Wisconsin has a new law regulating dog breeding, sales, and adoption-for-fee, effective June 1, 2011. The law was a decade in the making and represents cooperation among many different interests. It requires inspection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and rescues that foster and adopt out dogs. The new law also prohibits selling puppies less than 7 weeks old unless they go with their mothers, and requires that certificates of veterinary inspection – health certificates – accompany dogs that are sold or adopted for a fee.

The intent is to protect the welfare of dogs and to protect consumers who buy or adopt them.