In Wisconsin, commercial dog kennel regulations generally fall under the broader umbrella of dog breeders, dealers, and shelters, as managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). If your kennel involves selling, breeding, adopting, or facilitating the sale of dogs and meets certain activity thresholds, you may require licensing, typically under the category of dog seller or breeder rather than specifically a “kennel” license.
However, certain municipalities, like Menomonie, define commercial kennels separately in local ordinances and may regulate them independently. For example, Menomonie’s municipal code specifies that “commercial kennels shall not include boarding kennels, pet shops, or veterinary clinics or hospitals, but shall include a humane society.”
Do I Need A Dog Kennel License in Wisconsin?
You must obtain a license from DATCP if you fall under any of the following:
- You’re a dog breeder selling 25 or more dogs a year, from more than three litters.
- You operate a dog breeding facility with the same threshold.
- You’re an in-state dog dealer selling 25 or more dogs per year that you did not breed.
- You’re an out-of-state dog dealer importing 25 or more dogs annually into Wisconsin.
- You’re a nonprofit animal shelter or rescue group fostering or adopting out 25 or more dogs annually.
- You’re an animal control facility under contract with a municipality.
If you operate a boarding kennel, dog grooming service, or are a pet owner, the state-level licensing requirement generally does not apply to you. That said, local municipalities might impose their own licensing or permitting requirements, even for boarding kennels, so it’s essential to check local ordinances (like those in Lafayette County or Menomonie) for additional mandates.
Do I Need An LLC For A Dog Kennel?
DATCP requires licensees using a business name to be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). This means that if you’re operating under a business name, you must be a registered legal entity, such as an LLC or corporation, even if that entity isn’t strictly required by law.
So while an LLC is not mandatory, you do need to register your business name. Forming an LLC is one of the most common ways to comply with this requirement and provides additional benefits, like liability protection and flexibility.
How Many Dogs Can You Own in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin state law does not set a uniform limit on how many dogs an individual or household may own. Instead, limits vary by municipality. Examples include:
- Milton: No more than a combined total of four dogs and cats over five months old, and no more than three dogs or three cats in that total.
- Manitowoc: Residents may not own more than three dogs and three cats over six months of age per dwelling.
- Plymouth: Households are limited to three dogs.
Therefore, to determine the exact number of dogs allowed at your location, you must consult your city or county’s animal ordinances.
How Much Is A Dog Kennel License In Wisconsin?
DATCP (State-Level)
Fees under Wisconsin state law vary based on dog volume and the type of operation. Unfortunately, DATCP doesn’t use the term “kennel license,” but rather categorizes licenses based on activity:
- Animal control facilities and shelters: Flat fee of $250.
- In-state breeders and dealers (based on dogs sold annually):
- 25–49 dogs: $550
- 50–99 dogs: $1,100
- 100–249 dogs: $1,650
- 250+ dogs: $2,200
- Out-of-state dealers:
- 25–49 dogs: $825
- 50–99 dogs: $1,650
- 100–249 dogs: $2,475
- 250+ dogs: $3,300
- Late renewal: Adds 20% to the standard fee.
- Operating without a license in the past 365 days: You owe normal fees plus a surcharge equal to the total applicable license fees.
Local Licensing (e.g., Menomonie)
In Menomonie, their municipal code states that a commercial kennel license runs from July 1 to June 30 and costs $50 annually.
Local jurisdictions like Lafayette County may have their own fees and permitting processes for commercial animal establishments, like kennels, daycare, or grooming facilities, typically via permits from a county humane officer.
Dog Kennel Regulations By Industry in Wisconsin
Wisconsin regulates commercial activity with dogs primarily through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 16 and Wis. Stat. § 173.41 (dog sellers/facility operators). Some businesses (e.g., boarding kennels, groomers, trainers) are not licensed by DATCP but can still be regulated by city/town/village ordinances and must follow statewide rabies and import rules.
Dog Boarding Regulations in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the DATCP does not license or inspect boarding kennels at the state level, meaning there is no statewide requirement for a kennel license. However, many municipalities regulate boarding kennels locally by requiring licenses, inspections, sanitation standards, and setting limits on operating conditions. For example, Menomonie requires a boarding kennel license, along with regular inspections and operational rules. Regardless of location, all boarding facilities must still comply with statewide health requirements, including rabies vaccinations for all dogs and adherence to ATCP 10.80 for imported dogs, which requires a rabies certificate and a certificate of veterinary inspection.
