Dog/Cat Licenses

All City of Ripon residents owning a dog or cat that is 5 months of age or older must have their pet licensed.  The license year is January 1 through December 31.

 

To Apply in Person

  • Rabies vaccination
  • You must provide the pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate displaying the following four items:
      1. Veterinarian
      2. Rabies Expiration Date
      3. Vaccination Manufacturer
      4. Vaccination Serial number
  • Spay/neuter proof
  • Written proof from the veterinarian the pet has been spayed or neutered  (Required to present only once and does affect the annual fee.)
  • Fee payment
    • For a spayed/neutered cat or dog the annual cost is $15.00.  
    • For a non-spayed/non-neutered cat or dog the annual cost is $20.00.  
  • Where to get the annual license
    • Apply at City Hall – 100 Jackson St Ripon, WI 54971 in the form of cash, check or credit card

 

Apply By Mail

  • Your submission must include the following:
    • Proof of current rabies vaccination
    • Proof of spaying or neutering, if applicable.
    • A check made payable to the City of Ripon for the designated license fee.
    • A self-addressed stamped business size envelope for the return of your documents and your new license.
    • Mail to: City of Ripon, 100 Jackson Street, Ripon, WI  54971

 

Late Fee

A late fee applies if you buy a license on or after March 31st.  Add an addition $5.00 late fee if you answered “yes” to all four of these questions:

      1. Is today on or after March 31st?
      2. Is your pet over 5 months of age as of today?
      3. Have you had your pet for more than 30 days?
      4. Have you been a City of Ripon resident for more than 30 days?

 

“Dangerous Dogs”

The City of Ripon has a City Ordinance, Chapter 8.10, Regulating Vicious Dogs, Dangerous Dogs and Pit Bulls. 

  • There is an additional annual charge of $20 for registering a “dangerous dog” in the City of Ripon. 
  • A pink color will be given to new registrant(s) for the purpose of identification.

 

Requirements in addition to the rabies certificate for licensing a Dangerous Dog

  • Color photo of dog – a new current photo is to be presented annually
  • Proof of liability insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 to be presented annually

 

Multiple Dogs

A residence may keep no more than two dogs, three cats, or a combined total of five dogs and cats, except that a litter of puppies or kittens may be kept for up to six months from birth.

See City of Ripon Ordinance highlighted below, Chapter 8.04.070 for further details.

 

~ NOTICE TO DOG OWNERS ~

Stats. 95.21(10) PENALTIES. (a) Failure to obtain rabies vaccination. An owner who fails to have a dog vaccinated against rabies as required under sub. (2)(a) may be required to forfeit not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00. 95.21(2)

 

RABIES VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR DOGS. (a) The owner of a dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination . . . The owner of a dog shall have the dog revaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian before the date the immunization expires as stated on the certificate of vaccination or, if no date is specified, within 3 years after the previous vaccination.

 

8.04.070 - Limit number of dogs and/or cats.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to harbor or keep more than two dogs or three cats, or more than five total dogs and cats, per dwelling unit on any premises within the city, with the exception that a litter of pups or kittens, or a portion of a litter, may be kept for a period of time not exceeding six months from birth.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any properly licensed commercial kennel, pet store, pet grooming establishment or animal hospital.

C. Subject to approval by the city administrator, a dog owner may petition to harbor or keep one additional dog per dwelling unit. The city administrator will consult with the chief of police to determine whether the applicant has, within the last twenty-four months, had any negative animal complaints or violations.

D. If the city administrator denies the petition, the applicant shall have the right to appeal the decision to the common council for final determination.

E. The provisions of the section shall not apply to owners whose dogs and/or cats (regardless of number) are duly licensed as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. This exemption pertains only to the specific animals so licensed.

(Ord. 1116, 1998; Ord. 844 § 1(part), 1987).

(Ord. No. 1428, 7-9-2013; Ord. No. 1514, 6-27-2022)

ORDINANCE REGULATING VICIOUS DOGS DANGEROUS DOGS AND PIT BULLS