Animal Control

The City of Edina has an Animal Control Division. If you have any questions about animal care, animal ordinances or want to report an animal violation, call the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.

Wild Animals

Edina is home to a variety of wild animals. Some have adapted to suburban life and live in yards, storm sewers and chimneys. From time to time, a squirrel, raccoon, skunk, bat or bird finds its way into a home, usually through the chimney. You can easily evict these visitors by opening doors and windows or by renting or buying a live trap.

The Edina Animal Control officer will assist you if a raccoon or larger animal comes into your home, but you can avoid attracting these unwanted guests by asking a chimney sweep to install a cap or vent on your chimney.

Coyotes

With large open areas like Braemar and other city parks, coyotes and foxes and other wild animals can find inviting places in Edina to live and forage for food.  We don’t always see them but that doesn’t mean they’re not here; occasionally an alert citizen will spot one of them and call Animal Control with questions.

Typically, coyotes are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of the easiest and most available food sources. This includes many different types of food ranging from garbage to small mammals and birds.  Unfortunately, they may infrequently also prey on domestic cats or small dogs so it’s always a good idea to monitor your pet while he’s outside, even if you aren’t aware of anything in your area.

Although coyotes can be a threat to domestic pets, they are not a threat to humans. In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there has never been a documented coyote attack on a human in Minnesota. Statistics from around the country show people are far more likely to be bitten by a domestic dog than to be bitten by a coyote. The Minnesota DNR has more information about coyotes on it’s website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/janfeb03/mpcoyote.html

Take these precautions to ensure the safety of your pet:

• Do not leave pet food or garbage outside.
• Do not intentionally feed coyotes.
• Do not leave dogs or cats outside unattended for long periods of time.
• Pets should be leashed and attended when walking in any recreational area.
• If confronted by a coyote, persons should shout or make some other loud noise to frighten the animal away.

According to City ordinance, no citizen can discharge a firearm or trap these animals.

Residents should call 911 to report any aggressive coyote behavior and be aware of the potential harm coyotes could inflict on pets and take the above precautions.  Edina Animal Control is addressing nuisance coyote activity by providing awareness and public education. If you have further questions, please call Edina Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter at (952) 826-0494.

Domestic Dogs & Cats

Most common animal violations involve animals running at large, noisy animals and Edina’s leash law.

City ordinances prohibit people from allowing their animals to run at large, including cats. There is a common belief that cats must be allowed to roam free and hunt. This notion is not true. Cats will lead healthier, longer and safer lives if kept indoors. Dogs and cats found running at large may be impounded. Owners are responsible for all impound fees that include pick-up, daily boarding, medical attention and licensing. If an animal is found with a current City license on its collar, the dog may be returned to the owner instead of being impounded. All dogs over the age of six months must be licensed. Cats need not be licensed. Licenses can be purchased at City Hall, with a current rabies vaccination receipt.

All dogs and cats over six months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs must display a current rabies tag and license at all times. If your dog bites someone, identify yourself and tell the victim whether your dog's rabies vaccination is current. Call 9-1-1 to report all animal bites. Your dog must be quarantined for 10 days. You must report to the Police or Health department if your dog gets sick, dies or exhibits abnormal behavior during the quarantine period. After 10 days, your dog must be examined by a veterinarian and a report of this examination given to the police. If your cat bites someone, you are required to report the bite to the Police and follow the same quarantine procedure as for dogs. 

No more than three dogs or cats over six months of age may be kept at any residence.

Edina also has an ordinance to protect neighborhoods from noise made by dogs that bark excessively. Owners must keep dogs from continually barking when outside. We suggest that when you leave your home, bring your dog inside. Owners have no way of stopping a dog from barking if they are not at home. If you let your dog out early in the morning or late at night, remember to be considerate of your neighbors.

When off the owner’s property, all dogs and cats must be leashed. When you go out for a walk or run, your pet must be leashed at all times, including in City parks. An exception is in the City's off-leash dog area at Van Valkenburg Park.

The off-leash area (OLA) is open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dogs must wear an OLA collar, which can be purchased at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., or online. Dogs must be properly vaccinated and must be leashed when entering and exiting the OLA. No glass containers, smoking, female dogs in season, unauthorized motorized equipment or vehicles, bicycles or individual dogs known to be aggressive are allowed. Children under age 6 are not allowed within the OLA; children under 12 must be closely supervised by an adult. Dog owners are responsible for damage and injuries inflicted by their dogs and must properly clean up after them. Other rules are listed on signs within the park.

OLA permits with collars cost $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Discounts are given for multiple dogs.

Permits can be purchased online. Or call the Park and Recreation Department at 952-826-0367.

City ordinance also requires you to carry a device or equipment to clean up after your pet. At a minimum, you must carry at least two bags for this purpose.

Remember to protect your pets with up- to-date vaccinations and common sense. Don't leave pets in cars during warm weather. Car interiors can heat up to dangerous or even fatal temperatures in minutes.  

You must provide adequate shelter for your pet to protect it from the cold, rain and summer sun. Always provide water and food if your pet is left outside for extended periods.