Madison MGO 23.32 limits households to a total of 4 dogs, cats, or combination thereof, not counting animals under 5 months old. Additional animals require a kennel license and zoning approval.
Under MGO 23.32, no household in Madison may keep more than a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over the age of 5 months without a kennel license. Litters under 5 months are not counted toward the limit. Kennel licensing requires zoning compliance, and most residential zones do not permit kennels. Pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, small reptiles, aquarium fish, caged birds) are not typically subject to the 4-animal cap but must be kept in sanitary conditions and cannot constitute a nuisance. Hens are separately capped at 4 under MGO 9.52. Rescue and foster homes operating above the limit may require an approved foster agreement with a recognized rescue organization. Chronic over-limit situations can lead to hoarding investigations by Public Health Madison and Dane County.
Citations 124 to 500 dollars per animal over limit. Possible seizure in hoarding cases.
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