Apple Valley, MN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 91.06(C) of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances sets the household cap. Its stated purpose is that a large number of pet animals brings noise, odor, health and safety problems that the code treats as a public nuisance. The limit counts by premise, not by owner: no person can keep in any one dwelling unit, lot, or premise, or portion of one, more than three service animals, or more than three each of dogs, ferrets and cats over four months of age, and the combined total cannot exceed six of those animals. The cap does not apply to veterinary clinics or hospitals, licensed kennels or catteries, pet stores, animal shelters, pet care facilities or similar uses the code permits.

The way past the cap is a permit under § 91.05. Chapter 91 defines a kennel as premises used for keeping, maintaining, breeding, training or raising more than three dogs over four months of age, and a cattery as the same for cats. The application goes to the City Clerk with the origination fee from the appendix to Chapter 35, and the City Council grants or denies it. Permits expire each December 31 and renewal carries an annual fee. A hobby kennel or cattery must keep the primary enclosure entirely inside the principal structure. A full kennel needs a wire mesh fence at least six feet high and cannot sit within 500 feet of any residential dwelling other than the owner's.

Dog licensing has its own ceiling in § 91.15(G): no applicant, including resident family members, receives more than three licenses, and a fourth is issued only when the Chief of Police approves a dog used primarily for assistance to the legally blind or by a licensed peace officer. Under § 91.06(B), a person can keep only household pets or service animals unless another section of the code says otherwise. Sworn police officers and community service officers enforce the chapter under § 91.03(A).