Rochester’s Pet Licensing Program May Be Scrapped

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - It looks like Rochester will join other cities around the state in getting rid of its pet licensing program.

Although the city has had a mandatory cat and dog licensing program for decades, it has rarely been enforced.Last year, the city issued just 3400 licenses, which generated $52,000 in fees.

The City Council was told Monday that local veterinarians estimate only a fourth of the dogs and cats in town are licensed.

The Council is now considering a change in the city’s animal control ordinance that would eliminate the licensing mandate, but require a microchip or other form of identification.