Washington County, WI Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Washington County Code § 172-14 defines a "wolf-dog hybrid" as any cross-breed from mating a domestic dog with a wolf, coyote, jackal or dingo, or from mating any wolf-dog hybrid with another hybrid or a domestic dog. Anyone keeping one in the county must house it in an enclosure meeting minimum specifications under § 172-14B: woven, galvanized-after-weaving wire securely anchored with stainless steel or copper rings, at least 500 square feet for one animal plus 250 additional square feet per additional canine kept there, extending to a height of at least eight feet with fine one-quarter-inch mesh screening on the lower four feet, a base and top of anchored wire mesh angled inward at least two feet at not less than a 45-degree angle, the base covered by at least four inches of crushed stone, and a case-hardened lock with double entrance gates whenever the animal is unattended.

An owner who already had a single wolf-dog hybrid when the section was enacted may seek a $50 Sheriff's inspection and an exemption from the Public Safety Committee, though a conviction for letting the animal run at large voids that exemption. Transport requires a secure, locked container with fine mesh over any openings, though leashed and muzzled walking is allowed. Any bite must be reported to the Sheriff immediately, and § 172-14G bars anyone from willfully or negligently releasing or abandoning a wolf-dog hybrid. Penalties under § 172-14H run $75 to $500 plus costs for most violations, but releasing or abandoning an animal draws up to $1,000 plus costs, and each day of violation is a separate offense; unpaid forfeitures can mean up to 30 days in the county jail.