The Fosston City ordinance contains regulations that govern the types of animals allowed with the city limits. 

Dogs and Cats: 

License Required:

• All dogs and cats 6 months or older that reside in the city are required to be licensed with the City of Fosston, even if your pet always remains indoors. 
• Register your pet by bringing proof of current rabies vaccination to city hall. for a small fee per pet.  Licenses remain valid for the duration of the rabies vaccine.  When the vaccine is updated, a new registration is required. 
• Licenses are issued by city hall for $5 per pet.  Licenses remain valid for the duration of the rabies vaccine.  When the vaccine is updated, a new registration is required. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30PM

 

Limit on the number of animals:

Households are permitted to have a total of not more that 4 cats and dogs, but no more that 3 dogs and 1 cat, 3 cats and 1 dog or 2 cats and 2 dogs. 

 

Service Animals

The Fosston City ordinance does not include any special provisions or exceptions related to service animals. Service animals would be subject to the same licensing and number limitations as all other dogs residing within the city. 

 

Leash Law / Animals at Large Prohibited:

The City of Fosston has a leash ordinance which requires that all dogs be kept under restraint either by leash, cord, chain, electronic/invisible fence, or by being kept in an enclosure. 

Dogs and cats that are running or being at large on property (public or private) other than that of the pet's owner is prohibited. Pet owners can receive a citation for Dog/Cat at large from the police department. This citation would be in addition to the fee imposed if the pet is recovered and impounded. 

 

Requirement to clean up after your pet: 

Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets. Those in custody of a dog or cat should immediately remove any excrements that happen on private property without the consent of the property owner or on any public property. Excess feces and rotting pet food are not healthy for pets or humans. Pet owners that do not maintain sanitary conditions on their property can receive citations or risk losing the ability to have animals within the city limits. 

 

Noise

Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their pets from disturbing their neighbors. Continual barking, howling, or other noises which disturb the neighbors could result in a citation to the pet owner which could include a monetary fine and potentially the loss of the ability to own pets within the city. Problems with noise related to animals in a neighborhood should be referred to the Fosston Police Department. 

 

Identification Requirements:

All dogs and cats over the age of six months must have an ID tag worn at all times with the owners name and contact information including a valid telephone number. 

 

Dangerous Animals: 

The city takes animal safety seriously to protect both residents and pets. A pet may be classified as potentially dangerous or dangerous if it has:

• Chased, bitten, or attacked a person or another animal without provocation

• Displayed aggressive behavior that makes people or animals feel threatened

• Caused injury to a person or pet

If an animal is involved in a bite or injury, an evaluation will determine the appropriate classification. Depending on the severity, consequences may include:

• Seizure of Animal

• Mandatory quarantine for observation

• Microchipping for identification

• Warning signage posted on the owner's property

• Proof of liability insurance required

• Increased registration fees, potentially hundreds of dollars annually

Each case is reviewed individually, but all incidents are taken seriously. Prevent issues by keeping pets leashed or contained, ensuring they are well-trained, and registering them with the city.