Public Notice: Mandatory Dog Licensing in Adams County, Wisconsin
Attention All Residents of Adams County: A Call to Action for Community
Safety and Responsible Pet Ownership
The purpose of this formal public notice is to inform all residents of Adams County,
Wisconsin, about a critical and longstanding legal obligation: the mandatory licensing of all
dogs residing within our county limits. This mandate is a matter of significant importance for
public health, animal welfare, and community harmony.
The County understands that pet ownership is a cherished part of life for many families in
Adams County. Dogs bring joy, companionship, and even security to our homes. However,
with the profound privilege of pet ownership comes a set of inherent responsibilities,
codified in both state statute and local ordinance. These laws exist not to burden owners,
but to create a safer environment for everyone—pets and people alike. A licensed dog is a
protected dog, ensuring that in the unfortunate event they become lost, they can be quickly
identified and safely reunited with their rightful owners, minimizing stress for both the
animal and the family.
The Foundation in Law: Wisconsin State Statute § 174.05
The requirement for dog licensing is not a new or arbitrary local rule. It is a mandate rooted
firmly in Wisconsin state law, specifically outlined in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 174,
related to Dogs. Wisconsin Statute § 174.05 requires that every dog over five (5) months of
age be licensed annually. Furthermore, this process is inextricably linked to another crucial
public health mandate: rabies vaccination. All licenses require proof of a current rabies
vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. This requirement is the single most
effective measure the County has to prevent the spread of this deadly, entirely preventable
disease, protecting the entire community ecosystem.
Adams County Code Enforcement: Enhanced Measures for Compliance
Effective January 1, 2026
In the County’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of all Adams County residents
and their pets, The County’s Planning & Zoning Department (Code Enforcement) will be
significantly enhancing the enforcement of these established ordinances. This enhanced
measure means that animal control officers, local law enforcement, and designated code
enforcement officials will be proactively verifying compliance throughout various townships
and municipalities within the County.
What Enhanced Enforcement Entails:
● Proactive Verification : Officials will be conducting routine checks to confirm that
dogs are properly licensed and wearing their tags.
● Issuance of Citations : Residents found to be non-compliant with the licensing and
vaccination requirements will be subject to formal citations and associated fines
as stipulated by Ordinances. These penalties are designed to encourage
compliance and offset the costs associated with managing unlicensed and
potentially unvaccinated stray animal populations.
● Community Welfare : The goal remains voluntary compliance, but enforcement is
a necessary tool to ensure that every dog in our County is accounted for,
vaccinated, and protected.
How to Easily Comply and Secure Your Dog’s Future
Complying with these laws is a straightforward process and a vital step in being a
responsible pet owner. Licenses are typically issued annually and require a certificate
of current rabies vaccination.
Actionable Steps for Residents:
1. Visit Your Municipal Treasurer : Dog licenses are often purchased through your
specific village, town, or city Treasurer’s office within Adams County. The
County encourages residents to contact their local municipal office directly to
ascertain specific procedures, accepted payment methods, and office hours.
Some municipalities have elected to have the County take over the duties of
issuing licenses
2. Provide Vaccination Records : You will need to present a valid, unexpired
rabies vaccination certificate from your veterinarian.
3. Pay the Nominal Fee : The licensing fees are minimal compared to the
potential fines for non-compliance or the devastating consequences of an
animal health crisis. In general, here are the basics:
a. $8 dog license fee for neutered males or spayed females upon
presentation of evidence of the neuter or spay.
b. $13 dog license fee for an unneutered male or unspayed female.
Note: Special discount of fifty percent (50%) for dogs that became five (5)
months of age after July 1st of the license year.
c. $35 dog license fee for multiple dogs of twelve (12) or fewer with an
additional $3 for each dog in excess of twelve (12).
d. $5 late fee for a dog five (5) months of age or over if the owner failed
to obtain a license prior to April 1st each year.
A Final Plea for Collective Responsibility
Adams County urges all County dog owners to act immediately if their pet is currently
unlicensed. Please take this opportunity to ensure you are in full compliance with state
statute and County code. By licensing your dog, you are contributing to a safer, healthier,
and more compassionate community for every single resident.
Adams County thanks you in advance for your cooperation and commitment to responsible
pet ownership. Your immediate attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Published by the Adams County Administration
For specific questions regarding licensing fees or procedures, please contact your local city, town, or
village Treasurer’s office. For general information on Wisconsin dog statutes, refer to the Wisconsin
official legislature website: legis.wisconsin.gov.