on September 10, 2026

Minnesota Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Minnesota has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. Minneapolis publishes a set ticket of $25.

Why Minnesota leaves it to cities

Minnesota has no statewide statute requiring dog owners to pick up waste. Cities regulate animals under their own charters or, for statutory cities, Minn. Stat. 412.221 subd. 21 (council power to regulate the keeping of animals and restrain their running at large). The only state-level pickup rule is a Department of Natural Resources rule for state parks, state forest campgrounds and forest day-use areas: Minn. R. 6100.1100, item B requires pet waste deposited in mowed or maintained areas to be cleaned up immediately and put in an appropriate waste container, and item A requires a leash no longer than six feet.

  • Statutory city power to regulate keeping of animals and running at large: Minn. Stat. 412.221, subd. 21 (read it)
  • State parks and forest recreation areas: pet waste cleanup, six-foot leash: Minn. R. 6100.1100 (read it)
  • Misdemeanor ($1,000/90 days) and petty misdemeanor ($300) maximums: Minn. Stat. 609.02, subds. 3 and 4a (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Minnesota's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Minneapolis Minneapolis Code of Ordinances 64.20 (Feces cleanup); Ord. No. 2016-009, Ord. No. 2025-002 $25 Yes
Saint Paul Saint Paul Legislative Code Sec. 200.09 (Cleaning up litter); C.F. No. 09-1087; Ord. No. 26-2 (1-28-2026) Up to $1,000 Yes
Rochester Rochester Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-1-8(a) (Condition of premises; excrement); Code 1965, 106A.09 Not published No

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Minnesota

  • Minneapolis and Saint Paul both make carrying a pickup bag or device a separate legal duty, not just picking up afterward.
  • Minneapolis's scheduled fine is only $25, but repeat violations within 24 months double each time, up to $2,000.
  • Saint Paul amended its pickup ordinance in January 2026 (Ord. No. 26-2) and says its administrative citation fee schedule is still being developed.
  • Rochester's exemption covers Seeing-Eye dogs under a blind person's control, narrower than the service-animal exemptions in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Minnesota?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Minnesota?

It depends on the city. Minneapolis: $25. Saint Paul: Up to $1,000. Rochester does not publish an amount.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Minnesota?

In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the Midwest

Illinois · Ohio · Michigan · Indiana · Missouri · Wisconsin · Iowa · Kansas

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.