Animal Licenses

DOG AND CAT LICENSES REQUIRED

Every owner of a dog and cat more than 5 months of age on January 1 of any year or 5 months of age within the license year shall annually or within 30 days from the date such dog or cat becomes 5 months of age, at the time and in the manner provided by law for the payment of property taxes, pay his dog or cat license tax and obtain a license therefor. No such license shall be issued without proof of compliance with rabies vaccination, as required by State Law and the City of Dodgeville Municipal Code. Lack of a dog/cat license for your pet could result in you receiving a citation for each unlicensed pet. The license year is January 1 through December 31 and needs to be obtained yearly.

If your dog or cat has not been vaccinated against rabies or the vaccination has expired, you must go to a licensed veterinarian to receive an updated vaccine. The proof of rabies certificate needs to be submitted to the City Dodgeville to renew all animal licenses. Your rabies tag that you received from your vet DOES NOT provide us the information that we require for renewing your animal license. We need to see the rabies certificate which shows the rabies manufacturer, serial number and expiration date of the vaccine. All 3 of these items are required to issue an animal license.

All pets must wear license tags provided by the City at all times when off the premises of the owners, except under any organized show or training situation.

Late Fees

Per Chapter 12.10 of the Municipal Code and as permitted by §174.05(5), Wis. Stats, a late fee of $25.00 in addition to the standard license fee may be applied if:

• The owner fails to obtain a proper license under this section within 30 days after acquiring an animal
• The pet is not licensed on or before the date the pet becomes five months old
•  The owner fails renew a pet by March 31st 

Animal Limits

Per Dodgeville Municipal Code 12.10(13): No person, except a kennel licensee, shall own, harbor or keep more than 2 dogs and 2 cats that are more than 5 months of age except in a place or places where animals are impounded or restrained, as specified in this section.  If a total of more than 2 dogs and 2 cats are owned, harbored or kept in or by any one household, the head of the household shall be deemed the person so owning, harboring or keeping such animals, notwithstanding that the dog or cat license or licenses may be issued to other members of the household as owners of such dogs or cats.

Getting a License

Animal licenses can be obtained in person at City Hall, by mailing in the application below or by completing the online webform also listed below.  Payment and all supporting documentation must be included.  Reminders for pet licensing renewals are sent annually with the water utility bills along with updates on this website and social media.

Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to the dogs and cats within the City Limits:

• It is unlawful for any person within the city to own, harbor or keep any dog or cat which:
  • Is at-large within the limits of the City
  • Habitually barks or howls
  • Urinates or defecates on public property or other private property.  Owner's shall immediately clean up after their pets.
• Keeping of vicious dogs is regulated
  • Any dog that attacks a human being or other domestic animal without provocation
  • A dog owner or harbored for the purpose of dog fighting
  • Any pit bull