Milwaukee Code Ch. 78 limits each dwelling to a combined total of four dogs and cats over five months old. Multi-pet permits exist but require neighbor notice, inspection, and Animal Control approval.
Milwaukee caps dogs and cats per dwelling at four combined animals over five months old. Larger households can apply for a multi-pet license, which triggers an inspection of the home, sanitation review, and a notice mailed to adjacent property owners. The cap does not apply to licensed kennels, foster placements through MADACC, or rescues approved under Wis. Stat. 173.41 dog seller licensing. The four-pet cap is enforced by Animal Control, while related conditions (odor, waste, structural condition) fall under DNS Ch. 80 property maintenance authority. The state does not preempt local pet caps, so Milwaukee's number is the controlling rule inside city limits.
Forfeiture roughly $150 per animal over the limit, doubled on second offense. Operating without a multi-pet license after warning can lead to seizure and $500 fines.
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See how Milwaukee's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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