Many people are surprised when they hear that dog and cat licenses are required in the City of Madison. Some people don't find out about the requirement until they have to "bail" their wayward pet out of the Humane Society. Pet licenses not only help reunite a lost pet and its owner, but the licensing process helps assure that the pets we share our community with have been vaccinated against rabies.

The City of Madison now offers the convenience of online licensing. To take advantage of this option, you need to be able to get digital or scanned versions of your pet's proof of current rabies vaccination, and if applicable, proof of spaying or neutering. These digital documents must be attached to your online license application.

Any dog or cat that is 5 months of age or older belonging to a Madison resident must be licensed. These licenses are for the calendar year, from January 1st though December 31st.

To register online, you must first create an account at the City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal at https://elam.cityofmadison.com/citizenaccess/. Then you can go to the licensing web page at www.cityofmadison.com/treasurer/petLicensing.cfm, and fill out the application for either a cat or dog. You will also need digital versions of or be able to scan in your dog or cat's proof of current rabies vaccination so that they can be attached to the license application. The application process can also be done via regular mail and in person at the City Treasurer's Office (City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) room 107. Be sure to provide or bring proof of vaccination when applying by mail or in person. The treasurer's office also offers dog owners the ability to purchase a Madison dog park permit online as part of the licensing process.

The same licensing requirement applies to dog owners in Dane County outside of the City of Madison. County dog licenses are sold by individual Town, City and Village Clerks. Some municipalities in Dane County may also require cat licenses. Online registration for Dane County residents is available at for some municipalities at www.petpass.net .

For more detailed information on the responsibilities of pet owners, check out the Public Health Animal Services web pages at
http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/animals.

Please license your dog - it's good for you, your pet, and our community.

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JOINT NEWS RELEASE
Public Health - Madison & Dane County &
The City of Madison Treasurer