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

Olmsted County's animal control framework rests on three layers. (1) Chapter 2500 - Rabies Control Ordinance: requires all dogs and cats over a specified age to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and addresses quarantine after bites. (2) Chapter 2600 - Olmsted County Dangerous Dog Ordinance (Resolution 26-01, signed February 2026): applies countywide to unincorporated areas. The ordinance defines 'dangerous dog' as one that has caused death or substantial bodily harm to a person without provocation, or killed a domestic animal off the owner's property; 'potentially dangerous dog' covers unprovoked bites, chasing in an apparent attitude of attack, or known propensity to attack.

Owners of designated dangerous dogs must maintain a proper enclosure (a dog is not within a proper enclosure if any window or door screen is the only barrier), microchip the dog, sterilize the dog, register annually with the county, and ensure the dog wears identification tags. The ordinance incorporates the requirements of Minn. Stat. 56. (3) State law (Minn. Stat. 52) requires a dangerous dog outside its proper enclosure to be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash under the physical restraint of a responsible person.

Owners must renew the registration annually and notify animal control within 30 days of the dog's death or relocation. For ordinary (non-dangerous) dogs at large, enforcement is at the city or township level: Rochester city code and townships such as Cascade Township require dogs to be on a leash, under voice control of a competent person, in a vehicle, or within the owner's property. The Olmsted County Sheriff handles complaints in unincorporated areas without a township ordinance; Rochester PD and Animal Control handle complaints inside the city.