Animal Rescues in Annandale, MN — Off-Leash Area and Lakes

Animal Rescues in Annandale

Dogs at Clearwater/Pleasant County Park

Clearwater/Pleasant County Park is the centre of gravity for dog walking around Annandale. It’s 210 acres sitting between Clearwater and Pleasant Lakes, open 6am to 10pm.

The off-leash pet area there comes with one important caveat: it’s unfenced, and you reach it through the disc golf parking lot. That’s a meaningful difference from a fenced dog park. It suits a dog with a solid recall and doesn’t suit one that’s likely to take off after a squirrel or a disc golfer.

The county is clear on where dogs can and can’t go. Trails and the off-leash area: yes. Beach area, park buildings and the day use picnic area: no. Leashed everywhere else.

What else is there

Two miles of paved trail, usable all season — the reliable leashed walk.
A swimming beach (people only).
A fishing pier and a public boat access with dock.
An 18-hole disc golf area — which is also where you park for the dog area.
Reservable shelter, playground, sand volleyball, modern restrooms.

Wright County also runs Schroeder County Park & Campground in Annandale, if you’d rather stay than day-trip.

The unfenced question

It’s worth dwelling on, because “off-leash area” makes people picture a gate and a fence. Here it’s an open area within a large park with a road, a lake and a disc golf course nearby. If your dog’s recall is a work in progress, the two miles of paved trail on a lead is the better use of the trip — and there’s no shame in that being the honest answer.

Adopting out this way

Wright County and the corridor west of the metro are covered by a mix of local organizations and metro rescues willing to drive, so it’s worth searching in both directions rather than only locally. Browse all Minnesota rescues or the full directory. We’re an independent directory and aren’t affiliated with any organization listed here — confirm details with them, and check the county’s page before planning around a park rule.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Annandale off-leash area fenced?

No — the county describes it as unfenced, reached through the disc golf parking lot. That changes who it suits. A dog with a reliable recall will love it; a dog that bolts, or one that hasn't been off a lead in an open space before, is a different proposition. Worth knowing before you unclip.

Can my dog come to the beach?

No. Wright County states that dogs aren't allowed in the beach area, the park buildings or the day use picnic area. They are allowed on the trails and in the off-leash area, and must be leashed everywhere else in the park.

What else is in the park?

Quite a lot for 210 acres — a swimming beach, two miles of paved all-season trail, a fishing pier, a reservable shelter, sand volleyball, an 18-hole disc golf area, modern restrooms and a public boat access with a dock. Open 6am to 10pm.