Animal Control Licensing, Questions and Concerns

Dog Licensing:  Pay these fees to the Town of St. Joseph each January 1.  An appointment is required to pay your fees in person at the Clerk-Treasurer's Office during regular posted business hours.2021 Animal Control

WI State law requires all dogs to be licensed annually.  All dog licenses expire December 31st of the year they were issued.  January 1 of each year, you must renew the license for each dog you own. A current "Proof of Rabies" vaccination from your veterinarian for each animal is required along with your fee for licensing. New residents and pet owners have a 30-day grace period to license your pets. If you have questions, you may call 715-549-6235 or send an email to the: Clerk-Treasurer's Office

Annual License Fees:

  • January 1st through March 31st
  • April 1st through December 31st considered late, fees double
  • Provide proof of rabies vaccination for each animal
  • Pay these fees to the Town of St. Joseph

Dog License Application Form
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Kennel License Application Form

Kennel Licensing - Pay these fees to the Town of St. Joseph each January 1.  


An appointment is required to pay your fees in person at the Clerk-Treasurer's Office during regular posted business hours.

Private Kennel Definition

Any person, partnership or corporation who or which is customarily the owner or custodian of more than three (3) dogs or six (6) cats over five months of age, who or which is not in the business of breeding, buying, selling, or boarding of dogs or cats, must apply for a private kennel license.
All kennel licenses expire December 31st of the year they were issued.

Commercial Kennel Definition

Any person, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of "breeding, buying, selling or boarding dogs and/or cats", provided that such person, partnership or corporation is customarily the owner or custodian of more than three(3)dogs or six (6) cats over five months of age, must apply for a commercial kennel license.
All kennel licenses expire December 31st of the year they were issued.
Animal Ordinance Chapter 64

Lost & Found Animals and Animals at Large

Contact the Animal Control Officer:
Darel Hall at (715) 377-5141
Email:  Dedicated Animal Control Services

  • Dedicated Animal Control Services, D.A.C.S began operation in 2013. D.A.C.S responds to animal-related issues as well as lost and found animals. D.A.C.S. is the ONLY all-in-one animal control and impounding company throughout 3 different counties in Wisconsin including Polk County, St. Croix County, and Pierce County. D.A.C.S responds to any and all animal calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a regular hourly contracted rate. D.A.C.S does not have a monthly retainer.
  •  Darel Hall, certified Animal Humane Officer and on-call staff enforce legal ordinances and laws governing animals. We recognize the importance of effective animal care and control programs by protecting animals against unnecessary cruelty and suffering, all aspects of mistreatment, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and protecting public safety by preventing animal bites, attacks, and accidents caused by unattended roaming animals.
  • D.A.C.S also promotes responsible pet ownership, educating the public on animal overpopulation issues, encouraging spay/neuter, proper animal care and handling, animal adoption for healthy and behaviorally sound animals to good homes. We also hold microchip clinics in an effort to emphasize to owners the importance of microchipping their pets.

  • Dedicated Animal Control Services strives to get a missing or found pet back to the owners as fast as possible. After the animal is in our care, we immediately scan it for a microchip. We then take pictures of the animal and post it to our Facebook page, Dedicated Animal Control Services, https://www.facebook.com/D.A.C.SWisconsin. If the owner is not found, the animal is then transported to our (DACS) Wisconsin State Licensed Impound (lic:513441-DS). We list missing and found animals where community members help by sharing those posts to get pets home in a timely manner. If the animal is unclaimed, D.A.C.S will utilize the Woodbury, MN Animal Humane Society (AHS), Arnell Memorial Humane Society (AMHS), Eau Claire County Humane Association (ECCHA), or Dunn County Humane Society (DCHS).

  • Impound fees - $50.00 up to 24 hours and $20.00 per day thereafter.  Payment of fees may be made via cash or check.  All impounded pets may be reclaimed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (715) 377-5141.

Town of St. Joseph Animal Reclaiming Fees 

  • These fees are in addition to any fees that may be charged by Dedicated Animal Control Services.
  • Town of St. Joseph Reclaiming fees will be charged and are due and payable to the Town.  The Town will directly invoice pet owners regarding their fees due. These invoices are due in full upon receipt.