Animal Ordinances in Walworth County, WI (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Walworth County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the towns under Walworth County zoning, up to six female chickens are allowed on a single-family lot in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5, R-5A and C-3 districts under Code § 74-44(c). No roosters are permitted, and the coop is capped at 100 square feet and must be movable.
Backyard Chicken Rules in Walworth County
Some RestrictionsWalworth County Code § 74-44(c)-(d)
Chickens shall also be permitted in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5, R-5A and C-3 districts provided:(1)Chickens shall be female only. No roosters are permitted.(2)No more than six chickens allowed on the parcel.(3)Single family residence only. ... (8)A structure to house the chickens shall not exceed 100 square feet, shall be movable, shall be at least ten feet from side and rear property lines and sha...
Dog Leash Laws
Walworth County Code § 6-32 bars dogs from running at large, meaning off the owner's premises and out of anyone's control, and requires a license tag on the collar whenever a dog is outdoors unless it is securely fenced. Owners face forfeitures of $25.00 to $200.00, and officers may capture and restrain a loose or untagged dog.
Walworth County Dogs Running at Large
Some RestrictionsWalworth County Code § 6-32
(a)A dog is considered to be running at large if it is off the premises of its owner and not under the control of the owner or some other person.(b)A dog is considered to be untagged if a valid license tag is not attached to a collar which is kept on the dog whenever the dog is outdoors, unless the dog is securely confined in a fenced area.(c)Any officer may and the humane officer shall attempt...
Pet Limits
In the towns under Walworth County zoning, no more than four dogs or four cats can be kept on one premises under Code § 74-44(a). Breeding or selling pets from home is barred, though a litter's offspring can stay and be sold for up to eight months.
Dog and Cat Limits in Walworth County
Some RestrictionsWalworth County Code § 74-44(a)
Household pets shall be permitted in all zoning districts; provided that not more than four dogs or four cats are kept on any one premises, and provided further that no animals, or pets are bred or reared on such premises for commercial purposes or sold therefrom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, offspring of permitted household pets may be kept and sold from the premises for a period of...
Cat Rules
In unincorporated Walworth County, a cat that bites someone or is exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined under Code §§ 6-99 and 6-100. Depending on vaccination status, the cat is confined for 10, 60 or 180 days, and an officer can kill it only as a last resort.
Cat Quarantine Rules in Walworth County
Some RestrictionsWalworth County Code §§ 6-99(a), 6-100(c)
Quarantine or sacrifice of a dog or cat. An officer shall order a dog or cat quarantined if the officer has reason to believe that the animal bit a person, is infected with rabies or has been in contact with a rabid animal. If a quarantine cannot be imposed because the dog or cat cannot be captured, the officer may kill the animal. The officer may kill a dog or cat only as a last resort or if t...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In unincorporated Walworth County, veterinarian facilities are not allowed outright anywhere. Section 74-61(9) lists them as a conditional use limited to the A-1, A-2, and A-4 agricultural districts, so an owner must obtain Committee approval through a public hearing before opening one, with appeals routed to circuit court.
Walworth County Veterinary Facilities Need Conditional Use
Significant RestrictionsWalworth County Code § 74-61(9)
Except where specifically permitted as a principal use in division 3, the following agricultural and related uses shall be conditional uses and may be permitted as specified. ... (9)Veterinarian facilities in the A-1, A-2 and A-4 districts.
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