Dog licenses and dangerous-dog rules in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
The two cities run separate programs. Check the one where the dog will live.
At a glance
| Topic | Minneapolis | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Who must license | Dogs over four months old | Dogs over three months old |
| Rabies | Required by law and tied to the license | Required before a license is issued |
| Yearly fee (neutered) | $30 a year, $85 for three years | $20 a year |
| Off-leash parks | Park Board permit required | See Saint Paul Parks |
| Dangerous dogs | Kennel, spay or neuter, microchip | Muzzle, 3-foot leash, $300,000 insurance |
Minneapolis
The Minneapolis pet license page says dogs, cats and ferrets over four months must be licensed, and the Minneapolis pet license application (last updated May 9, 2025) lists $30 for one year and $85 for three years for a spayed or neutered pet and a $250 lifetime license that requires a microchip. The Minneapolis licenses and permits page adds that an off-leash dog park permit from the Park Board is needed before you enter an off-leash park. Owners of a declared dangerous animal must follow the Minneapolis dangerous animals page.
Saint Paul
The Saint Paul dog license page says all dogs over three months old must be licensed, rabies vaccination comes first, and fees run $20 a year for a spayed or neutered dog, $80 a year otherwise and $140 for the life of a microchipped, altered dog. Under the Saint Paul dangerous animals page, a declared dangerous dog needs a proper enclosure, a three-foot leash and muzzle outside it, a $86 annual registration and liability insurance of at least $300,000. A household with more than three dogs needs a permit (Saint Paul keeping of animals page).
Elsewhere in Minnesota
Every city and county sets its own rules. Call local animal control where you live.
Living in Minnesota and ready to ask about a dog?
Share your Minnesota ZIP code and what the dog would protect. A partner company that places protection dogs follows up.
Request a protection dog