What are pet licenses? 

Pet licences are compulsory for individuals and businesses who keep some kind of pet. Pet licenses are important to get for several reasons: 

Pet licences can help you find your lost pet more quickly and safely. Your chances of finding your licensed dog, for example, is higher than if your dog was unlicensed.  A licence proves that your pet is registered and has a rightful owner. If your pet demands immediate aid, having a licence provides information that can be used to contact you.

What is the Pet Licence laws in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis, known for its art culture and picturesque rivers, requires all pets, irrespective of type or age, to be licenced by their owners. According to City Ordinance, all dogs, cats, and ferrets exceeding age of four months must be licenced. It is also essential for a pet to wear a collar that shows the licence tag. Pet permits are granted to those who own more than four pets. 

Minneapolis Pet License requirements 

Depending on the type of pet, the city may have different requirements. It may be intimidating at first because the process is complicated and time-consuming, but the steps below will help you better understand how to get a pet licence in Minneapolis: 

Step 1: To get a pet licence, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, and you must meet unpaid city fines that you may have. The Minneapolis Animal Care & Control shelter provides vaccination services to pets. You can book an appointment here.  

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents, which will be a photograph of your pet, vaccination documentation, evidence of the pet being spaying or neutering and a letter from a veterinarian confirming rabies vaccination. 

Step 3: Go to the online registration site, which can be found here here. Follow the processes mentioned. 

Step 4: Alternatively, you can get a license by asking for an application form from here or here through email. 

Step 5: Relatedly, you can go to the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control shelter and get a pet licence in person.

Step 6: Schedule an appointment with Minneapolis Animal Care & Control and be ready to get your licence. 

Types of pet licenses in Minneapolis 

The different license types provided by Minneapolis are explained below, which have been drawn from this website. License typeSpayed or neuteredNot spayed or neutered1-year license— —Dogs & cats$30$80Dogs & cats – senior discount (applicable to people 65 or older)$15$70Dogs and cats – low-income discount (on assistance or income below $40,000 for a family with four members)$15$70Ferrets$20Not applicable3-year license— — Dogs & cats (microchip needed)$85 Not applicableDogs & cats – senior discount (applicable to people 65 or older) $45 Not applicableLifetime License$250Not applicable

Where to get your pet license 

You must get your pet license at the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, located at 212 17th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The shelter is open Monday through Friday, but appointments are required. You can make an appointment by calling 612-673-6222. The office is closed on city holidays. 

Most see their pets as members of their family and a source of comfort and joy. Just like a human needs a national identity card or passport to reside in a location, our pets need an identity and licence to be protected. The process of getting a pet licence may be time-consuming and expensive, but it is greatly worth it for our pets. The Minneapolis pet licence laws are simple to follow, and the process of getting a pet licence is not as challenging as it seems, as this article has explained. 

Is it required in Minneapolis to get a Pet Licence?

It is. You must get licences for all pets, regardless of its kind. 

Can I get punished in Minneapolis for not having a Pet Licence?

Yes, you could be fined a hefty amount if you do not have a pet licence. 

In Minneapolis, where can I get a pet licence?

It is only available by appointment at the Minneapolis Animal Care & Control shelter. 

My pet is unvaccinated; what do I do? 

You need to vaccinate your pet if you want a pet license. Pets can get vaccinated at Minneapolis Animal Care & Control shelter or at a local veterinarian.