| If you're going to keep a dog outdoors in the | | | | Statute. The fine for a petty misdemeanor is |
| State of Minnesota, there are some specific | | | | approximately $300 per occurrence, plus any |
| requirements you need to be aware of. Minnesota | | | | applicable surcharges. |
| State Statute 343.40 addresses the subject: | | | | So let's say you agree to all of the above and |
| Minnesota State Statute 343.40 Dog Houses | | | | have complied on every point ~ you're now |
| Subd. 1. In general. A person in charge or control | | | | ready to house your dog outdoors, right? NO. You |
| of any dog which is kept outdoors or in an | | | | are now only in compliance on the minimum |
| unheated enclosure shall provide the dog with | | | | standard for the dog house itself. However, there |
| shelter and bedding as prescribed in this section as | | | | is still State Statute 346.39: |
| a minimum. | | | | Subd. 1. Food. Dogs and cats must be provided |
| Subd. 2. Building specifications. The shelter shall | | | | with food of sufficient quantity and quality to |
| include a moisture proof and windproof structure | | | | allow for normal growth or the maintenance of |
| of suitable size to accommodate the dog and | | | | body weight. Feed standards shall be those |
| allow retention of body heat. It shall be made of | | | | recommended by the National Research Council. |
| durable material with a solid, moisture-proof floor | | | | Subd. 2. Water. Dogs and cats must be provided |
| or a floor raised at least two inches from the | | | | with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity to |
| ground. Between November 1 and March 31 the | | | | satisfy the animal's needs or supplied by free |
| structure must have a windbreak at the entrance. | | | | choice. Snow or ice is not an adequate water |
| The structure shall be provided with a sufficient | | | | source. |
| quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of | | | | Snow or ice is not an adequate water source. |
| hay, straw, cedar shavings, blankets, or the | | | | This is possibly the most important item to |
| equivalent, to provide insulation and protection | | | | understand, considering that water left in a bowl |
| against cold and dampness and promote retention | | | | may turn to ice in mere minutes on a Minnesota |
| of body heat. | | | | winter's day, and will most certainly freeze |
| Subd. 3. Shade. Shade from the direct rays of the | | | | overnight. A heated dish with an electric coil is the |
| sun, during the months of June to September | | | | only practical solution, and these may be |
| shall be provided. | | | | purchased for as little as $30. However, you will |
| Subd. 4. Farm dogs. In lieu of the requirements of | | | | want to investigate various heated bowls, as not |
| subdivision 2 and 3, a dog kept on a farm may be | | | | all bowls are capable of maintaining the proper |
| provided with access to a barn with a sufficient | | | | temperature when the mercury drops to 30 |
| quantity of loose hay or bedding to protect | | | | below zero. Additionally, puddles, and stagnant or |
| against cold and dampness. | | | | dirty water do not qualify as "potable" under the |
| Subd. 5. Zoning. All shelter required by this section | | | | statute. |
| shall be subject to all building or zoning regulations | | | | It is also important to remember that your pet |
| of any city, township, county or state. | | | | may require additional calories in the winter |
| Subd. 6. Penalty. Whoever violates the provisions | | | | months as it takes additional energy to keep |
| of this section is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. | | | | body temperature regulated. Consult your |
| In order for your dog's outdoor shelter to be in | | | | veterinarian to determine the appropriate daily |
| compliance with this statute, here are the key | | | | calorie intake your dog will require to spend the |
| points you need to understand: | | | | winter outdoors. |
| 1. A dog house with windows, a leaking roof, slats | | | | Even though you provide adequate housing, warm |
| in the sides, or an open doorway are all in | | | | water and food, and despite the fact that your |
| violation. | | | | animal has a fur coat, animals that are kept |
| 2. For the dog house to be of 'suitable to size to | | | | outdoors in freezing temperatures are still at risk |
| retain the dog's body heat', the following is | | | | for hypothermia and/or frostbite. Signs of |
| recommended: the door height should be at least | | | | hypothermia include shivering, slow or shallow |
| 3/4 of your pet's shoulder height (from the | | | | respiration, and lethargy. If you suspect |
| ground to the neck), the length and width should | | | | hypothermia, the animal should be taken to a |
| be at least equal to but not more than 25% | | | | veterinarian immediately. If you attempt to warm |
| larger than the distance between the nose and | | | | the animal yourself, it is essential that ONLY the |
| the base of the tail, and the height of the house | | | | pet's abdomen and thorax are warmed; warming |
| should be at least 25% taller and no more than | | | | paws, ears, or other extremities first can cause |
| 50% the height of the pet when standing. | | | | the animal to go into shock. |
| 3. The dog house floor must be 2 inches above | | | | Frostbite occurs most commonly on ears, paws, |
| the ground. Standing water or mud do not qualify | | | | and tails. Frostbitten body parts are unlikely to |
| as ground. If the house stands in water or mud, | | | | have sensation until they begin to thaw, at which |
| or leans into water or mud, then it must be | | | | time they may become very red, swollen, and |
| relocated to a dry spot, where the entire floor of | | | | painful. It is not uncommon in Minnesota for dogs |
| the house will be 2 inches above dry ground. | | | | and cats to lose ears and tails due to extreme |
| 4. Between November 1 and March 31, it is not | | | | frostbite. Again, treating hypothermia or frostbite |
| sufficient to have an open doorway on the dog | | | | should not be attempted at home, these |
| house. A dry piece of carpet may be used, | | | | conditions require prompt attention from a |
| however it is preferable that the dog house be | | | | veterinarian. |
| equipped with a clear plastic door to allow the dog | | | | If you must keep your dog outdoors, particularly |
| the ability to see light, approaching people, and | | | | during extreme temperatures, there is much to |
| other movement. | | | | consider. Your local humane society will be able to |
| 5. Dry bedding must be provided within the dog | | | | assist with any specific questions you have |
| house. Damp or wet bedding is not acceptable. | | | | regarding dog houses, appropriate kennel space, |
| 6. June 1 - September 30, the house must be | | | | and State statutes. The most important thing to |
| located in shade, whether man-made or natural. | | | | remember is that protecting your pet against the |
| The statute is very specific and overlooking any | | | | elements is not only humane, it is the law. |
| one of these steps is a violation of the State | | | | |