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1. Do I need a pet license?

The City Code of Ordinance does not require cats or dogs to be licensed and registered in the City of North St. Paul. 

2. Is a kennel license required for three dogs?

Yes. North St. Paul City Code of Ordinance requires a person with three or more dogs with no more than 5, to apply for a kennel license (no fee required) and be subject to the animal welfare standards set forth in the ordinance. A Kennel License is a 2-year license registration along with the following requirements:

• Vaccination records for each animal
• The completion of a Kennel License

Kennel License

3. What information is needed for an officer to respond an animal complaint?

North St. Paul Police Department requests the following information:

• Location
• Description of the complaint
• Possible animal owner information. This information is not required but is preferred.

To report an animal complaint, contact the North St. Paul Police at 651-747-2406

4. There is a dog running loose in my neighborhood. What can be done about this?

The City of North St. Paul has an ordinance requiring all dogs to be leashed when not on their owner’s property. If you have a dog running loose, please contact the Police Department at 651-747-2406 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

After hours, please contact Ramsey County Dispatch at 651-747-2507.

5. My neighbor’s dog barks continuously when they are not home. What should I do?

Officers will respond to reports of barking dogs. Residents should be aware the City Ordinance for barking dogs is enforceable at any time day or night. When an officer responds, they will park in the area of the complaint and monitor for barking. If the dog barks continuously, the officer will try to make contact with the owner. If no one is home, a call tag will be left at the residence asking them to contact the Police Department. If the issue is not resolved, the owner will be cited.

6. You picked up my dog. How can I get it back?

You will need to contact the Police Department to see if your dog is in custody. Staff will explain the procedure and any fees you will be required to pay.

7. My child was bit by my neighbor’s dog. What should I do?

You should first seek medical attention if needed. Then contact the North St. Paul Police Department by calling 651-747-2406. 

After hours, call Ramsey County Dispatch at 651-747-2507 

The department will then send an officer or community service officer to take the report. We will then require the animal to be quarantined for 10 days. At the end of the 10 days, North St. Paul Police will check the dog to ensure it is healthy and then follow up with the victim. Any dog that has bitten someone more than once may be declared potentially dangerous. Depending on the severity of the bite, the dog may be declared potentially dangerous or dangerous after 1 incident. This is another reason we require people to report dog bites.

8. We have a stray cat in the neighborhood. Does the Police Department pick up cats?

The NSPPD does not pick up stray cats. Based on the ordinances, if an animal is running at large/a threat to the public, the NSPPD will become involved. By City Ordinance cats, like dogs, must be leashed if not on the owner’s private property. 

9. I have a raccoon that keeps getting in my garbage or bird feeder. Can the Police Department help me?

We’re sorry, but the Police Department does not respond to wild animal calls. We do not remove wildlife simply because it is on your property. However, if the animal is causing property damage you may set your own live traps. If you trap an animal, do not take it to some other part of town and release it. This could potentially spread disease.

10. There is an injured bird in my yard. Will you pick it up?

We’re sorry, but we are unable to assist with injured birds unless they are birds of prey (owls, hawks, eagles, etc.). Please contact the University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 612-624-4745 if you find an injured bird of prey.