pooches to have their permits.

Dog owners have until Friday to obtain 2013 licenses for dogs 6 months or older. For spayed and neutered dogs, the annual cost is $10; for non-spayed and unneutered dogs, the cost is $15 yearly.

Dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations at the time the license is obtained. Fees will be waived for seeing-eye, lead or guide dogs and those that have previously served in a branch of the U.S. military.

Licenses are available in one-, two- and three-year increments, and are valid through Dec. 31 of the expiration year.

Owners who fail to comply with the County’s licensing requirements face an initial $50 fine, with a maximum fine of $100 for repeat offenses within a 12-month period.