Dog Breeders & Sellers

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Licensing

Wisconsin's law regulating dog breeding, sales, and adoption-for-fee requires ins​pection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and res​cues that foster ​​and adopt out dogs. The law also prohibits selling puppies less than 7 weeks old​, a​nd 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.​​

​​​ The following ​individuals and organization​s are required to be licensed:
  • Dog breeders selling 25 or more dogs a year, from more than 3 litters that they have bred.
  • Dog breeding facilities from which 25 or more dogs a year are sold, from more than 3 litters.
  • In-state dog dealers selling and offering to sell 25 or more dogs a year that they did not breed and raise.
  • Out-of-state dog dealers who import 25 or more dogs a year into Wisconsin, regardless of whether they bred and raised them.
  • Nonprofit animal​ shelters and rescue groups sheltering/fostering 25 or more​​ dogs a year.
  • Animal control facilities that contract with a city, village, town or county.

Please note that requirements are based on a licensing year and not a calendar year. Annual licenses expire on Sept. 30.​ There is no license or inspection required for pet owners, dog trainers, dog groomers, boarding kennels or anyone else.​​

If you are in one of the groups that need licenses, you can find the applications materials and​ apply online. ​​Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

Dog Health

Canine Brucellosis is a disease found in dogs that also can be spread to people. Learn about the disease, signs of illness, and prevention strategies to protect your dogs.​

Rabies is a preventable viral diseas​e that is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. DATCP offers several prevention guides and resources to learn about the disease.

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DATCP resources:

USDA dog health guides:​

Dog Imports

The Pet Movement webpage lists the requirements for importing, exporting and moving animals within Wisconsin. It also defines exotic pets and household pets.

Consumer Information

File a complaint if you have concerns that a business or person is in violation of state law relating to the licensing and inspection of dog sellers and dog facility operators.​​

Find a breeder/seller licensed in Wisconsin.

Shopping for a puppy? Find answers to​​ the most common questions, including resources to help you make the right decision.​

Protections and responsibilities as a consumer​​​

Animal Welfare

The Humane Officers Program trains humane officers to investigate allegations of animal abuse throughout Wisconsin. Chapter 951 defines crim​es against animals in Wisconsin.

Additional resources:

Publications

​Submit a complaint

Please file a complaint with DATCP if you have concerns that a business or person is in violation of state law relating to the licensing and inspection of dog sellers and dog facility operators.​​