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.
• 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.
• No pets are allowed on tour boats unless they are properly documented service animals that are marked accordingly.

Pet Owner Responsibility

• Pets must be on a 6-foot leash, under control, and attended to 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.
• Owners of service animals must have proper documentation present.

 

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.