By Eleanor Chiquoine, from the Sauk County Humane SocietyFew people enjoy paying a license fee or tax. But licenses can serve valuable purposes.
Sauk County requires dog owners to license their dogs. In Sauk County’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 27.05 states: “Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over five months of age, within the county of Sauk, must obtain a license as herein provided. Each license is for a period of 1 calendar year. And, dogs must wear license and rabies vaccination tags at all times when off the premises of the owner (with special exceptions).” Wisconsin State Statutes state all dogs over 5 months of age must be vaccinated for Rabies, a prerequisite for licensing. Depending on where you live in the County, and whether the pet is neutered/spayed or not, the licensing fee can vary. Depending on where you live in the County, you might be required to license your cat.
These ordinances serve valuable health and safety functions. They insure that owners get their pets vaccinated against rabies, an almost always fatal disease if contracted. The license fee also helps keep the Animal Shelter open. Among many services provided by the Shelter, our existence means that if your dog gets out a safe place exists where authorities (or kindly strangers) can bring your lost dog. Pay your license fee, and buy yourself some peace of mind about your pet’s safety.
Forgot to license your dog when you paid your taxes? Make good on that obligation! Contact your Clerk/Treasurer, and please - license your pet!
created by E. Chiquoine, updated 9/12/06