All domesticated animals (dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, and ferrets) are required by City ordinance to be licensed. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are also required to be vaccinated against rabies.  This application is for dogs and cats only.  All other applications are available in the City of Racine Department of Customer Service.

Licenses expire annually on December 31st and must be purchased each calendar year. Any license renewed after March 31st will be assessed a $5 late fee (new animals licensed within 30 days are exempt).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should my pet be licensed?  
   • Sec. 10-36 of the Racine Municipal Code requires that domesticated animals (dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, and ferrets) be licensed.
   • It helps to identify your pet in the event it is lost.
   • To keep official records of your pet's rabies vaccinations.
   • The fees collected support animal control services.
     
     
2. What is the cost of licensing my pets?
   Dogs and Cats
   • Neutered/Spayed: $15 each
   • Non-neutered/Spayed: $40 each
     
     
   Potbellied Pigs
   • Must be neutered/spayed:  $15 each 
     
     
   Ferrets
   • Neutered/Spayed or non-neutered/spayed: $15 each 
     
     
   Fees
3. Any license renewed after March 31st will be assessed a $5 late fee.
4. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.
5. Make checks payable to City of Racine.
   
   
6. How many pets am I allowed?
   A person is allowed to keep three (3) domesticated animals in a single-family residence, and two (2) domesticated animals per unit of a multiple-family residence. If you live in a single-family residence and have more than three (3) animals you are required to obtain a Pet Fancier's Permit.
   Note: Only one potbellied pig is allowed, regardless of residence or license type.
   
   
7. Can my pet roam free or unattended in public, outside of dog parks?
   Section 10-92 of the Code, states that "’[r]un at large,’ means the presence of the animal at any place except upon the property of the owner unless the animal:
   (1) Is on a leash held by a person physically able to control the animal; or (2) Is controlled and contained by a person physically able to control the animal; or (3) Is on private property with permission of the owner of the property.”
   Stated otherwise, Racine’s local law requires either a leash with control or the ability to restrain (verbal or otherwise) with control.