Dog Licensing

Below are selected excerpts from the Plymouth Municipal code explaining the some of the rules and regulations regarding Animals and licensing. More information may be found in Chapter 7 of the code.

Dog License Required

It shall be unlawful for any person in the City of Plymouth to own, harbor, or keep any dog for more than five (5) months of age after July 1 of the license year without complying with the provisions of this Chapter relating to the listing, licensing and tagging of the same.

Fees

  • $8.00 neutered/spayed.
  • $15.00 not neutered/spayed.
  • Proof of rabies is required at the time of registration.
  • A $30.00 late fee begins April 1st.
  • You may only have 3 dogs per household.

Rabies Vaccination Required for Dogs

The owner of a dog shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian within thirty (30) days after the dog reaches four (4) months of age and re-vaccinated within one (1) year after the initial vaccination. If the owner obtains the dog or brings the dog into the City of Plymouth after the dog has reached four (4) months of age, the owner shall have the dog vaccinated against rabies within thirty (30) days after the dog is brought into the City unless the dog has been vaccinated as evidenced by a current certificate of rabies vaccination.

Restrictions on Keeping of Dogs, Cats, Fowl and Other Animals

It shall be unlawful for any person within the City of Plymouth to own, harbor or keep any dog or cat which:

  1. Habitually pursues any vehicle upon any public street, alley or highway in the City.
  2. Assaults or attacks any person as described in Subsection (b) or destroys property.
  3. Is at large within the limits of the City.
  4. Habitually barks or howls to the annoyance of any person.
  5. Kills, wounds or worries any domestic animal.
  6. Is known by such person to be infected with rabies or to have been bitten by an animal known to have been infected with rabies.
  7. In the case of a dog, is unlicensed.

Dangerous Animals

Prohibited Dangerous Animal means any of the following:

  • Any animal that is determined to be a prohibited dangerous animal under this division.
  • Any animal that while off the owner or caretakers property, has killed a domesticated animal without provocation.
  • Any animal that, without provocation inflicts serious bodily harm on a person on public or private property.
  • Any animal brought from another city, village, town or county that has been declared dangerous or vicious by that jurisdiction.
  • Any dog that is subject to being destroyed under §174 02(3), Wis. Stats.
  • Any dog trained, owned or harbored for the purpose of dog fighting.

Animals Running at Large

No person having in his possession or ownership any animal or fowl shall allow the same to run at large within the City. The owner of any animal, whether licensed or unlicensed shall keep his animal tied or enclosed in a proper enclosure so as not to allow said animal to interfere with the passing public or neighbors. Any animal running at large unlicensed and required by state law or City Ordinance to be licensed may be seized and impounded by animal control or law enforcement officer.

Any animal which is off the property of the person having the ownership possession or control of the animal shall be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length and under control of a person physically able to control it.

Barking Dogs or Crying Cats

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to keep or harbor any dog which habitually barks, howls or yelps, or any cat which habitually cries or howls to the great discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or in such manner as to materially disturb or annoy persons in the neighborhood who are of ordinary sensibilities.

Limitation on the Number of Dogs and Cats

The keeping of a large number of cats and/or dogs within the City of Plymouth for a considerable period of time detracts from and, in many instances, is detrimental to, healthful and comfortable life in such areas. The keeping of a large number of cats and/or dogs is, therefore, declared a public nuisance. No family shall own, harbor or keep in its possession more than five (5) cats and three (3) dogs on any residential lot without the prior approval of the Common Council except that a litter of kittens or puppies, or a portion of a litter, may be kept for not more than twelve (12) weeks from birth. If more than one (1) family resides on a residential lot, then only a total of five (5) cats or three (3) dogs shall be allowed on the residential lot unless the prior approval is obtained from the Common Council. For the purposes of this Section, the term “family” shall be defined as one (1) or more persons.