Dog Leash Rules (Updated 2025)
The City of White Bear Lake will be focused on educating the public to make sure our paths, parks, and public places and spaces remain accessible and friendly to everyone.
In April 2025, the City of White Bear Lake amended a rule that now requires dogs to be leashed when off their property. This change puts White Bear Lake in line with neighboring communities’ rules for dogs. Dogs are required to be leashed in City parks and on trails/sidewalks, except for in designated off-leash dog parks. The maximum leash length is 8’ throughout the City unless at Matoska Park Dog Beach where the maximum leash length is 30’. Previously, the City allowed a dog off its owner’s property to be controlled by a leash or voice command.
Designated off-leash dog exercise areas include Varney Lake Park and Lakewood Hills Park (300’ from picnic or organized areas). When off-leash in these designated areas, all dogs must be under direct supervision.
At Matoska Park Dog Beach, all dogs are required to be leashed with a maximum length of 30’ at all times.