Animal Ordinances in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
15 verified animal ordinances for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Milwaukee allows up to four hens (no roosters) per household with a $35 annual Keeping of Fowl license from the Department of Neighborhood Services. Goats and livestock are prohibited.
Animals: Chickens Livestock
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Milwaukee requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Dog licensing required statewide under WI Stat. §174.
Milwaukee Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Wisconsin does not preempt local breed-specific legislation. Some WI cities have breed bans. WI Stat. §174.042 covers dangerous dogs based on behavior.
Milwaukee Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping requires a permit under MCO §78-6 ($80 fee). Maximum 2 hives per lot. Neighbor notification required; written objections trigger a public hearing. Flyway barriers, water source, and hive setbacks required.
Milwaukee Beekeeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic and wild animals are regulated under MCO Chapter 78. Wisconsin has no statewide exotic pet preemption; municipalities may restrict ownership of dangerous wildlife.
Milwaukee Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Milwaukee prohibits intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife under Chapter 78. Bird feeders are allowed if maintained to avoid attracting rats.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Milwaukee prohibits cattle, horses, swine, sheep, and goats within city limits. Only permitted hens and bees are allowed as agricultural animals.
Animals: Livestock
Heavy RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Milwaukee Ch. 78 caps household animals and authorizes Milwaukee Animal Control to investigate hoarding. Excessive accumulation that causes neglect, disease, or filth is treated as cruelty and may trigger seizure under Wis. Stat. ch. 951.
Animal Hoarding Limits and Cruelty Enforcement
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
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.
Household Pet Limits Per Dwelling Unit
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Milwaukee requires cats over five months old to be licensed, rabies-vaccinated, and kept under control. Free-roaming cats can be impounded by MADACC. Wisconsin requires rabies vaccination for cats statewide.
Cat Licensing, Rabies, and At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Milwaukee does not mandate spay/neuter, but Ch. 78 sets dramatically lower license fees for altered pets and free MADACC vouchers exist for low-income residents. Wisconsin preempts a flat city mandate via Wis. Stat. 66.0413.
Spay/Neuter Incentives and License Differential
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Milwaukee does not require all pets to be microchipped, but MADACC microchips every adopted animal and any pet redeemed from impound. Owners must keep registration current to avoid re-impound fees.
Microchip Requirement at Impound and Adoption
Some RestrictionsCoyote Management
Milwaukee follows Wisconsin DNR guidance for urban coyotes: do not feed, secure trash, haze on sight. Lethal removal inside the city is restricted by Ch. 105 firearm-discharge rules and state hunting regulations.
Coyote Encounters and Urban Wildlife Response
Some RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Milwaukee licenses pet shops under Ch. 78 and Ch. 100, requiring DATCP-licensed sourcing and humane care. Retail sale of dogs and cats from non-shelter sources is restricted; shops must disclose breeder information at sale.
Pet Shop Licensing and Sourcing Limits
Some RestrictionsBird Protection
Milwaukee has no city-wide bird-safe building mandate but participates in Lights Out Milwaukee voluntary spring/fall programs. Federal MBTA and Wisconsin Stat. 169 govern wild bird take, nest disturbance, and rehabilitation.
Migratory Birds and Lights Out Milwaukee
Few RestrictionsLooking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Milwaukee County →