Pet ownership

A kitten snuggles with a girl in pajamas, soundly sleeping in bed.

Animal Bites

If an animal bites you or your pet bites someone else, you are required to report the bite to the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500. This is for the safety of humans and pets alike. In most cases, no action will be taken against the dog or owner other than the required quarantine. Report all bites from domestic or wild animals and consult a physician on the best way to treat the wound.

Leash Law

Dogs running loose pose a problem to animals, people and property. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, except when under voice command in ungroomed areas of parks and trails (see below). A dog can be under voice command in neighborhoods only if it is at heel, directly beside its owner.

When in the parks and on the trails, the following rules apply:

  • Dogs and cats are not permitted on any developed, improved, or maintained areas of turf, asphalt and hard surface.
  • Dog and handler must be at least 15 feet away from any trail before the dog may be unleashed in an ungroomed area.
  • When off leash, dog must be under voice command of handler; meaning that once called, the dog returns immediately to the handler.

Loud or Barking Dogs

Every dog barks and makes noise. However, no one likes a nuisance barker. The city has an ordinance that is enforced seven days a week, 24 hours a day, prohibiting excessive barking, which is defined as “repeated noise over at least a ten-minute period with one minute or less lapse of time between each animal noise during that ten-minute period.” This includes the creation of any noise by any dog that can be heard from a location outside the premises. Call 952.939.8500 to report these incidents. Animal owners may be warned, tagged or arrested.

Owning Multiple Pets

The city requires that any household with more than two dogs, five cats or five cats and dogs combined that are over the age of six months apply for a multiple animal location permit. This permit expires annually on May 31 and costs $10 per year. Call 952.939.8500, or download the permit application below.

Multiple Animal Location Permit Application (PDF)

Pet ID Tags

A heart-shaped pet ID tag on a chain.The city of Minnetonka no longer requires dog licenses, but does require that all dogs wear an identification tag. This tag is not a license, and no fee is paid to the city. The tag should at least contain the owner’s phone number, but an address and name are also recommended if space allows. Dog owners must still have their dogs vaccinated against rabies and keep proof of the vaccination. The city does not require ID tags for cats, but one is recommended for identification purposes. For more information visit the City Code of Ordinances.

Pick Up After Your Pet

No on likes an unexpected surprise on their shoe when they are out walking. It is important to clean up your dog’s “daily deposits” and dispose of them in a sanitary manner. This includes feces on the owner’s property, other private property and in the groomed and ungroomed areas of public parks and trails. Picking up your dog’s feces will keep the city clean and help control the spread of parasites from dog to dog. A plastic bag makes a convenient clean-up device, and Mutt Mitts are available on the city’s trail system. For more information, visit the City Code of Ordinances.

Rabies Vaccinations

All dogs and cats over six months old that reside in the city of Minnetonka are required to have a current rabies vaccination. Animals are not required to wear a rabies tag, but verification of current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian should be available upon request. (See City Ordinance 925.045). Call 952.939.8500 for more information.

Runaway Pets

Animals that are picked up by an officer and cannot be returned home due to lack of ID tags, chronic history or running at large, or other circumstances, will be impounded. Pick up your pet by contacting the Minnetonka Police Department, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952.935.8500.

Pets may be picked up at the following times: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, 2 p.m. (by appointment).

Impound fees are: first offense, $25; second offense, $50; third offense, $75; fourth offense and up, $100. Boarding fees are $25 per day.

Being impounded is not a happy experience for the dog or its owner. In addition to the emotional toll and the inconvenience, there can be significant cost to bring your dog home. Remember, if your pet is missing, call the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500.

Spaying or Neutering

Spaying or neutering your pet is one way you can help to reduce the number of animals that must be euthanized each year. Contact your veterinarian for more information.