Minneapolis, St. Paul pet license rules differ dramatically

Licensed pets are three times more likely to be returned to their owners than unlicensed pets, if they go missing.

That's one reason behind Minneapolis's and St. Paul's pet licensing requirements. But while they have the same goals, the two cities require very different things from pet-owning residents. Minneapolis is unveiling an online pet licensing system that allow owners to apply for tags for their dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets from their own keyboard.

Dog-owning St. Paul residents can download and print an application from the Web, but it must be mailed in or submitted in person. The city does not license cats or other domestic pets, but it does have separate "potentially dangerous" and "dangerous" dog licensing procedures.

Dogs and cats in Minneapolis cost $50 to license each year. However, that cost drops to $30 with proof of sterilization, and owners can get a $200 lifetime license if their pets are both sterilized and have a microchip tracking device implanted. Owners pay a reduced $20 fee for second and third dogs and cats if all are sterilized.

St. Paul owners pay $55 a year for each dog, but that drops to $11 with proof of sterilization. A $65 lifetime license is also available with proof of sterilization and microchip implantation.

If a dog is classified as potentially dangerous in St. Paul, owners must purchase a lifetime license and meet all its requirements. Owners of a dangerous dog need the lifetime license and must also pay an additional fee, sign a notarized owners' agreement and carry $300,000 in liability insurance, among other requirements.

Rabbits and ferrets must be licensed in Minneapolis, at a $25 annual fee, or $15 with proof of sterilization.

For more information call or visit:
Minneapolis pet licensing (612) 673-3000 or 311
St. Paul dog licensing (651) 266-9090

Lawrence Schumacher

Lawrence Schumacher (lawrence@tcdailyplanet.net)  is a freelance journalist with 12+ years covering Minnesota communities, government, politics and elections.