Madison encourages but does not require microchipping; Dane County Humane Society scans all impounded animals for chips. Licensed dogs and cats must wear visible city tags under Ch. 9 identification rules.
Madison General Ordinances Ch. 9 requires every licensed dog and cat to display a current city license tag, but microchipping is voluntary. Dane County Humane Society scans every intake animal for ISO-standard chips and contacts registered owners before initiating adoption holds. Wisconsin Stat. §174.054 sets the licensing framework but leaves chipping decisions to owners. The city occasionally hosts low-cost microchip clinics with Dane County Humane Society. Stray-hold periods are seven days for chipped or licensed animals and four days for unidentified strays before adoption eligibility under Ch. 9.
Failing to display a license tag carries roughly $30-$75 forfeitures; lost unchipped pets without tags often miss reclaim windows and incur full boarding costs.
Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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See how Madison's microchipping rules stack up against other locations.
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