General Animal Control Information
For animal-related calls for service, please contact the Dispatch Center at 952-258-5321. For animal-related concerns that are neither in-progress nor urgent, you may leave a message for animal control personnel at 952-960-1649 or via e-mail at animalcontrol@southlakepd.com.
Sick Raccoons
Many suburbs throughout the metro area have experienced a spike in calls regarding sick raccoons recently. Based on information from the MN Department of Natural Resources, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and the MN Board of Animal Health, it has been determined that a wave of canine distemper is the cause of the illness in the raccoon population.
Distemper is not transmissible to humans, but pets should be kept away from any suspect animals and as an additional precaution, make sure your pets are vaccinated against distemper as directed by your veterinarian.
If you see raccoons exhibiting signs of distemper such as tremors, seizures, no fear of humans, lethargy, vomiting and/or runny/watery discharge from the nose and eyes, call our Dispatch Center at 952-258-5321 to report the animal. Any deceased animals on your property may be disposed of by bagging the remains in a plastic bag and placing it in your garbage. Use proper sanitary precautions such as gloves or other protective methods to prevent direct contact with skin. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water afterwards.
Call the SLMPD Animal Control desk at 952-960-1649 with any questions.
Dog Licenses
All four South Lake communities require a license and valid rabies vaccination for each dog over 6 months of age. Owners can obtain a dog license at their respective City Hall by providing proof of vaccination and paying a license fee.
Animal Bites
All Animal bites must be reported. If your cat or dog bites someone, notify the SLMPD immediately by dialing 911 or 952-258-5321. Identify yourself and tell the victim whether your pet’s rabies vaccination is current. State laws and local ordinances require that your pet be quarantined for 10 days. A quarantine can usually take place right in your own home. An SLMPD animal control officer or police officer will guide you through this relatively simple process. After 10 days, an SLMPD officer will contact you to determine if your pet is still in good health. Please note that if your dog, or a dog in your care bites someone it may be deemed a “potentially dangerous dog” or a “dangerous dog” under Minnesota Statutes 347.50 – 347.565, depending upon the circumstances leading up to the bite.
Following a bite, rather than quarantining the animal, the pet owner may choose to release the animal to a veterinarian who will euthanize it. The veterinarian will then arrange to have the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory examine the animal for evidence of rabies. There is no charge for the rabies exam; however, the owner is responsible for euthanization costs.
If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact the SLMPD immediately by dialing 911 or 952-258-5321. Officers will work with you to determine a proper course of action as a wild animal bite may pose a risk of rabies.
Stray Dogs
To report a stray dog, call the public safety dispatcher at 952-258-5321. Please be ready with the animal’s description and general location. Do not try to capture or detain the animal.
Missing Pets
If you have lost a pet, call the public safety dispatcher at 952-258-5321. Also, be sure to contact all animal impound facilities and shelters in the area where your pet was lost.
Wild Animals
Occasionally, a squirrel, raccoon, skunk, bat, or bird finds its way into a home. If you can’t get the animal to leave through an open door or window, call a company that specializes in animal removal. Please note, however, that bats can be particularly dangerous (due to rabies risk), especially around children. If you are unable to find a pest control company that can respond quickly, call the SLMPD for assistance.
If you feel immediately threatened by an animal or are unsure what to do, call the public safety dispatcher at 952-258-5321.
Animal Cruelty
Minnesota law allows an animal control authority or police officer to take an animal to a shelter if the animal is not protected from heat, cold or inclement weather, or has not been provided with food and/or water. If an animal is left in a hot car and its health or safety is endangered, officers are empowered to use reasonable force to enter the vehicle and remove the animal.
Engaging in dog fighting or pitting animals against one another is illegal. Call the SLMPD immediately if you suspect a dogfighting operation in your neighborhood.
Dangerous Dog Appeal Process
Dangerous Dog – Request for Appeal