Dakota County, MN Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- County park leash
- 6-foot static leash, Ord. 107
- Retractable leashes
- Not allowed in parks
- Off-leash park
- Dakota Woods, pass required
- Dogs per owner (park)
- Maximum two
- Street leash rules
- Set by your city
Summary
In Dakota County Parks, dogs must be on a static (non-retractable) leash no more than six feet long, except in designated off-leash areas. Away from county parks, leash-at-large rules are set by your city or township, not the county.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having control or custody of any pet to bring a pet into or have a pet in a County Park without it being caged or under physical control on a static leash no more than six (6) feet in length, except in areas designated for off-leash.
Full Breakdown
Dakota County Ordinance No. 107 (Park Ordinance), Section 4.6, controls pets on county park land: dogs must be caged or physically controlled on a static leash no longer than six feet, may not disturb visitors, and owners must pick up feces. The off-leash Dakota Woods Dog Park allows up to two dogs per owner, requires a pass, current license and rabies vaccination, and bars dogs declared dangerous/potentially dangerous, dogs under four months, and dogs in heat. Outside county parks, day-to-day leash and running-at-large rules are municipal. Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley and others each set their own animal-control code.
Violations & Fines
Park Ordinance 107 violations are punishable under Minn. Stat. 398.34 (misdemeanor / county-ordinance penalty). City leash violations carry separate municipal fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a retractable leash in Dakota County parks?
Does the county set leash rules for my neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota animal ordinances overview
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