Multiple Animal Permits
Several types of permits are required by Minneapolis Animal Care & Control (MACC) including:
- Multiple Animal - Permit required to have more than three (3) dogs, cats, rabbits or ferrets, in any combination, in Minneapolis.
- Small Animal - Permit required to keep pigeons, ducks, chickens, turkeys in Minneapolis.
- Honeybee - Permit required for keeping honeybees in Minneapolis.
- Special Event with Animals - Permit required for events in Minneapolis involving any hoofed animal or an animal that is wild by nature.
Permitting Process and Requirements
For Small Animal and Multiple Animal Permits you must:
- Define the number and type of each animals or birds to be kept at the property.
- Obtain written consent of 80 percent of the neighbors within 100 feet of the property where the animals or birds will be kept. MACC will provide the consent form and list of addresses that are required for consent.
- Allow MACC to inspect the animals or birds and the premises where animals or birds will be kept.
- Meet zoning requirements where applicable.
- All animals must have current licenses and rabies vaccinations
Multiple Animal Restrictions
Minneapolis residents can have three animals (dog, cat, ferret, or rabbit) over the age of four months. A multiple animal permit can be obtained through Animal Control to keep more than three.
Violations of the law can be reported to 311 or (612) 673-3000.
See Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Ch. 64 - Dogs, Cats, Ferrets and Rabbits
Multiple Animal Fees
- Application Fee is $75.00
- Annual Renewal Fee is $50.00
Small Animal Fees
- Application Fee is $50.00
- Annual Renewal Fee is $40.00 for a One (1) year permit or $150.00 for a Five (5) year permit.
Honeybee Permits:
For Honeybee Permits you must:
- Define the location and number of hives, colonies and/or facilities for the housing of honeybees.
- Obtain written consent of at least eighty (80) percent of the neighbors within one hundred (100) feet of the property where the honeybees will be kept and one hundred (100) percent of the neighbor’s immediately adjacent to the property. MACC will provide the consent form and list of addresses that are required for consent.
- Complete an educational requirement. Applicants must provide a certificate of completion of a honeybee keeping courses from one of the following organizations: University of Minnesota, Century College, Three Rivers Park District. (Contact MACC to request consideration for a comparable course.)
- Allow MACC to inspect the premises where the honeybees will be kept.
- Meet zoning requirements where applicable.
- Renew permit annually. Permit fee of $100.00 for first year and $50.00 for each year after.
Note: Applications for multiple animal, small animal and honeybee permits are not available online. To receive a permit application or for more information, please call 311.
Animal Event Permit
Special event permits are required for events held in Minneapolis involving any hoofed animal or an animal that is wild by nature. Examples of such events include but are not limited to: circuses, petting zoos, pony rides, community events and weddings. There are three classes of permits:
- Class A (private event)
- Class B (public event)
- Class C (large animal public event)
Proof of insurance and a completed questionnaire must be submitted with the application. You may start the process by downloading the Application and Questionnaire for Animal Permit (pdf). For more information, please call 311.
Failure to obtain a permit or failure to comply with permit requirements could result in fines up to $2,000.
Last updated Dec. 7, 2012