Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

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.​​

• 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:

• ​Requirements for license holders​​
• ATCP 16 and Statute: Chapter 173
  
• Certificates of Veterinary Inspection FAQs
  
• Fact Sheet: Requirements for Dog Sellers and Facility Operators​
  
• Rescue groups and shelters FAQs​
  

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.

DATCP resources:

• Canine Dental Grading Chart

USDA dog health guides:​

• Canine Peridontal Disease
• Monitoring for Peridontal Disease in Dogs
• Preventative Care for Peridontal Disease in Dogs
• Coat Care: Preventing Matted Hair
• Identifying Health and Unhealthy Skin in Dogs
• Common Skin Disorders in Dogs​

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