Bringing your pet to the beach can be a great experience for everyone involved. Pets can explore a new environment and maybe even go swimming while owners can enjoy quality time and bonding with their pet.
Whenever you plan to take your pet out in public, it’s important to be prepared. When it comes to beaches, it is particularly important to know whether pets are allowed and what the rules are. To help you prepare, here’s everything you need to know about pet-friendly beaches.
What are pet friendly beaches?
Pet-friendly beaches are beaches where pets are allowed. They may be located along an ocean, lake, river, or other body of water.
Typically, pet-friendly beaches have specific policies. These may include rules about whether pets are allowed off-leash, whether they can go in the water, whether they must carry a rabies tag or other proof of vaccination, and whether they are only allowed on the beach at certain hours or times of the year. Often these guidelines apply specifically to dogs, the most common pet that owners bring to the beach. However, you may be able to find cat-friendly beaches or beaches that welcome other types of pets.
Types of pet-friendly beaches
When it comes to pet-friendly beaches, they typically fall into two categories: beaches that are pet-friendly year-round and beaches that allow pets seasonally.
Year-round pet-friendly beaches like Huntington Dog Beach in California allow owners to bring their pets regardless of the season and often with no time restrictions.
Seasonal pet-friendly beaches typically prohibit pets during summer and other tourist or busy seasons. You can also enforce time restrictions and either prohibit pets or require leashes at certain times. For example, at the beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, leash laws apply from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer.
Locations of pet-friendly beaches
There are plenty of pet-friendly beaches, and you don’t have to live on the coast to find them. A common inland location for pet-friendly beaches is state parks. These can be great places to visit with dogs as there are often trails, hikes, and other activities to enjoy.
To find a pet-friendly beach near you, you can use numerous online resources. There are several lists of nationally recognized pet-friendly beaches (like this list from U.S. News and World Report), or you can use a resource like BringFido to find information about beaches near you.
Tips for visiting pet-friendly beaches
The more prepared you are when visiting a new place with your pet, the more enjoyable it will be for everyone involved. Here are some things to keep in mind specifically when visiting pet-friendly beaches.
Research the rules
Knowing that a beach is pet-friendly is one thing, but knowing exactly what the requirements are requires some research. Finding out about the regulations, especially for beaches with seasonal or hour-long restrictions, can help you better prepare for your visit. Some beaches may have unexpected policies, such as: B. Vaccination requirements or maximum leash lengths.
Bring supplies
It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of fresh water and your own water bowl when traveling with your pet. You need to stay hydrated, especially in hot environments like beaches. Other supplies you may need include a life jacket if your pet enjoys swimming, treats, toys, an umbrella for shade, and towels for drying off after swimming. Read our list of the best beach accessories for dogs here.
Beware of dangers
Depending on the beach you visit, there may be potential dangers for your pet. Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, can be fatal if touched or eaten and often blooms in stagnant water such as ponds or lakes. Your pet could also be exposed to pests like sand fleas or ticks on the beach. Therefore, it is a good idea to check his fur and then bathe him, especially if he likes to roll in the sand. Other potential hazards include heat stroke, burning sand, rough currents and waves, and washed-up marine life.
To be responsible
Beaches can be crowded and chaotic, so it’s important to have control over your pet. If you plan to let your pet off-leash, make sure he is well-behaved around other people and animals, comes back to you when called, and knows basic obedience commands. You should also be a responsible owner by picking up your pet and following the rules.
