Animal Ordinances in Marathon County, WI (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Marathon County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the county's Rural Residential zoning district, Marathon County caps backyard fowl at six birds on lots under one acre and 12 on larger lots, allows only hens (no roosters), and requires a 25-foot enclosure setback.
Marathon County Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsMarathon County Code § 17.204.01(E)
E.In the R-R District only. The following animals may be kept for show, breeding, and consumed by the residents/owner of the parcel and are subject to the following restrictions:1.Livestock:a.Horses.1)Minimum of three acres for one horse, and an additional one and one-half acres for each additional horse.b.Fowl.1)Allowed fowl includes chickens (hens only; no roosters), ducks, quail, pheasants, ...
Dog Leash Laws
Marathon County requires dogs to stay on the owner's property, on a leash, or under direct supervision: the running-at-large ban applies only to the county's unincorporated towns, not its cities and villages.
Marathon County Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsMarathon County Code § 9.82(1)(a)
No person shall own or keep a dog and allow such dog to run at large. A dog shall be considered as running at large when it is not on the premises of the owner, unless it is on a leash, or being exercised, is in a motor vehicle, or is on property of another who does not object to the presence of the animal.
Pet Limits
Marathon County's zoning code sets no cap on dogs a resident personally owns, but boarding, breeding, or training seven or more dogs over six months old, for pay or belonging to others, turns the property into a regulated kennel.
Marathon County Dog Kennel Threshold
Some RestrictionsMarathon County Code § 17.204.07(A)
A.Kennel. The boarding, breeding, raising, grooming, or training of seven or more dogs over six months of age either:1.Not owned by the owner or occupant of the premises, or2.For commercial gain may be permitted and shall conform to Section 17.204.07(B).
Animal Ordinances by City in Marathon County
2 cities in Marathon County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Marathon County ordinances
See every category we cover for Marathon County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Marathon County Ordinance Hub →