Dog Licenses

DOG LICENSES REQUIRED

Every owner of a dog 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 becomes 5 months of age, 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 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 annually.  Licenses renewals begin in December!

If your dog or 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(m): 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 license or licenses may be issued to other members of the household as owners of such dogs. If a household owns or keeps more than two dogs and/or two cats on the premises, the owner(s) shall, in addition to obtaining the required license for each dog, file a statement with the City Clerk-Treasurer acknowledging he/she is aware of the City's dog and cat limitation and he/she agrees to reduce the number of dogs and/or cats on the premises to no more than 2 dogs and 2 cats if the Police Department receives a nuisance complaint against the premises caused by, or related to, the number of dogs and/or cats housed on the premises. In addition to the license fee for each dog, an additional fee as set forth in sec. 25.045 will be charged for licensing the third, and all subsequent, dog license(s) issued per household.

Getting a License

Dog 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.