ONLINE
Friday, June 5, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:40 PM
Practitioners in a variety of areas may find themselves dealing with cases involving animal law, from employment law to personal injury, to criminal law, to family law.
Our experienced faculty discusses:
Join us as we explore the intersection of animals and the law and learn the latest developments in this fascinating and growing area!
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
9:05 – 10:05 a.m.
A Brief History of Animal Cruelty: Why Minnesota Needs an Office of Animal Protection
For 150 years, enforcement of animal cruelty laws has been hit or miss. A new bill at the Legislature aims to change that. This presentation includes a brief history of animal cruelty laws in Minnesota, enforcement of those laws and Minnesota caselaw.
– Stacy L. Bettison & Ann Olson
10:05 – 11:05 a.m.
Companion, Emotional Support, and Service Animals — What Animals Qualify and Where Can Service Animals, Assistance Animals, and Pets Go?
What can landlords do to verify whether an animal owner is disabled and entitled to be accompanied by an animal? How is assistance animal status verified? Where can pets go? Covering office space, retail space, multi-family residences and more!
– Donna E. Hanbery
11:05 – 11:15 a.m.
BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
When Animals Attack: Owner Liability for Dangerous Dogs and More
An experienced pet attorney discusses Minnesota cases involving pet disputes: bites, attacks, dangerous dogs and more! Understand the claims involved in each case and what’s on the horizon in this area of law.
– Barbara J. Gislason
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Legal Considerations for Pet Owners — Prenuptial and Cohabitation Agreements, Divorce, and Estate Planning
Pets are an important part of family dynamics. This presentation will discuss the legal implications for considering pets in prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, divorces, and estate planning. Learn how Minnesota law handles custody of pets in these circumstances, and the difference when proper planning is in place.
– Rebecca K. Schack & Jayne E. Sykora
2:00 – 2:05 p.m.
BREAK
2:05 – 3:05 p.m.
2025 Legislative Update
Learn what animal laws were passed by the Minnesota legislature in the 2025 session and what comes next for animal law in Minnesota.
– Bryan Lake
3:05 – 3:10 p.m.
BREAK
3:10 – 3:40 p.m.
Questions & Answers
– Faculty
– Taylor Hanson (moderator)
LIVE IN-PERSON
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
ONLINE REPLAYS
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Friday, June 5, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.
$295 MSBA members / $295 paralegals / $345 standard rate
Other discounts that may apply:
Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.
Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 5.5 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 5.5 credits.
