Get your Pet Licensed before March 31st deadline (late fee assessed after)

Hey Ripon pet owners — the March 31st pet license deadline is approaching fast! If your dog or cat is 5 months or older, they need a city license each year.

 

To get licensed, please bring:
Proof of rabies vaccination
Proof of spay or neuter
License fee — $15 if spayed/neutered, $20 if not
After March 31st, a $5 late fee will apply.

 

You can stop by City Hall weekdays from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, or mail in your documents and payment.

 

Protect your pet and avoid the late fee — hope to see you soon!

 

Why Dog Licenses Are Required in Wisconsin?

Dog licensing in Wisconsin is required under State Statute §174.05 and is administered locally by municipalities. While it may seem like a simple administrative requirement, licensing serves several important public safety, health, and community functions.

1. Rabies Control and Public Health

  • Wisconsin law requires proof of a current rabies vaccination before a dog can be licensed.
  • This helps ensure a high vaccination rate across communities, which:
    • Protects residents from rabies exposure
    • Prevents the spread of a fatal disease to humans and animals
  • Licensing acts as a verification system to confirm compliance with vaccination laws.

2. Identification and Return of Lost Dogs

  • Licensed dogs receive a unique tag number tied to the owner’s contact information.
  • If a dog is lost:
    • Animal control or a resident can quickly identify and return the dog
    • Reduces time animals spend in shelters
    • Lowers costs and stress for both owners and municipalities

3. Accountability and Responsible Ownership

  • Licensing creates a record of dog ownership within the community.
  • This supports enforcement of:
    • Leash laws
    • Nuisance and barking ordinances
    • Dangerous dog regulations
  • It helps ensure owners are accountable for their animals’ behavior.

4. Funding for Animal Control Services

  • License fees help fund:
    • Animal control operations
    • Shelter services
    • Stray animal pickup and care
  • This reduces reliance on general tax dollars and ensures services are available when needed.

5. Compliance with State Law

  • Licensing is not optional—it is required for all dogs over 5 months of age.
  • Failure to license a dog can result in:
    • Late fees
    • Citations or penalties
  • Municipalities are required to enforce these provisions.

What about cats?

  • There is no statutory requirement to license cats in WI. This is left up to local municipalities.
  • Reasons for licensing are similar to the reasons listed above for dogs.