Minneapolis Animal Care & Control: Working with residents to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals.

Contact Us

Animal Care and Control
212 17th Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Phone: dial 311
or (612) 673-3000
Fax: (612) 673-6255

Pet Licenses

Licensing your pet supports Minneapolis Animal Care and Control’s work to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals.

Did you know?

  • Licensed lost pets are 3 times more likely to be returned to their homes than unlicensed pets.
  • Licensed pets receive a free ride home (or are not charged an impound fee) if picked up by MACC.

Your license pays for:

  • Basic veterinary and emergency care for all stray animals.
  • Bite, animal cruelty and dangerous animal investigations and enforcement.
  • Efforts to find homes for stray and abandoned animals.
  • Enforcement of laws to ensure safe communities for people and pets.

It’s the Law!

Minneapolis Ordinances 64.10 and 65.10 require the licensing of all dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits.

Dogs and Cats

All dogs and cats over four months of age in Minneapolis are required to be licensed and wear collars with the license tag attached. The fee for licenses is:

  • $30 for sterilized pets (proof of spaying/neutering required)
  • $50 for dogs/cats and that are not sterilized.
  • Lifetime license* for your pet for $200.
  • Service dogs certified by a recognized service program are exempt from license fees.
  • Replacements for lost tags are $5.
  • $15 senior discount (65 years of age and older)
  • $20 for sibling pets (the second or third sterilized cat/dog licensed in the same household.) The first cat/dog must also be sterilized and licensed at regular license fee.

*Pets must be sterilized as well as micro-chipped to qualify for a lifetime license.

Licensing is easier than ever.

MACC now offers residents many ways to license their pet or pets:

  • License your pet online
  • Call 311 or (612) 673-3000 to license your pet over the phone
  • Download the Minneapolis Pet License application (PDF), complete the form, and mail it to us. Mail-in applications may take several weeks to process.
  • If your pet is deceased and was licensed with MACC, please let us now by sending your name, address and pet’s name to 311 by email at Minneapolis311@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Or visit one of the locations below:

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control Shelter
212 17th Avenue North
Minneapolis 55411

or

Minneapolis Development Review
Public Service Center
250 South 4th Street, Room 300
Minneapolis 55415

Your cat and/or dog is required to wear its license at all times, with the license hung from the collar and clearly visible. This will make it much easier to identify and return your lost pet. Failure to comply with this ordinance (64.20) (which does not apply to rabbits or ferrets) may result in a fine and/or court appearance.

Rabbits and Ferrets

Rabbits and ferrets are also required to be licensed in Minneapolis. The fee for rabbit and ferret licenses are $25.00 and $15.00 for altered rabbits and ferrets. Proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided for ferrets.