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Stearns County, MN Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Governing standard: Minn. Stat. 346.155
Local requirement: register with Stearns County Sheriff
Petting zoos: must hold USDA APHIS license
Petting zoo legal basis: Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2133
Enforcement: Sheriff + state statute

Summary

Stearns County allows Regulated Animals, the dangerous wild species defined by Minnesota Statutes section 346.155, only as that state law permits, and requires every owner to register the animal with the Stearns County Sheriff.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

B. The keeping of Regulated Animals as defined in Minnesota Statutes 2006, 346.155 shall only be allowed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 346.155. Owners of Regulated Animals shall register with the Stearns County Sheriff.

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Full Breakdown

155, is allowed only in accordance with that statute, and owners of Regulated Animals must register with the Stearns County Sheriff. Minnesota's Regulated Animal law covers species such as lions, tigers and other large cats, bears, and non-native venomous or constrictor reptiles above certain sizes, and generally bars new private possession while grandfathering animals registered by the statute's original deadline. 155 itself, while the county's own role is the local registration requirement with the Sheriff's Office. 9 for any animal-density aspect of the operation.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a Regulated Animal in Stearns County without complying with Minnesota Statutes section 346.155 or without registering it with the Stearns County Sheriff violates Section 6.33.B and can result in seizure of the animal by law enforcement and prosecution under the state statute in addition to county zoning enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a tiger or other exotic animal in Stearns County?

Only if it complies with Minnesota Statutes section 346.155, the state's Regulated Animal law, and only after registering it with the Stearns County Sheriff, per Ordinance 439 Section 6.33.B. The county does not set its own separate species list; it defers to and enforces the state statute.

Do I have to register a regulated animal with the county?

Yes. Section 6.33.B requires owners of Regulated Animals as defined by Minnesota Statutes section 346.155 to register the animal with the Stearns County Sheriff, on top of whatever the state statute itself requires.

Does Stearns County require a license for a petting zoo?

Yes. Section 6.33.C requires petting zoo owners to be licensed and registered with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. section 2133, and to meet the county's Section 6.9 feedlot standards.

Sources & Official References

[1]Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance 439

Other rules in Stearns County

Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Stearns County rules

Compare Stearns County to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview

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