Apple Valley, MN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Apple Valley starts from a closed list. Section 91.06(B) says no person can keep or harbor any animal other than a household pet or service animal in the city. Chapter 91 defines household pets as dogs, cats, ferrets, caged birds kept inside the residence, rabbits caged inside or kept in an outdoor hutch, caged rodents kept inside, non-poisonous snakes and lizards under three feet kept caged inside, turtles, non-poisonous amphibians and insects kept caged inside, pet fish, and sugar gliders kept caged inside. Anything outside that list is prohibited under § 91.06(D)(1)(c), which then names examples: all skunks, whether wild-caught, domestically raised, descented or vaccinated; large cats such as lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars and ocelots; wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes and jackals; crossbreeds such as dog and wolf or dog and coyote; poisonous snakes such as rattlesnakes, coral snakes, water moccasins, cobras and copperheads; all raccoons; piranhas, northern snakeheads and similar aggressive carnivorous fish; and all apes and monkeys. Any animal barred by Minnesota or federal law is also banned.

Selling is separately prohibited: § 91.06(D)(2) bars offering any of these animals for sale within the city limits. The code defines a wild animal as one that is not naturally tame or gentle, or that because of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics would endanger human life or property.

There is a narrow permit path in § 91.06(D)(3). The Apple Valley City Council can permit prohibited animals for entertainment, exhibition, show or promotional purposes only, for a period not to exceed 30 days, with conditions attached. A public zoo or similar institution with a permanent display can hold a permanent permit if zoning requirements are met. Accredited education or research institutions and veterinary hospitals are exempt from the permit if protective devices prevent escape or injury. The chapter does not apply at all to animals owned or controlled by the Minnesota Zoological Garden on its property under § 91.02. Farm animals are allowed on agriculturally zoned property, and horses on R-1 lots of at least 40,000 square feet.