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

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

Key Facts

Governing statute
§ 174.053, Wis. Stats. (via Ch. 11)
Rabies vaccination deadline
5 months of age
Revaccination interval
1-3 years by vaccine type
Administering agency
Winnebago County Health Dept.

Summary

Winnebago County extends the state dog-licensing law to cats: anyone who owns a cat must follow the same license and rabies-vaccination rules that apply to dogs under the county kennel ordinance.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Winnebago County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Commercial Kennel License: The rules and regulations pertaining to licensing, specifically § 174.053, Wis Stats, together with any future additions, deletions, or supplement thereto, are herewith incorporated as part of this Chapter and shall be enforced with the same force and effect as though set forth in full herein. Providing, however, that where such rules and regulations are less stringent than other provisions found in this Code, the provisions of this Code shall apply. The rules and regulations pertaining to licensing shall apply also to cats within the County.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 11 of the county code, the Commercial Kennel License provisions that incorporate Wisconsin's dog-licensing statute, Wis. Stat. § 174.053, apply equally to cats owned anywhere in Winnebago County, not just dogs. Separately, § 11.10 requires every dog and cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian no later than five months of age, with animals acquired from elsewhere vaccinated within 30 days of arrival, and revaccination on a one- or three-year schedule tied to the vaccine used.

Violations & Fines

Violating the licensing/vaccination rules is enforced under the county Health Department's Chapter 11 penalty provisions, including citations and forfeitures for noncompliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats need to be licensed in Winnebago County?
Yes. County code § 11.12(1)(b) applies the same dog-licensing rules under Wis. Stat. § 174.053 to cats, and § 11.10 requires rabies vaccination for cats as well as dogs.
By what age must a cat be vaccinated for rabies?
No later than five months of age under § 11.10(1)(a); cats acquired after that age must be vaccinated within 30 days of arriving in the county.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winnebago County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Winnebago County rules

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