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Animal Control & Licenses

The City of Rochester works to promote responsible pet ownership, protect public health and ensure the safety and well-being of animals in our community. Our Animal Control & Licensing program provides vital services—from licensing certain animals to responding to animal-related concerns and supporting humane care.

Animal Licensing

While household pets like dogs, cats and ferrets do not require a traditional city license, they must wear an ID tag with current owner contact information or be micro-chipped. All dogs, cats and ferrets over four months old must also be vaccinated against rabies.

Certain animals do require a permit:

Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 3-4 governs chicken permits. With a permit, up to three hens are allowed on any premise. A permit for up to 12 hens may be issued if the applicant is involved in educational or instructional activity. An applicant must submit a letter of request  with the permit application explaining how the need for the greater number of chickens is directly related to the educational or instructional activity. Roosters are not permitted.

Permit applications must be submitted with a scaled diagram indicating the location of any chicken coop and run, and will be reviewed by City staff for compliance with the regulations in the ordinance. The City Council must approve the application before a permit is issued.

Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 3-5 governs duck permits. With a permit, up to three hens are allowed on any premise. A permit for up to 12 hen ducks may be issued if the applicant is involved in educational or instructional activity. An applicant must submit a letter of request with the permit application explaining how the need for the greater number of ducks is directly related to the educational or instructional activity. Drakes are not permitted.

Permit applications must be submitted with a scaled diagram indicating the location of any duck coop and run, and will be reviewed by City staff for compliance with the regulations in the ordinance. The City Council must approve the application before a permit is issued.

Rochester Code of Ordinances  Chapter 3-3 governs pigeon permits. With a permit, up to 50 pigeons are allowed on any premise. 

Permit applications must be submitted with specifications for the location of the coop or loft, and its approximate size, and will be reviewed by City staff for compliance with the regulations in the ordinance. Permits are granted by the City Clerk.

If you keep more than nine animals at a residential property, a breeder’s permit is also required under city ordinance.

For permit applications or questions, contact Rochester 311 at 507-328-2311. Find information about license renewals on the Applications, Licenses & Permits page.

Animal Control Office & Shelter

The Animal Control Office & Shelter—located at 2150 Campus Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904—serves as the central point for animal care and control services in the city. The shelter is open to the public by appointment Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment or inquire about animal adoption, please call 507-328-6960. Voicemail is not monitored evenings and weekends.

If you see or experience an animal-related issue, please use the appropriate contact:

Emergency (life-threatening or serious danger):

911

Non-emergency animal concerns:

Dispatch: 507-328-6800

This includes situations like:

  • Vicious animals or animals attacking people

  • Animal/vehicle collisions

  • Animal fighting or intentional abuse

  • Stray dogs or barking dogs

  • Animals in distress

  • Animal bites or scratches that break the skin

  • Removal of dead animal carcasses

Follow Animal Control on Facebook for updates and community information.

Keep Your Pet Safe

  • Ensure your pet wears an ID tag or is micro-chipped with up-to-date contact info.

  • Keep rabies vaccinations current.

  • Contact Rochester 311 with questions about animal licensing or City services.

Together, we make Rochester a safer, healthier place for both residents and animals.

Australian Shepherd puppy with a blue harness and leash sitting in the grass

Dog Parks

Rochester, MN’s off‑leash dog parks guide: details on River Road and Jean & Carl Frank Canine Park, including rules, amenities, hours & locations.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

View Contact Information by Department

Connect with City Services

Whether you have a question, need to report a concern or aren’t sure which department to contact, 311 connects you with the right team quickly and efficiently.

Visit the 311 Portal