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Stearns County, MN Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Pet cap: 4 animals over 6 months old
Districts covered: T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT, R-1
Animals under 6 months: not counted
Exceeding the cap: requires commercial kennel CUP
Kennel setback: 100 ft from lot line, 500 ft from a home

Summary

Stearns County caps dogs, domestic pets and companion animals over six months old at four per household in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, Rural Townsite and R-1 zoning districts.

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.

6.33 Keeping of Animals. A. Dogs, domestic pets and companion animals over six (6) months of age, will be limited to four (4) in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT and R-1 districts.

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Full Breakdown

A, Keeping of Animals, limits dogs, domestic pets and companion animals over six months of age to four per property in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT (Rural Townsite) and R-1 zoning districts, the county's residential and transition districts outside incorporated cities. The six-month threshold means litters of puppies or kittens under that age are not counted toward the cap, giving households time to place young animals before the limit applies. 155 to what that state statute allows, and requires owners of Regulated Animals to register with the Stearns County Sheriff.

34, which carries its own site plan, setback (100 feet from any property line, 500 feet from another residential dwelling) and animal-care standards, rather than an exception to the four-pet cap itself.

Violations & Fines

Keeping more than four dogs, domestic pets or companion animals over six months old in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT or R-1 districts without a commercial kennel conditional use permit violates Section 6.33.A and is enforceable by Stearns County Planning & Zoning, which can require the owner to reduce the number of animals or obtain the required permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs or cats can I own in unincorporated Stearns County?

Up to four dogs, domestic pets or companion animals over six months of age in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, Rural Townsite and R-1 districts, under Ordinance 439 Section 6.33.A. Animals under six months are not counted toward the limit.

What if I want to keep more than four pets in Stearns County?

You would need a commercial kennel conditional use permit under Section 6.34, which requires a site plan, a 100-foot setback from any property line, a 500-foot setback from another residential dwelling, and compliance with the kennel's animal-care standards.

Does the four-pet limit apply everywhere in Stearns County?

No. Section 6.33.A names only the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT and R-1 districts, all outside the county's incorporated cities. Cities such as St. Cloud, Sartell and Sauk Centre set their own pet limits under their own municipal codes.

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 Exotic PetsSignificant 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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