Marathon County, WI Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Wisconsin Chapter 174 of the state statutes is the framework for dog licensing, dangerous dogs, and the impoundment of dogs running at large. Wis. Stat. 174.05 requires every owner of a dog 5 months or older to pay an annual license tax to the city, village, or town clerk where the owner lives. The Wisconsin minimum tax is $3 for a spayed/neutered dog and $8 for an unaltered dog (Wis. Stat. 174.05(2)), and counties may add their own surcharge. Marathon County's adopted dog-license rates - assessed for each dog 5 months or older - are a $12 minimum for spayed/neutered dogs and $20 for unaltered dogs, with proof of current rabies vaccination required. A $5 late fee is added for any owner who fails to obtain the license before April 1 each year (the license year runs January 1 through December 31). Wis. Stat. 174.042 authorizes counties to enact ordinances providing for the impoundment of dogs running at large or untagged, with the dog held until the owner pays impound and license fees. Leash and 'at-large' rules in Marathon County are set primarily by individual towns, villages, and the City of Wausau, not by a uniform countywide leash ordinance; many towns require dogs to be leashed or under direct control of the owner whenever off the owner's premises. Dangerous-dog declarations and bite incidents are governed by Wis. Stat. 174.02 (statutory two-bite rule and strict liability) and 174.001-.018 (dangerous dog procedures). Wausau and incorporated villages in the county each have their own animal-control ordinances. Note: Wausau will absorb a Marathon County pet-license fee increase for 2026 - verify current fee schedules with your municipal clerk before paying.