The team at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) has tails waggin’ over the news that license fees for non-sterilized pets have been cut in half.

“The fee reduction is particularly impactful for people who often struggle to afford spay/neuter procedures,” said Tony Schendel, MACC director. “We hope this helps ease the mounting upfront costs of pet ownership.”

Typically, cities with lower unsterilized license fees see more owners following animal care ordinances that keep pets and community members healthy. Schendel says the move is one of many that makes pet ownership more affordable and is designed to safeguard both pets and the community.

In Minneapolis, all dogs, cats and ferrets four months or older must be current on rabies vaccinations, and owners must have a license. Pet licensing helps MACC know where an animal lives and its vaccination status if lost.

“Our ultimate goal is to keep pets safe, healthy and at home where they belong,” said Schendel.

View Pet Licenses. 

Sign up for vaccine appointments

A key requirement for getting a license is proof of a current rabies vaccination. While there is no statewide mandate for these, Minneapolis enforces this requirement to prevent the spread of a disease that is fatal if contracted. To that end, MACC is once again offering low-cost vaccinations by appointment every other Tuesday. Microchipping and one-year rabies and distemper vaccinations are $10 each. Schendel says vaccinations are important to help stop easily prevented disease and illness in our community’s pets.  

The next round of appointments will be Feb. 25 and are only open to Minneapolis residents. To make an appointment, visit the scheduling page. Appointment slots open two weeks before the clinic.

Photos courtesy of KME Photography.