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Animal Rescues in Oakdale

Oakdale is an east metro suburb between Saint Paul and the St. Croix valley, and it's a good example of how sharply dog rules can change between one city park and the next.

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Two Oakdale parks, two very different rules

Oakdale Bark Park sits off 50th Street between Helena Road and Heather Ridge Road. The city fences it to four feet with a double-gated transition area, and inside there’s a wood chip walking trail, wooded sections, a pond, benches, tables, waste bags and trash cans. Parking on site.

It’s free, with no permit required — which in this metro is worth saying out loud, because several of the alternatives within a short drive run on paid annual passes.

Hours follow the sun: it opens half an hour before sunrise and closes half an hour after sunset.

The posted rules are practical rather than fussy. Handlers must be 16 or older and can’t bring more than two dogs each. Dogs must be vaccinated, not designated dangerous, and not in heat. Verbal control at all times, a visible leash on you, and dogs leashed before entering and on the way out. Oakdale no longer requires dog licensing.

And then there’s everywhere else

The city is direct about it: dogs need to be leashed in city parks — the pets page calls out the Oakdale Nature Preserve specifically — and on all other parks and public land, with the Bark Park as the only exception.

That’s worth internalising, because the preserve is exactly the kind of quiet wooded trail network where people assume a well-behaved dog can be let loose.

Washington County’s parks are stricter again

If you’re widening out to the county’s regional parks, the rules tighten. Across most of them dogs are limited to parking areas and summer trails, and are barred from campsites, swim beach areas, picnic areas and the water’s edge. At Square Lake Park, pets aren’t allowed at all. Check the specific park rather than generalising from Oakdale’s own.

On adopting in the east metro

Oakdale sits close to Saint Paul, Woodbury, Maplewood and the St. Croix valley, and essentially every metro rescue will adopt to you regardless of where it’s registered. Browse the full directory or all Minnesota listings. We’re an independent directory and aren’t affiliated with any organization listed here.

Frequently asked questions

Does Oakdale Bark Park cost anything?
No. The city states it's free to use with no permit required, which makes it unusual for the metro — several nearby off-leash areas run on paid annual passes. It's fenced to four feet with a double-gated entry, and has a wood chip walking trail, wooded areas, a pond, benches, tables and waste bags.
What are the rules at the Bark Park?
Handlers must be 16 or older and can't manage more than two dogs at once. Dogs need to be vaccinated, can't be designated dangerous, and can't be in heat. You have to be in verbal control at all times, keep a visible leash on you, and leash up before entering and on leaving. Oakdale no longer requires dog licensing.
Can I walk my dog in the Oakdale Nature Preserve?
Leashed, yes — the city's pets page names the preserve specifically when it says dogs must be leashed in city parks. The Bark Park is the single exception in Oakdale. Don't assume the preserve's trails work like an off-leash area just because they're wooded and quiet.
What about the Washington County parks nearby?
Stricter. Across most county parks dogs are limited to parking areas and summer trails, and aren't allowed in campsites, swim beach areas, picnic areas or along the water. At Square Lake Park pets aren't allowed at all. Worth checking the specific park before you drive.

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