Animal Ordinance
In 1967, the City of Crystal adopted a comprehensive ordinance regulating the keeping of dogs, cats and other animals. The following is designed to inform you of your responsibilities.
Animal Complaints
Animal-related complaints in the City of Crystal should be directed to Sgt. Adam Harrer at [email protected] or 763-531-1049. This includes concerns involving stray animals, animal welfare, or situations needing assistance or coordination.
Lost and Found Pets
Stray or found pets are cared for through Access Veterinary Care. Pet owners searching for a lost pet are encouraged to contact Access Veterinary Care at 763-390-4050, as stray animals are brought there for temporary care and reunification efforts.
Residents with questions about lost or found pets may also contact Sgt. Adam Harrer at [email protected], 763-531-1049.
Licensing/Vaccinations
Dogs do NOT require a license within the city; however, it is required by law that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies to protect themselves and others.
Number of Allowable Pets
A residence may have up to 3 dogs or up to 3 cats or a combo of up to 2 dogs/2 cats, over the age of six months. A kennel license would need to be applied for to go over these limits up to 5 pets. No kennel license can be issued to anyone living within 50 feet of a licensed food establishment. A city private kennel license application can be found by clicking here.
Leash Law
Your dog, cat or other pet MUST be effectively restrained at all times by a leash not in excess of 6 feet in length when off of your property. This does not apply if your dog, cat or other pet is on your own property on a leash or in a fenced-in yard if it is outside your home or kennel and/or under the immediate supervision and verbal command of a responsible person.
The city has designated off leash pet exercise areas at Bassett Creek Park year round; Iron Horse, Welcome and Valley Place seasonally inside the hockey rinks.
Pet owners should keep in mind that pets are considered personal property, and the owner can be held liable for their pet's actions. Violation of the city ordinances relating to pets may result in citations and fines. For more information about pet ordinances in Crystal, call Animal Control at 763-531-5161. If you need to report a pet violation that is occurring, please call Crystal police dispatch at 911 or at 952-258-5321.
Impound Law/Animal Bite
Any pet capable of transmitting rabies, that has bitten a person, must be impounded for a period of 10 days at the city's impound facility. If you have been bitten or if your pet has bitten a person you must contact the police department as soon as possible by calling 911.
Nuisance
The city's regulations cover how you must take care of your pet to the extent that it does not create a problem. No person shall keep any dog, cat or other animal(s) in the city in an unsanitary place or condition, or in a manner which results in odors, or such noise, or in such a way as to permit the animal(s) to annoy, injure or endanger any person or property. When off their property, pet owners must have in their possession suitable utensils for the removal of animal excrement and shall promptly and effectively remove all such excrement deposited by the animal under their control. On their own property pet excreta must be cleaned up from the yard frequently. This material must be disposed of in a sanitary manner.
Other Animals
Only certain animals may be kept within the City of Crystal. No person shall keep or harbor animals in residentially zoned areas except dogs, cats, and other traditional household pets as defined by city ordinance.
Backyard poultry is permitted subject to city limits and requirements. Residents may keep chickens or ducks, with a maximum of up to six chickens or six ducks, or a combined total of up to ten birds per household. Roosters are prohibited.
Beekeeping is also permitted, subject to applicable regulations governing hive number, placement, and maintenance standards established by the city.
Livestock such as sheep, horses, and similar animals are not permitted in residential areas unless expressly authorized by ordinance or permit.
Wild, exotic, or vicious animals are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, large non-domestic cats, wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, bears, non-human primates, and raccoons.