PET REGULATIONS IN MINNESOTA
If you're wanting to purchase or adopt a new pet, use these resources to help you find out if the pet you want is prohibited or controlled (i.e., requires a permit) in your state. And don't forget to do some research on the pet you want. Many pets are expensive, time consuming, and can live for a long time. Be prepared to properly care for your pet for its entire lifetime.
Minnesota prohibited and controlled species info
A person who knowingly violates 346.155 “Possessing Regulated Animals” (Sec. 346.155 MN Statutes) could be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to two years or fined up to $5,000, or both.
Regulated animals also include any hybrid or cross between an animal listed as prohibited and a domestic animal and offspring from all subsequent generations of those crosses or hybrids.
Some of the regulated species under Minnesota law are:
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- Lions
- Tigers
- Cougars
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Ocelots
- Servals
- Bears
- Lemurs
- Monkeys
- Chimpanzees
- Gorillas
- Orangutans
- Marmosets
- Lorises
- Tamarins
Additionally, Minnesota statute 84D.05 defines prohibited invasive species in Minnesota and states that a person cannot possess, import, purchase, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce a prohibited invasive species. The list of species that fall under that definition are listed in Minnesota Rule 6216.0250.
Additionally, feral swine are unlawful to possess or release in Minnesota under statute 97A.56.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also has different rules for noxious weeds and invasive insects. These links have lists and descriptions of weed and insects that are prohibited and restricted in Minnesota.
Now, keep in mind, just because an animal is legal to own in the state, it doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and which are not. Consider checking with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and can’t own. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.
For more information and a full list of prohibited species, please see the links below.