Dog Vet Regulations in Wisconsin
- Professional licensure & conduct: Veterinary clinics and veterinarians are regulated by the Veterinary Examining Board (VEB) under Chapter 89 and Wis. Admin. Code VE (licensure, exams, standards of practice, recordkeeping).
- Exam requirement: Applicants must pass the state laws and rules exam in addition to other requirements.
- Facility operations: While VEB regulates the profession, local governments may still impose building, zoning, or business permit rules on veterinary facilities. (See local code examples in the grooming/kennel sections.)
Dog Grooming Regulations in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the DATCP does not license dog groomers at the state level, but many cities regulate grooming shops through local ordinances. For instance, Menomonie requires grooming businesses to obtain a $50 annual license, pass inspections, maintain daily sanitation standards, and follow rules that prohibit keeping dogs overnight except in limited circumstances.
Dog Shelter Regulations in Wisconsin
- State license (DATCP): Nonprofit animal shelters and rescue groups must be licensed if they shelter or foster 25+ dogs/year (license year basis). Inspections, standards of care, and records are required. Puppies under 7 weeks of age may not be sold. Dogs adopted/sold for a fee must have a CVI from a veterinarian.
- Rabies/import: Shelters must follow rabies law and import rules.
Dog Trainer Regulations in Wisconsin
Dog trainers in Wisconsin are not regulated by DATCP unless their operations meet dog-selling thresholds, but other rules can still apply depending on the services offered. Field training and trialing activities are overseen by the Wisconsin DNR under NR 17, which sets requirements for training licenses, enclosure permits, seasonal restrictions, and designated training grounds. Detection dog trainers who use controlled substances must also obtain a Special Use Authorization from the Controlled Substances Board. On top of that, trainers who house dogs may be subject to local kennel permits and zoning regulations, as many municipalities have their own ordinances governing these types of facilities.
Dog Breeder Regulations in Wisconsin
- Who must be licensed: Breeders or facilities that sell 25 or more dogs a year from more than three litters must be licensed, along with in-state dealers selling 25 or more dogs annually that they did not breed, out-of-state dealers importing at least 25 dogs each year, and shelters or rescues handling 25 or more dogs per year. All licenses expire on September 30 and are subject to inspection requirements.
- Standards of care & records: ATCP 16 sets detailed care, housing, transport, and recordkeeping standards; dogs sold/adopted for a fee need a CVI and vet exam; no sale under 7 weeks.
K-9 Dog Facilities in Wisconsin
There is no separate statewide license for K-9 facilities in Wisconsin, and the regulations that apply depend on the activities involved. Facilities that use controlled substances for detection training must obtain an annual Special Use Authorization from the Controlled Substances Board, while those conducting field work or trialing must comply with DNR NR 17, which governs training grounds, enclosure permits, and seasonal restrictions. These facilities are not licensed by DATCP unless they are also selling or placing 25 or more dogs per year. In addition, local codes often impose their own requirements, such as kennel zoning rules, setback regulations, or special permits, with examples found in municipalities like Menomonie, Pittsfield, and Glendale.
Dog Kennel Laws By City in Wisconsin
Kennel rules in Wisconsin vary from one municipality to another and are often influenced by factors such as how many dogs you keep, the size of your operation, and specific local ordinances. To get the most reliable and up-to-date information, it’s best to reach out to your city’s planning or zoning office using the chart provided below.
| City | Contact |
| Appleton | Community Development |
| Beloit | Community Development |
| Brookfield | Inspection Services & Zoning |
| Eau Claire | Community Development |
| Fond du Lac | Community Development |
| Green Bay | Planning Department |
| Greenfield | Community Development |
| Janesville | Public Works |
| Kenosha | City Development |
| La Crosse | Planning & Development |
| Madison | Contact Zoning @ 608-266-4551 |
| Manitowoc | Planning & Zoning Department |
| Milwaukee | Neighborhood Services |
| New Berlin | Planning & Development |
| Oak Creek | Community Development |
| Oshkosh | Community Development |
| Racine | City Development |
| Sheboygan | Planning & Development Department |
| Sun Prairie | Community Development |
| Washburn | Zoning Administration & Code Enforcement |
| Waukesha | Community Development |
| Wausau | Development Division |
| Wauwatosa | Planning & Zoning Department |
| West Allis | Planning & Zoning Department |
| West Bend | Community Development |
Dog Kennel Laws By County in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, dog kennel requirements are set at the county level and can cover areas such as the number of dogs permitted, property size, location standards, and other local conditions. For the most precise and current information, follow the link provided to your county’s planning department.
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