Minnesota & Wisconsin Outdoor Housing Requirements for Dogs
We recommended that dogs be sheltered inside their owners’ homes whenever possible, dogs kept outdoors are exposed to weather elements such as rain, sleet, snow, and extreme heat or cold. When dogs are confined outdoors, Minnesota State Statute §343.40 and Wisconsin Chapter 951 require that dogs must have access to an adequate weatherproof shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is an outdoor shelter required for a dog? If a dog is tied or confined unattended outdoors under weather conditions which adversely affect the health of the dog, a suitable shelter shall be provided.
Can I buy a dog house from a store or make one myself? Yes, however commercially available dog houses and DIY dog house plans often need to be modified to be in compliance with requirements.
Is a garage proper shelter? Not by itself. A garage is too large to meet the size requirement for proper shelter to allow the dog to maintain body heat. A garage that is heated, insulated and has an area of raised bedding may be suitable, but without these modifications a garage alone is not suitable.
Is a car proper shelter? No, cars are too large and are not properly insulated to meet the size requirement for proper shelter to allow the dog to maintain proper body heat during the winter and are not suitable for shade or ventilation the warmer months.
Outline of Outdoor Dog Housing Requirements
The following is an outline of Minnesota & Wisconsin laws regarding compliance for outdoor dog housing & care. It is important to note that not all dogs are suited to be kept outside, such as senior dogs, puppies, small or short haired breeds and a dog kept outdoors must be appropriately conditioned to being kept outdoors.
Structural Size: The shelter needs to be large enough to allow the dog adequate freedom of movement to stand to its full height, turn around freely and stretch out while lying down. Additionally, the shelter needs to be small enough to allow a dog to warm the interior of the structure and maintain body heat.
Structural Standards: The shelter must moisture proof and windproof constructed with durable materials including a roof, enclosed sides, a door way and with a solid, level floor raised at least (2) inches from the ground. There should be no cracks or openings in the structure other than the entrance. The structure must be windproof and rainproof. Rainproof openings for ventilation are acceptable in hot weather.
Structural Entrance: The shelter’s doorway must be protected by a self-closing windbreak, or an offset outdoor providing windbreak or a flexible door flap. Vinyl door flaps can easily be purchased online.
Bedding in Structure: Sufficient amount of nonabsorbent bedding such as straw (not hay) or shavings must be provided to insulate against the cold and damp. Bedding needs to be dry and changed regularly.
Warm Weather: In warm weather months, dogs need to have protection from the sun and heat. The shelter should be placed where it will be adequately shaded in hot weather, not in direct path of sunrays
Providing Food & Water: Food must be sufficient to maintain in good health, such as to allow normal growth and maintenance of body weight. Water must be potable (safe to drink) and in sufficient quantity provided daily for the health of the animal. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.
Note: additional and/or alternate requirements exist in both Minnesota and Wisconsin in accordance with state statute and local ordinances for housing dogs. Including but not limited to; dogs housed on a farm (non-subdivision), part of a breeding, selling, dealer, shelter operation, etc.