The Richfield Public Safety Department issues animal licenses and enforces animal control laws. The following is a summary of city codes relating to the care and keeping of animals. Animal licensing questions can be answered by calling 612-861-9870. For other animal-related questions, call 612-861-9823.

NOTICE:  Multi-Pet Licensing Changes (updated Nov. 2004)

Residents may have two dogs and two cats without needing a license other than their individual animal licenses. If a resident wants three cats or three dogs, they must obtain a separate multi-pet residence license application through the City.  The maximum number of animals that they may have are five total.  Under no circumstances, however, may there be more than three dogs on any property.  For more information, contact  animal licensing staff at (612) 861-9870.

Refer to the Chapter 9 of the Richfield City Code for more information on animal laws.

DOGS AND CATS TO BE LICENSED

• All animals 6 months of age and older must be licensed.
• Licenses are issued annually (with the option to purchase multi-year licenses for animals that have been spayed or neutered).
• A current rabies certificate is needed to apply for a license.
• Licenses must be attached to the animal’s harness or collar.
• Duplicate licenses are available if the license is lost.

DOGS MUST BE UNDER RESTRAINT

• Dogs must be restrained when off the owner’s property.
• A leash may not be longer than six feet.
• A dog is considered restrained when at the owner’s heel and obedient to commands to stay at the owner’s heels.

DISPOSAL OF FECES

• Feces shall be immediately cleaned up and disposed of in a sanitary manner.

CONFINEMENT WHEN NECESSARY

• Any fierce, dangerous, or vicious dog must be confined in a building or secure enclosure, except when muzzled and controlled by a competent person.
• Any dog or cat in heat must be confined except while being exercised on a leash.

PUBLIC NUISANCE

• Dogs and cats that annoy others by noise or behavior are a nuisance.
• Two or more residents must sign a petition before the City can take action on an animal nuisance complaint.

ANIMALS TO BE QUARANTINED

• Any dog or cat that bites a person and breaks the skin must be quarantined for ten days.
• A quarantined animal may not be taken out of Richfield during the quarantine period.
• Quarantined animals are to be kept from contract with other animals or people.

ABANDONMENT

• No dog or other animal may be abandoned.

KENNEL LICENSE REQUIRED

• For more than two dogs.
• For more than two cats.
• Animals must not become a nuisance.
• License may be revoked by reason of violation.