Minneapolis, MN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Minneapolis does not have breed-specific legislation. Instead, Code of Ordinances Chapter 64 (Dogs and Cats) adopts the dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog framework from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 347. A dog may be declared potentially dangerous after an unprovoked bite causing less than substantial injury, or after aggressive behavior causing reasonable fear. A dog is declared dangerous after a bite causing substantial injury, repeated potentially dangerous behavior, or attacks on another domestic animal. Declared dogs must be registered with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, kept in a proper enclosure with warning signage, leashed and muzzled in public, microchipped, sterilized, and covered by at least 300,000 dollars of liability insurance for dangerous designations. Owners also pay an annual dangerous-dog license fee significantly higher than standard licensing. Failure to comply can result in seizure and euthanasia of the animal. Minnesota state law preempts breed-specific bans by cities in most circumstances following the 2024 amendments, and Minneapolis evaluates every dog based on its individual behavior rather than breed.