Pet Licenses

The City of Janesville would like to remind Janesville pet owners that a city license is required for all dogs and cats residing within the city limits.

All cats and dogs, 5 months and older, are required to be licensed. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required for licensing. A license can be obtained from two Municipal Building locations, the Clerk-Treasurer's Office or Leisure Services (18 N. Jackson Street). To obtain a form for mailing in, click the folder icon at the top of this webpage. Licenses are $8 for animals that are spayed or neutered (proof required) and $13 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered. License renewals may be purchased until March 31 of each year; after March 31, a $10 late fee will be charged. The fine for keeping an unlicensed dog or cat in the city limits is $249. (Municipal Code 06.04.020)

When a dog or cat is reclaimed or adopted at the Rock County Humane Society, the owner is provided written notification that they have thirty days to obtain a city license. The cost to taxpayers for care of animals at the Rock County Humane Society exceeds $90,000 per year. In 2008, the City of Janesville issued 5,190 dog licenses and 1,283 cat licenses. The burden on all city taxpayers would be reduced if animal owners would comply with licensing requirements.

In 2007, the Janesville Police Department began taking a more enforcement-oriented stance towards owners of unlicensed animals and other animal-related ordinances. Enforcement begins with those city residents who have recently adopted or reclaimed an animal at the Rock County Humane Society and who have failed to vaccinate and license the animal after thirty days. This strategy was put in place because previous efforts to educate and warn citizens of the requirement and importance of licensing dogs and cats did not result in compliance with licensing requirements.

The City of Janesville and the Rock County Humane Society urge Janesville dog and cat owners to be responsible by complying with the laws on rabies vaccinations, licensing, leashes, and litter clean up.

For questions about animal licenses, please call 755-3073.

Extended Pet Licensing Hours Planned for February 16

Dogs and cats ages five months and older are required to be licensed by March 31 of each year. Licenses are $8 for animals that are spayed or neutered (proof required) and $13 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered. Proof of a valid rabies vaccination is also required. More information about pet licensing is available on the city website.

Clerk-Treasurer staff will be at the Municipal Building the evening of February 16 to staff the customer window for individuals desiring to purchase their 2010 pet license. Residents may also purchase Paw Print Park tags at this time. The customer window will be open on February 16 from 7:30AM-6:30PM. (Regular operating hours are 7:30AM-4:30PM.) For questions, please contact the Clerk-Treasurer Office at 755-3070.

Paw Print Park Permit Tags Now On Sale

Paw Print Park permit tags are now on sale. Owners who wish to take their dog to Paw Print Park, Janesville's fenced dog park located at Prairie Knoll Park on Oakhill Avenue near the Hwy 11 bypass, must purchase a permit tag. Permit tags can be obtained from two Municipal Building locations, the Clerk-Treasurer's Office or Leisure Services (18 N. Jackson Street). A Paw Print Park permit may not be purchased without a 2010 dog license. The cost for a Paw Print Park permit is $15 for the first dog ($10 if the owner is age 60 or older) and $5 for each additional dog. For questions, please call 755-3030. To obtain a form for mailing in, click the folder icon at the top of this webpage.

Animal License Form and Paw Print Park Application Available Online

The City of Janesville animal license form and the Paw Print Park permit application are online and available for printing. Individuals are now able to request their pet license or Paw Print Park permit tag by mail. To obtain this form, click the folder icon at the top of this webpage.

For pet licenses, owners will need to send a copy of their rabies vaccination certificate along with their license form and payment check. Proof their pet has been spayed or neutered is required for those owners wishing to receive the discounted rate. There will be a $1 additional fee for mailed requests, as the City of Janesville will need to mail the license tag for the pet's collar to the resident. For questions, call 755-3073.

New Paw Print Park 'Friends' Opportunity Available - Become a 'Friend' Today!

Leisure Services and the Paw Print Park Committee recently began providing an opportunity for individuals to become a 'Friend' of Paw Print Park, Janesville's fenced dog park located at Prairie Knoll Park on Oakhill Avenue near the Hwy 11 bypass. The purpose of becoming a 'friend' is to provide support and funding for future park improvements.

The fee to become a 'friend' is $30 and includes an annual park permit tag and a Paw Print Park logo t-shirt. 'Friends' will be able to choose the color and size of their t-shirt. To become a 'friend', visit Leisure Services at the Municipal Building (18 N. Jackson Street) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30AM - 4:30PM). 'Friends' will need to have a current dog license to receive the park permit tag. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 755-3030.