Pet limit laws in the state of Minnesota vary from city to city. In other words, the maximum number of dogs or cats you can own in Minnesota depends on where in the state you reside. Most cities in the North Star State allow up to 5 pets per household, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and ferrets.
If you are considering welcoming more furry friends to your Minnesota home, it is important to contact your city clerk or local authorities about the maximum number of pets allowed per household. Listed in this article are some Minnesota municipalities and the maximum number of dogs and cats allowed per household therein.
Minneapolis, MN
In the City of Minneapolis, a multiple animal permit is required to own up to 4 dogs and 4 cats. The initial application fee for the permit is $80 and $55 to renew it each year. Before your application for the permit is approved, an animal control officer will come and inspect your home to make sure the animals will be kept in a safe and livable condition. You can apply for the permit by contacting 311.
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul City allows no more than 4 dogs or cats or a combination of both animals not exceeding 4 per household. A "Keeping of Animals Permit" is required to own more than 4 dogs or cats in the city of Saint Paul. Every dog and cat and ferret 4 months of age and older in Saint Paul, MN, is required by law to be vaccinated against rabies. All dogs three months of age and older in Saint Paul are required to be licensed. Saint Paul City Cod requires dog owners not to allow their dogs to bark excessively. Furthermore, dogs must be kept on a leash when outside of their owner's property or in public places that are not designated as off-leash.
In Saint Paul, MN, there is no leash law for cats and they are not required to be licensed. However, it is strongly recommended by Saint Paul Animal Control that cats be kept inside due to attacks by predators, trapping or theft, and potential exposure to serious diseases.
Lastly, Saint Paul City Code requires that pet owners remove and dispose of their dog's droppings when they take their pet out for a walk.
Coon Rapids, MN
In the City of Coon Rapids, a Multiple Pet Permit is required to own more than four dogs or cats. This limitation, however, does not apply to cats kept exclusively indoors. The permit fee is $50 plus a $105 inspection fee. An officer from the police department will inspect your property before your application for the Multiple Pet Permit is approved. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the City of Coon Rapids stopped requiring dog owners to license their dogs and register their cats.
In Coon Rapids, MN, it is unlawful for dog owners to own a dog that barks, howls, yelps, or makes other sounds for ten minutes.
Rochester, MN
In the City of Rochester, residents are allowed to keep up to eight household pets, of which five can be dogs. In other words, you may have 5 dogs and 3 cats in your house if you live in Rochester, Minnesota. The City of Rochester does not license household pets but requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets in the city limits have rabies shots and be micro-chipped, with the micro-chip data contact information kept up to date.
Bloomington, MN
The City of Bloomington permits no more than 4 domestic pets per household. For example, a single household in Bloomington may have 2 dogs and 2 cats, or 1 cat, 2 dogs, and 1 hamster. All dogs in Bloomington must be licensed and kept under restraint at all times in accordance with the City Code. Furthermore, Bloomington pet owners are required by law to promptly remove and dispose of in a sanitary manner any feces left by their dog on any sidewalk, street, park, school, public place or private property of another.
Duluth, MN
In the City of Duluth, a "Maximum Pet License" is required to own more than three dogs and three cats. The license, which is issued by the City Clerk, is subject to inspection by an Animal Control Officer.
Brooklyn Park, MN
In Brooklyn Park, MN, the number of household pets is limited to three. For example, you may either own two cats and one dog or two dogs and one cat if you reside in the city of Brooklyn Park. You may own two additional animals, provided they are trained to or in training by a recognized program to provide assistance to persons with disabilities, according to § 92.21 of Brooklyn Park municipal code.
Plymouth, MN
The total number of pets allowed per household in Plymouth, MN, is limited to four, two of which may be dogs. This means you can own 2 dogs and 2 cats if you reside in the city of Plymouth. The City of Plymouth no longer licenses cats or dogs, but both cats and dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies and be microchipped or wear a tag with the owner’s phone number or address. A multiple animal license is required to own more than four household pets in Plymouth.
When off their owner’s property, dogs and cats are required to be on a leash not more than six feet in length.
Woodbury, MN
The city of Woodbury permits no more than three domestic pets per property. This means residents can either own two dogs and one cat or two cats and one dog. A resident wishing to exceed this limit must obtain a kennel license.
Other Minnesota Cities
- Lakeville, MN: No more than three dogs. No limit on cats
- Blaine, MN: Allows no more than three domestic pets
- Maple Grove, MN: Residents may own 2 dogs and 2 cats
- St. Cloud, MN: Permits up to 4 dogs and 4 cats per household
- Eagan, MN: A kennel permit is required to own more than 3 pets
- Burnsville, MN: A kennel license is required to own 4 dogs and 6 cats
- Eden Prairie, MN: Allows up to 6 pets per household
- Apple Valley, MN: A cattery permit is required to own more than 3 dogs or 3 cats
- Minnetonka, MN: Allows up to 2 dogs and five cats per household
- Edina, MN: Permits no more than 3 dogs or cats per household
- Shakopee, MN: No limit on dogs and cats
- Mankato, MN: Allows a total of three pets per household
- Moorhead, MN: A maximum of 4 pets per household
- Cottage Grove, MN: A License must be obtained to own more than a total of three pets
- Maplewood, MN: Permits 3 dogs and 2 cats per single-family property
- Richfield, MN: Permits a maximum of 5 pets per household
