ANIMAL CARE

The City of Madison strives to provide a safe, clean environment for pets, their owners, and all other residents alike. If you own a pet, please adhere to the responsibilities outlined below.

DOGS

• Dog License Information
• Dog Owner Responsibilities
• Dog Park Information
  • Relevant City of Madison ordinances:
    • Vaccination requirements (23.39)
    • Dog license required (9.50)
    • Waste removal (7.322)
    • Dogs prohibited in certain areas (8.19)
    • Running at large (23.32)
    • Barking (disturbing the peace) (24.04)

CATS

• Cat License Information
• Cat Owner Responsibilities
  • Relevant City of Madison ordinances:
    • Vaccination requirements (23.39)
    • Cat license (9.31)
    • Running at large (23.32)

OTHER PETS

• Wild pet information
• Exotic pets - for information contact Public Health - Madison and Dane County at 267-1989
  • Relevant City of Madison ordinances:
    • Possession of exotic or wild animals (23.49)

ANIMAL PROBLEMS

• Barking dogs
  • Call Madison Police Department at (608)266-4275
• Dog Bite Information
• Loose/stray animals
  • Call (608)255-2345 to have an Animal Control Officer dispatched by radio to respond within Madison city limits. Outside Madison, call Public Health - Madison and Dane County at (608)267-1989
• Rats (PDF)
• Report a dead animal
  Please note: The City of Madison does not pick up dead deer; it falls under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR). You can contact the WIDNR at 275-3266.
• Sick or rabid wildlife
  • Call (608)255-2345 to have an Animal Control Officer dispatched by radio to respond
• West Nile Virus
• Wild animals nuisance
  • Call a Private Pest Control Service or call U.S.D.A. at 1-800-433-0688 for advice