Animal Shelter or Animal Control Facility
Wisconsin Statutes and DATCP rules state, with some exceptions, that any person engaging in the business of operating an animal control facility or animal shelter have an annual dog seller and dog facility operator license from the department. A separate license is required for each location that operates as an animal control facility or animal shelter.

These are the individuals and organizations that need to be licensed:
  • Non-profit animal shelters and rescue groups sheltering/fostering at least 25 dogs a year
  • Animal control facilities that contract with a city, village, town or county

NOTE: If you have not sheltered or fostered or expect to shelter or foster 25 or more dogs per license year, you do not need to be licensed.

An annual dog seller and dog facility operator license expires on September 30 and is not transferable. The non-refundable fee for a shelter or animal control facility is $250. In addition, you may be subject to a surcharge if found to be operating without a license.

This license may be obtained by submitting a completed application and appropriate fees to DATCP.
  • If you are a Wisconsin Dog Dealer, Breeder or Breeding facility, Click Here
  • If you are a Out-of-State Dog Dealer, Breeder or Breeding facility, Click Here

Please click "Start New Application" below to apply online.

If you would like to print instructions and a blank application to fill out and mail please click the following links: Instructions and Application

If you have any questions, contact the Division of Animal Health at (608) 590-8519.

Authority: chs. 93 and 173, Wis. Stats., s. ATCP 16.06, Wis. Adm. Code
AH-DS-110-A.doc (rev.3/2015)
Personal information you provide may be used for purposes other than that for which it was originally collected (s. 15.04(1)(m), Wis. Stats.)




Start New Application
Note: Your session will timeout after 10 minutes of inactivity and you may lose your work. Please set aside some uninterrupted time to complete the application.
Please wait...

Please wait...