Carver County, MN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Carver County Code of Ordinances § 91.06(B), titled "Pets in parks," makes it unlawful to bring a dog, cat, or other pet into a county park unless the animal is caged or on a leash not more than six feet in length and under the handler's control, per § 91.06(B)(1), with an exception for Board-designated pet exercise areas where animals may run off-leash. The same subsection bars pets from beach areas, nature centers, refuge areas, picnic areas, and park buildings, or any other area posted "no pet," under § 91.06(B)(2); prohibits a pet from disturbing or interfering with other visitors, their property, or park staff under § 91.06(B)(3); bans tethering any animal to a tree, plant, building, or park equipment under § 91.06(B)(4); and requires anyone with a dog or pet in a designated area to carry a device for cleaning up and sanitarily disposing of pet waste under § 91.06(B)(5).

These rules apply on county park property, including regional parks such as Lake Minnewashta, not on private trails or municipal park land inside cities like Chaska or Norwood Young America. The Carver County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement enforce the chapter under § 91.10(A), and § 91.10(C) specifically authorizes the Sheriff's Office or local agencies to impound pets found in violation and to collect an impoundment fee plus a per diem fee set under the county's animal control contract.