Pets

A dog riding in a boat at Voyageurs National Park.

Jenna Wieber/NPS

Where Can I Take My Pet?

• Pets are allowed at the frontcountry campsites only.
• Pets are not allowed at the backcountry sites located within the Kabetogama Pennisula or the primitive campsites along the Kab-Ash Trail.
• Pets are allowed on the 1.7-mile Recreation Trail which follows County Road 96 from Hwy 11 to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
• Pets are allowed in the immediate visitor center areas and parking lots.
• Pets are prohibited on tour boats.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted on tour boats, in all park facilities, and on all trails. Service animals are not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not service animals under the ADA and are subject to pet regulations.

Service animals must be under the control of the handler at all times and may be excluded if they are not under control or are not housebroken, consistent with applicable regulations and NPS Management Policies.

Pet Owner Responsibility

• Pets must be restrained on a leash not exceeding six feet in length, be under physical control, and be attended at all times.
• All pet excrement must be collected and disposed of properly in a trash receptacle.
• All pets must be vaccinated and possess a valid vaccination tag as required by Koochiching and St. Louis County.
• Service animals are subject to these same requirements.

 

Health Watch for Pets

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis occurs throughout the Great Lake states, including Minnesota. Within the state of Minnesota, there are some hotspots, including the northern counties and also several counties in the Metro area. There is no evidence that blastomycosis is any more prevalent within Voyageurs National Park than in other parts of the state where the disease is prevalent.

There are many health risks to humans and pets when going anywhere outdoors, including parasites and diseases spread by insects, ticks, fungi, etc. It is the responsibility of the individual to know the risks and take measures to prevent them.

For more information on Blastomycosis, please visit theMinnesota Department of Health.

 

Special Use Permits for Dog Sled Teams

Dog teams and dog sleds are permitted on frozen lake surfaces within the park when adequate ice and snow conditions are present. However, a written Special Use Permit is required for dog teams and dog sleds traveling on designated snowmobile portages.