Animal Ordinances in Saint Paul, MN (2026)
17 verified animal ordinances for Saint Paul, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Saint Paul allows backyard chickens with a permit. Tier One: 1-6 hens ($26). Tier Two: 7-15 hens ($76, 75% neighbor approval). Roosters absolutely prohibited. Max 15 birds total.
Animals: Chickens Livestock
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Saint Paul requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. MN Stat. §347.50 covers dangerous dogs.
Saint Paul Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Minnesota preempts local breed-specific legislation. Under Minn. Stat. §347.51 subd. 8, cities may not regulate dogs based solely on breed, so Saint Paul has no breed ban. Dogs are regulated individually by behavior under the state Dangerous Dog Act, §347.50 to 347.565.
Saint Paul Dog Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBeekeeping
Saint Paul regulates residential beekeeping through local zoning, with hive limits and setbacks. Minnesota has no statewide apiary registration — the state apiary law was repealed in 2006, and Department of Agriculture inspection is voluntary.
Saint Paul Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Saint Paul prohibits wolf hybrids, large cats, and roosters outright. Exotic and wild animals need a Keeping of Animals Permit ($76 initial, $28 annual). MN Stat. 346.155 also applies.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Saint Paul Section 201.01 prohibits intentionally feeding deer. Wildlife feeding is also banned in all city parks and natural areas. Trapping regulated under Chapter 196.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Saint Paul allows goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits with a Keeping of Animals Permit ($76 initial, $28 annual). All livestock must be confined by tether or pen on the owner's property.
Animals: Livestock
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 198 caps household pets and authorizes Animal Control to intervene when conditions, sanitation, or animal welfare deteriorate into hoarding-level neglect within a dwelling.
Saint Paul Animal Hoarding Limits
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 198 caps each dwelling at three dogs and three cats; multiple-animal permits are required for any household keeping more than the standard limit.
Saint Paul Per-Household Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Saint Paul Code Chapter 198 requires every cat over six months old to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies, and prohibits letting cats run at large outside the owner's property.
Saint Paul Cat Licensing And Limits
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Saint Paul does not mandate spay or neuter but uses Chapter 198's tiered license fee, charging substantially less for sterilized dogs and cats and more for intact animals.
Saint Paul Spay Neuter License Incentive
Few RestrictionsMicrochipping
Saint Paul does not mandate microchipping but strongly encourages it; licensed pets returned to owners faster when chipped, and Ramsey County Animal Services scans every impounded animal.
Saint Paul Microchipping And Pet ID
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Saint Paul prohibits feeding coyotes and other wildlife under Chapter 198; the Minnesota DNR retains primary authority over coyote management under Minn. Stat. Chapter 97B.
Saint Paul Coyote And Urban Wildlife Rules
Some RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Saint Paul restricts pet shops from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits, requiring retail animals to come from shelters or rescues, aligning with Minnesota's growing humane sourcing trend.
Saint Paul Pet Store Sourcing Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsPet Groomer Rules
Pet groomers operating in Saint Paul must hold a city business license under Chapter 310, comply with Chapter 198 animal care standards, and meet zoning rules in Title VIII Chapters 60-66.
Saint Paul Pet Grooming Business Licensing
Some RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic Zoning
Veterinary hospitals and clinics in Saint Paul are permitted in commercial zoning districts under Title VIII; clinics with overnight boarding face additional setback and noise standards under Chapter 65.
Saint Paul Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Some RestrictionsBird Protection
Saint Paul protects migratory birds through bird-safe glass guidelines and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act; state statute Minn. Stat. Section 97A.015 also classifies most native birds as protected.
Saint Paul Migratory Bird Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Ramsey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Saint Paul city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Ramsey County →