Animal Ordinances in Minneapolis, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Minneapolis or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Minneapolis has 12 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Exotic Pets

Minneapolis Code Chapter 64 and MN Statutes 346.155 ban big cats, primates, bears, venomous snakes, crocodilians, and large constrictors. Small exotics like ferrets, geckos, and parrots are allowed as pets.

Key details: State prohibition: MN Statutes 346.155 bans big cats, primates, bears, venomous snakes. Large constrictors: Non-venomous snakes over 6 feet prohibited. Allowed exotics: Ferrets, small reptiles, parrots, sugar gliders, hedgehogs. Native wildlife: DNR permit required to keep raptors or native animals. Penalties: Misdemeanor, seizure, sanctuary transport costs.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Minneapolis code enforcement](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/346.155) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is one of the stricter rules in Minneapolis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Wildlife Feeding

Minneapolis prohibits feeding deer, turkeys, and waterfowl under Code Chapter 70 and MN Statutes 97A.445, and bans feeding that attracts rodents. Bird feeders are allowed if kept clean and pest-free.

Key details: Deer and waterfowl: Intentional feeding of deer, turkeys, geese, ducks prohibited. State law: MN Statutes 97A.445 authorizes feeding bans. Bird feeders: Allowed if clean and not attracting rodents. Feral cats: Outdoor feeding discouraged; use licensed TNR program. Rodent trigger: Feeding that causes rat harborage violates Chapter 244.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Minneapolis code enforcement](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/97A.445) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Livestock

Minneapolis bans traditional livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) in all residential districts under Code Chapter 70. Only hens, ducks, rabbits, and bees are allowed, each with its own permit.

Key details: Prohibited: Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, donkeys in all residential zones. Allowed: Hens, ducks, rabbits, honeybees under specific permits. No ag zoning: Minneapolis lacks true agricultural districts. Pygmy goats: Still prohibited despite smaller size. Enforcement: Removal orders and misdemeanor charges for violations.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Minneapolis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Minneapolis actively enforces its livestock requirements.

Pet Limits

Minneapolis Title 5 caps household pets without a multiple-animal permit. Standard residences may keep up to three dogs and three cats combined; exceeding that requires a special permit issued by Minneapolis Animal Care and Control.

Key details: Cap without permit: 3 dogs + 3 cats. Permit issuer: Animal Care and Control. Age threshold: Over 3 months. Title: Minneapolis Title 5.

Keeping four or more dogs or cats without a multiple-animal permit is a petty misdemeanor and may trigger seizure of animals, daily fines, and revocation of dog or cat licenses.

Microchipping

Minneapolis requires every dog and cat over four months to hold a current city license. Microchipping is strongly encouraged and embedded into the licensing workflow so impounded pets can be returned faster to verified owners.

Key details: License age: 4 months and older. Chip recorded: On license application. Issuer: Animal Care and Control. Renewal: Annual or biennial.

Operating without a current pet license is a petty misdemeanor with fines that escalate on repeat offenses, and unchipped impounded animals may be held longer or face stricter release conditions.

The rules around microchipping in Minneapolis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Minneapolis requires sterilization of dogs and cats reclaimed after impound, sold, or adopted from Animal Care and Control. Owners pay a sliding fee or sign a binding sterilization agreement before the animal returns home.

Key details: Applies to: Impound and adoption animals. Authority: Title 5, Animal Care Control. License discount: Lower fee if sterilized. Proof required: Veterinary certificate.

Failing to sterilize within the agreed window forfeits any deposit, may produce a misdemeanor citation, and bars the owner from adopting future animals from Minneapolis Animal Care and Control.

Cat Rules

Minneapolis licenses cats just like dogs and treats free-roaming cats as at-large. Owners must license cats over four months, sterilization is encouraged through reduced fees, and Animal Care and Control may impound cats running off-property.

Key details: License required at: 4 months old. At-large risk: Impound by city. Sterilized fee: Reduced license rate. Authority: Animal Care and Control.

Unlicensed or repeatedly at-large cats may be impounded, with reclaim fees, boarding charges, and possible misdemeanor citations against the owner if violations recur.

Animal Hoarding

Minneapolis treats animal hoarding as cruelty and unsanitary keeping of animals under Title 5 and Minnesota Statute Chapter 343. Animal Care and Control may seize animals, condemn premises with Hennepin County Public Health, and pursue criminal charges.

Key details: City authority: Title 5, Animal Care Control. State authority: Minn. Stat. Ch. 343. Health overlay: Hennepin County Public Health. Possible outcome: Animal forfeiture.

Hoarding can produce misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges under Minnesota Statute 343.21, animal forfeiture, restitution for shelter costs, and lifetime bans on owning animals.

Compared to other cities, Minneapolis takes a harder line on animal hoarding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Chickens & Livestock

Minneapolis allows up to 30 hens with a permit but prohibits roosters. Goats, pigs, and cattle are banned in residential districts. Coop placement and neighbor consent are regulated under Code Chapter 70.

Key details: Hens allowed: Up to 30 chicken hens with small-animal permit. Roosters: Prohibited citywide. Neighbor consent: 80 percent of owners within 100 feet must consent. Coop setback: 20 feet from neighbor residences. Livestock: Cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, horses prohibited in residential zones.

Beekeeping

Minneapolis allows residential beekeeping with an Animal Care and Control permit and state apiary registration under MN Statutes 17.60. Hive counts depend on lot size, and setbacks or flyway barriers are required.

Key details: Permit required: Minneapolis Animal Care and Control beekeeping permit. State registration: MN Dept of Agriculture apiary registration under Chapter 17.60. Hive counts: 2 hives under 5,000 sq ft, up to 8 on larger lots. Setback: 10 feet from property line or use a 6 foot flyway barrier. Neighbor consent: 80 percent of owners within 100 feet.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Minneapolis code enforcement](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/17.60) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Dog Leash Laws

Minneapolis Code Chapter 64 requires dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner property, with exceptions only in fenced yards and designated MPRB off-leash dog parks.

Key details: Leash length: 6 feet maximum whenever off owner property. Off-leash areas: Only in fenced yards and MPRB dog parks. MPRB license: Annual Park Board dog license required for dog parks. Waste cleanup: Required; carry a bag at all times. Fines: Approximately 63 dollars for first unleashed-dog citation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Minneapolis actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Minneapolis bans no specific breed but enforces a dangerous dog regime under Code Chapter 64 and MN Statutes 347. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face muzzle, enclosure, and liability insurance requirements.

Key details: No breed ban: Minneapolis does not prohibit any specific breed. State framework: MN Statutes 347 dangerous and potentially dangerous dog designations. Muzzle rule: Declared dangerous dogs muzzled and leashed in public. Insurance: 300,000 dollars liability minimum for dangerous dogs. Enclosure: Secure enclosure with warning signs required.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Minneapolis code enforcement](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/347) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The Bottom Line

Minneapolis is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 12 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Minneapolis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Minneapolis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.