This week, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) finalized a number of fee increases for licensed sellers and dog facilities.
The Dog Sellers and Facilities program began in 2011 and regulates facilities (including shelters), as well as individuals who sell 25 or more dogs per year, from at least three litters.
As mentioned in a previous alert, it was determined that the Department did not have the resources to properly manage the program. In addition, the fees had not changed in the 10 years since the program was implemented. Hearings were conducted in the summer of 2021 to allow the public the opportunity to comment on the fee changes. Read the full regulation and DATCP’s explanation here.
The new regulation published this week officially increases the fees for licensing and re-inspections for those regulated under the program as follows:
Animal shelter/Animal control facility: $250 annually (increased from $125).
Dog sellers, 25-49 sales per year: $550 annually (increased from $250).
Dog sellers, 50-99 sales per year: $1,100 annually (increased from $500).
Dog Sellers, 100-249 per year: $1,650 annually (increased from $750).
Dog Sellers, 250+ per year: $2,200 annually (increased from $1,000).
Reinspection fee: $400 (increased from $150).
There are also fee increases for out of state sellers licensed in Wisconsin.
The fee increases will go into effect in September 2023, in order to give licensees time to prepare and plan for the new costs.
While AKC remained neutral on the fee changes, we continue to urge the Department and Legislature to consider modifying the underlying law to create a more effective, sustainable solution for regulating pet sellers in the state.
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor all regulatory and legislative action in Wisconsin that has the potential to impact dog owners and breeders. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.