Residents of the City of Janesville may now purchase 2026 Cat and Dog Licenses. All cats and dogs, five months and older, residing within the city limits are required to be licensed. Owners must be able to show proof of a valid rabies vaccination certificate at the time of licensing. Licenses are $15 for spayed or neutered animals and $25 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered. 

Residents may purchase license renewals until March 31, 2026. A $10 late fee will apply to licenses purchased after that date. The fine for keeping an unlicensed dog or cat in the city limits is $263.50. 

Residents may obtain a license at the Clerk-Treasurer's Office (18 North Jackson Street). They may also choose to print and mail in an application form. Residents will need to send their rabies vaccination certificate along with their license form and payment check. Proof that the pet has been spayed or neutered is required for those owners wishing to receive the discounted rate.  

An additional fee of $1 applies to mailed requests, as the City will need to mail the license tag for the pet's collar to the resident. The City will return rabies vaccination certificate along with the mailed license. 

2026 permits for the City’s Paw Print Park are also now available. These permits are valid for the remainder of December 2025 and all of 2026. The cost of the annual permit is $20 for the first dog registered and $5 for each additional permit purchased. A permit may not be purchased without proof of a current pet license.  Permits may be purchased at either the City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office or the Parks and Recreation Divisions Office in City Hall (18 North Jackson Street).  

For questions about pet licenses or to download the mail-in application form, visit janesvillewi.gov/petlicense or call the City of Janesville Clerk-Treasurer's Office at (608) 755-3073.