Wisconsin Dog Breeder Licensing Requirements

Last updated: 2026-02-21

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Quick Summary

Wisconsin requires dog breeders who sell 25 or more dogs per year from more than 3 litters to get a license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). License fees range from $250 to $1,000 per year based on volume, and all licenses expire on September 30 each year.

License Required Yes
Annual Fee $250 - $1,000 (based on volume)
Threshold 25+ dogs sold/year from 3+ litters
License Expires September 30 each year

Regulatory Agency: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Who Needs a License in Wisconsin?

Under Wisconsin Statute 173.41 and ATCP Chapter 16, you must be licensed if you are a dog breeder selling 25 or more dogs per year from more than 3 litters that you bred. Dog dealers who sell 25 or more dogs per year that they did not breed also need a license. Dog breeding facilities (also called puppy mills) must be licensed regardless of the number of dogs sold. Animal shelters and animal control facilities also need a license but have different fee structures.

How to Apply

Apply for a license through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). You can apply online through the MyDATCP portal or by contacting DATCP directly. Before your license is issued, DATCP must complete a pre-licensing inspection of your facility. The inspection covers dog health, standards of care, and record-keeping. You can reach DATCP at (608) 224-4872 or visit datcp.wi.gov for more information.

Fees and Costs

Annual license fees are based on how many dogs you sell per year. The fees are: $250 for 25 to 49 dogs, $500 for 50 to 99 dogs, $750 for 100 to 249 dogs, and $1,000 for 250 or more dogs per year. Animal shelters and animal control facilities pay a flat fee of $250. All licenses expire on September 30 each year, and DATCP sends out renewal notices every August.

Inspections and Compliance

DATCP must inspect your facility before issuing a license. After that, licensed breeders are subject to regular inspections to make sure they are following all the rules. Inspectors check on dog health, living conditions, sanitation, and record-keeping. If problems are found, you may need to fix them and be re-inspected before your license is renewed.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Licensed dog breeders must keep detailed records of all dogs they breed and sell. Every dog sold must be examined by a veterinarian before the sale and must come with a valid certificate of veterinary inspection and all vaccination records. You must keep records showing where each dog came from and where it was sold. These records must be available for DATCP inspectors to review at any time.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling dogs without the required license is a violation of Wisconsin law. Puppies cannot be sold until they are at least 7 weeks old. DATCP can impose fines, suspend or revoke your license, or take other enforcement actions. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and number of violations. Serious violations involving animal welfare can lead to criminal charges under Wisconsin's animal cruelty laws.

Sources and References

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