Dogs in Wisconsin, United States: rules, tax and travel
Wisconsin: Dogs over 5 months old must be licensed each calendar year with the city, village or town treasurer, with proof of current rabies vaccination. Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in Wisconsin are set by counties, cities or towns, so check your local animal control.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dogs over 5 months old must be licensed each calendar year with the city, village or town treasurer, with proof of current rabies vaccination. A 5 dollar late fee applies after 1 April (Wis. Stat. 174.05).[1]
Leash and muzzle
A dog is running at large if it is off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or another person, and may be impounded, with hunting exceptions (Wis. Stat. 174.042).[2]
Other rules
Dogs must be vaccinated no later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year of the first vaccination (Wis. Stat. 95.21). Cats are not covered by the state rule.[3]
Dog bite liability: Strict liability, with double damages for certain repeat bites (Wis. Stat. 174.02).[4]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/174/05 (official)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws (secondary source)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)