Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
MCO § 78-5.5(3)(e)
Exemption basis
Valid Wisconsin DNR rehab license
No separate city permit
for licensed rehabilitators
Seizure authority
Wis. Stat. § 173.13
Other exempt groups
zoos, vet clinics, humane societies

Summary

Milwaukee's exotic-animal possession ban exempts wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the State of Wisconsin, so a valid state license covers rescue work without a separate city wildlife permit.

PROHIBITED POSSESSION. Except as provided in sub. 3, no person may keep, harbor, possess, breed, sell, transfer, give away, otherwise transfer possession of, or exhibit an exotic animal within the city. ... EXEMPTIONS. This section does not apply to any of the following: ... e. Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state of Wisconsin.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 78-5.5 bars keeping, possessing, or exhibiting an exotic animal within the city, but subsection 3 lists exemptions that pull qualifying rescuers out of that ban. Alongside accredited zoos, veterinary hospitals providing temporary care, and humane societies temporarily housing surrendered or impounded animals, the code exempts "wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state of Wisconsin." A rehabilitator holding a current state license does not need an additional city-issued wildlife permit to temporarily possess a qualifying animal for rescue or rehabilitation purposes.

Violations & Fines

Possessing an exotic animal without qualifying for an exemption violates § 78-5.5; a humane officer or police officer may seize the animal under Wis. Stat. § 173.13 and impound it under Milwaukee Code § 78-21.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee issue its own wildlife rescue permit?
No. The city's exotic-animal ordinance simply exempts wildlife rehabilitators already licensed by the State of Wisconsin from its possession ban, so the state license is what qualifies you.
What if I keep injured wildlife without a state license?
If the animal counts as an exotic animal under § 78-5.5 and no exemption applies, it can be seized by a humane or law enforcement officer under Wis. Stat. § 173.13.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBeekeepingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome Restrictions

All Milwaukee rules

Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Wildlife Rescue Permits in Milwaukee, WI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.