Minneapolis is home to more than 100,000 pets and with plenty of trails, sidewalks and dog parks. There are lots of outdoor places to enjoy time with your four-legged friend and when you're out and about remember, to be a responsible pet owner. Here are three simple things you can do make sure your pet is on a leash. Even if it's well-behaved, your pet, could become provoked by another animal or a loud noise and get away from you and some people are frightened of animals. A leash will help make sure it doesn't approach.

People who may have allergies or a fear of animals don't leave your pets. Mess behind disease can be passed from animal to animal through feces left behind and that can also pollute our waterways, and one of the most important steps you can take is to license your pet. A license is required for dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits in Minneapolis. If your pet is lost, a license helps ensure that it's not mistaken for a stray and gets returned to you promptly to get a license.

Just go online to apply or call 311 license fees, help pay for services that make our community safer, whether it's matching pets with new homes, catching strays or investigating cases of problem. Animals, Minneapolis, Animal, Care and Control is here to help, and you can help too. If you see aggressive animals or animals on the loose call 311 to find out more about animal care and control and how you can be a responsible pet owner check out the city of Minneapolis website.