Does Minneapolis, MN have its own exotic pets ordinance?

No. Minneapolis, MN does not appear to have a local exotic pets ordinance, Minnesota state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Minnesota Statutes 346.155.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Permit required: for wild or exotic animals
Outright prohibited: venomous snakes, crocodilians
Temporary permit cap: 21 days
Enforcing agency: Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC)

Summary

Minneapolis bars keeping any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile citywide without a permit from Animal Care and Control, with certain species like venomous snakes and crocodilians prohibited outright.

No person shall, anywhere in the city, keep, harbor, or maintain care, custody, or control over any exotic or wild animal unless otherwise permitted by this title. Unless otherwise permitted, no person shall keep or allow to be kept... any place in the city any wild, exotic, dangerous, or non-domestic animal or reptile unless duly licensed and approved by MACC.

Source: Minnesota Statutes 346.155View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 63.130(a) makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, or maintain custody or control over any exotic or wild animal anywhere in Minneapolis unless licensed and approved by MACC (Minneapolis Animal Care and Control). A related provision, § 63.110(c), bans certain reptile groups outright regardless of permit. Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials), venomous snakes, and non-native tuataras. MACC can issue short-term permits, capped at 21 days, for qualifying animals brought in for events, exhibitions, or educational display.

Violations & Fines

Animals kept in violation of this chapter may be seized immediately by MACC (§ 63.160), and the keeper is subject to the administrative citation process under Chapter 2 of the City Code plus permit denial or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a pet alligator or crocodile in Minneapolis?

No. Crocodilia species are prohibited outright under § 63.110(c)(1), regardless of any permit MACC could otherwise issue.

What happens if MACC finds an illegal exotic animal?

MACC may seize the animal immediately under § 63.160 and pursue an administrative citation against the keeper under Chapter 2.

Sources & Official References

[1]Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, Title 4, Ch. 63 (Municode)

Other rules in Minneapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSignificant Restrictions Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions Pet LimitsHeavy Restrictions Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions MicrochippingLight Restrictions Breed RestrictionsFew Restrictions BeekeepingSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: CompostingSome Restrictions Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSome Restrictions

All Minneapolis rules

Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.