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Milwaukee County, WI Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Cat licensing
Required by all 19 municipalities
Rabies vaccination
By 5 months (Wis. Stat. 95.21)
License administrator
MADACC (countywide)
License renewal
Annual, expires Dec. 31
Bite quarantine
At least 10 days, vet supervised

Summary

All 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County require dogs and cats to be licensed annually, and Wisconsin law requires cats over five months old to be current on rabies vaccination. MADACC issues pet licenses and rabies tags countywide; proof of rabies immunization is required to license a cat.

City-specific rules exist: Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee have their own cat rules rules that differ from Milwaukee County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The owner of a dog or cat shall have the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian... at no later than 5 months of age and revaccinated within one year after the initial vaccination.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Cat regulation in Milwaukee County combines Wisconsin state law with municipal licensing through MADACC. All 19 municipalities require dogs and cats to be licensed annually; licenses expire December 31, with late fees after April 1, and proof of current rabies immunization is required to license. Wis. Stat. 95.21 requires a cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian by five months of age and revaccinated within one year; a cat that bites a person is quarantined at least 10 days under veterinary supervision. MADACC sells cat licenses and rabies tags, replaces lost tags, and runs low-cost vaccine clinics. Some municipalities also apply confinement or nuisance rules to free-roaming cats through their animal codes.

Violations & Fines

Owners of unlicensed cats may be ticketed, with late fees after April 1. A biting cat must be quarantined at least 10 days under Wis. Stat. 95.21; MADACC will not release an impounded cat until current on rabies and licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to license my cat in Milwaukee County?
Yes. All 19 municipalities require dogs and cats to be licensed annually. Proof of current rabies immunization is required, and MADACC issues the licenses and rabies tags.
Does my cat need a rabies shot?
Yes. Wis. Stat. 95.21 requires a cat to be vaccinated against rabies by five months of age and revaccinated within one year. A cat that bites a person is quarantined at least 10 days.
What happens if MADACC picks up my cat?
MADACC will not release the cat until it is current on rabies vaccination and licensing. You must pay applicable impound, board and license or rabies fees to reclaim it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee County

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All Milwaukee County rules

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