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Duluth, MN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Duluth Legislative Code § 6-11
License age threshold
Cats over 8 weeks old
Fee
Set by city council resolution
Show exemption
No license needed for show cats
Altered discount
Fee at most half of unaltered fee
Tag requirement
Worn on collar whenever outdoors

Summary

In the City of Duluth, every cat over eight weeks of age must be licensed under Duluth Legislative Code Section 6-11, the same requirement applied to dogs. Owners pay an annual or lifetime fee set by city council resolution, and an unlicensed cat impounded by animal control cannot be released until the license is purchased.

No person within the city shall own or possess any dog or cat over eight weeks of age without obtaining a license therefor and having complied with the provisions set forth in this Article.

View official code

Full Breakdown

1 do not need one. Section 6-12 sets the licensing mechanics: fees are set by council resolution and are due when a new resident begins residency; cats brought into the city only for a show do not need a license; cats under one year may get a compliant license regardless of alteration, but cats over one year must be altered to qualify, and altered cats pay at most half the fee charged for unaltered cats. License proceeds fund the city animal control program. Under Section 6-13(e), an owner claiming an impounded, unlicensed cat must complete a license application and purchase the license before the animal is released.

Once issued, Section 6-14 requires the city clerk or animal control authority to provide a metal tag, and Section 6-15 requires that tag be securely attached to a collar whenever the cat is outside its owner's dwelling; no one may remove the collar or tag without the consent of the person to whom the license was issued.

Violations & Fines

Failing to license a cat as required by Section 6-11 is unlawful and, because Chapter 6 sets no specific fine for the licensing article, falls under the citywide general penalty in Duluth Legislative Code Section 1-7: a fine of up to $1,000, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. An impounded, unlicensed cat is also held under Section 6-3 until the owner pays impound and boarding fees plus the license fee, and compliant, licensed cats are charged lower impound fees than noncompliant ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to license my cat in Duluth?
Yes. Duluth Legislative Code Section 6-11 says no person may own or possess a dog or cat over eight weeks of age within the city without obtaining a license, maintained under the annual or lifetime licensing rules in Section 6-12 and Section 6-13.
How much does a Duluth cat license cost?
The city council sets the fee by resolution rather than fixing it in the ordinance itself, but Section 6-12(e) requires that altered cats pay, at most, half the fee charged for an unaltered cat, and cats brought in only for shows are exempt from licensing under Section 6-12(c).
What happens if animal control impounds my unlicensed cat?
Section 6-13(e) requires you to complete a license application and purchase a cat license before the animal is released, on top of paying the impound and boarding fees required under Section 6-3. Compliant, licensed animals are charged lower impound fees than noncompliant ones.
Does my cat have to wear its license tag outside?
Yes. Section 6-15 requires any cat outside its owner's dwelling to wear a substantial collar with the metal license tag securely attached, and no one may remove that collar or tag without the consent of the person the license was issued to.

Sources & Official References

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