Green Bay, WI Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Clerk / Humane Officer
- Review factors
- nuisance risk, criminal record, home condition
- Appeal body
- Protection and Policy Committee
- Permit duration
- expires when the animal dies
- Penalty
- $1 to $1,000 per offense
Summary
Green Bay requires an excess animal permit from the Humane Officer before a household may keep more pets than the residential caps allow, with denial possible over nuisance risk or the applicant's record.
In determining whether a permit under this section shall be granted, the Humane Officer shall consider the number and type of animals to be possessed, the applicant's criminal record, including any animal related police calls for service, known prior history of the animals, health of the animals, whether proper licenses and vaccinations have been obtained, the condition of the applicant's residence where the animals will be kept, the likelihood of a public or private nuisance being created, and any other factors determined to be relevant by the Humane Officer.
Full Breakdown
The City Clerk's Office issues exotic or excess animal permits, forwarding each application to the Humane Officer for verification. In deciding whether to grant one, the Humane Officer weighs the number and type of animals, the applicant's criminal record including animal-related police calls, the condition of the residence where the animals will be kept, and the likelihood the household creates a public or private nuisance. A denial can be appealed to the Protection and Policy Committee, which forwards a recommendation to the Common Council. Each permit expires when the covered animal dies.
Violations & Fines
Violating any keeping-of-animals provision, including keeping without a required excess animal permit, is a forfeiture of $1.00 to $1,000.00 per offense; each day of continuing violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep extra pets in Green Bay?
Can the City deny my excess animal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle pet limits.