Wisconsin's statewide dog licensing requirement
Under Wisconsin Statute §174.05 (accessed August 30, 2026), every dog over 5 months of age in Wisconsin must be licensed annually. This is a statewide requirement — not optional based on municipality. Wisconsin is notable for having one of the most comprehensive dog licensing statutes in the Midwest, with enforcement authority delegated to county and municipal animal control.
Cat licensing is not required statewide but is mandated by some municipalities (notably Madison under Madison General Ordinances §23.01, accessed August 30, 2026).
Wisconsin's rabies vaccination requirement
Wisconsin Statute §95.21 (accessed August 30, 2026) requires rabies vaccination for all dogs. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP, accessed August 30, 2026) enforces animal health regulations statewide. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required before a license can be issued.
Licensing by city and county
| Municipality | License Required? | Altered Fee | Unaltered Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | ✓ Dogs — Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control (MADACC) | ~$10/year | ~$25/year |
| Madison | ✓ Dogs + Cats — Public Health Madison & Dane County | ~$7/year (dogs), ~$5/year (cats) | ~$18/year (dogs), ~$15/year (cats) |
| Green Bay | ✓ Dogs — Green Bay Animal Control | ~$7/year | ~$14/year |
| Kenosha | ✓ Dogs — Kenosha County Treasurer | ~$5/year | ~$20/year |
| Dane County (unincorp.) | ✓ Dogs + Cats — Dane County Treasurer | ~$10/year | ~$25/year |
| Waukesha County | ✓ Dogs — Waukesha County Clerk | ~$7/year | ~$14/year |
Madison: how to license your pet
Public Health Madison & Dane County (accessed August 30, 2026) administers pet licensing for the City of Madison and unincorporated Dane County. Madison is notable for requiring both dog AND cat licensing — one of few Wisconsin municipalities that does. The process:
- Ensure rabies vaccination is current — required under WI Statute §95.21.
- Gather spay/neuter documentation — significant fee reduction.
- Register online through the Madison/Dane County licensing portal, or in person at the PHMDC office.
- Pay the annual fee — license year runs January 1 to December 31. Late fees apply after April 1.
- Attach the license tag to your pet's collar — Wisconsin law requires tags be displayed.
Milwaukee: licensing through MADACC
The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) (accessed August 30, 2026) handles dog licensing for the Milwaukee metro area, covering Milwaukee, West Allis, Cudahy, Greenfield, St. Francis, and South Milwaukee. MADACC offers online licensing and sells tags at local retail partners.
Milwaukee has one of Wisconsin's stricter enforcement programs — unlicensed dogs picked up by animal control face a licensing surcharge in addition to any impound fees.
Important Wisconsin licensing deadlines
- License year: January 1 – December 31 statewide
- Late fee deadline: Most municipalities assess late fees after April 1
- New residents: You must license your dog within 30 days of establishing Wisconsin residency
- New puppies: License required once the puppy reaches 5 months of age
What you need for a Wisconsin pet license
- Current rabies vaccination certificate — required under WI §95.21
- Spay/neuter certificate or vet letter — for the reduced annual fee
- Proof of Wisconsin residency (some municipalities require this)
- Microchip number — increasingly requested during registration
Your document checklist
Last verified: August 30, 2026. Licensing fees and deadlines vary by municipality — check with your local clerk's office or animal control for current amounts. This page is informational.