Wisconsin has a new law regulating dog breeding, sales, and adoption-for-fee, effective June 1, 2011. The law is in effect; it has not been postponed or delayed. Reports that it has been postponed or delayed are wrong.

 

The law was a decade in the making and represents cooperation among many different interests. It requires inspection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and rescues that foster and adopt out dogs. The new law also prohibits selling puppies less than 7 weeks old unless they go with their mothers, and requires that certificates of veterinary inspection – health certificates – accompany dogs that are sold or adopted for a fee.

 

The intent is to protect the welfare of dogs and to protect consumers who buy or adopt them.

Who needs a license 

These are the individuals and organizations that need to be licensed:

• Dog breeders selling at least 25 dogs a year, from more than 3 litters that they have bred
• Dog breeding facilities from which at least 25 dogs a year are sold, from more than 3 litters
• In-state dog dealers selling at least 25 dogs a year that they did not breed and raise
• Out-of-state dog dealers who import at least 25 dogs a year into Wisconsin, regardless of whether they bred and raised them
• Non-profit animal shelters and rescue groups sheltering/fostering at least 25 dogs a year
• Animal control facilities that contract with a city, village, town or county

There is no license or inspection required for pet owners, dog trainers, dog groomers, boarding kennels or anyone else.

If you’re in one of the groups that need licenses, you can find application materials here. You can also call
608-224-4889 or email gena.goldade@wi.gov. If you know of someone else who you believe needs to be licensed, you can use the same contact information.

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