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Are Dogs Allowed on North Carolina Beaches?

Posted On Friday, September 6, 2024

Pet Friendly North Carolina Beaches

Most beaches in North Carolina welcome dogs, including North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Oak Island".  If you are looking for a pet friendly vacation home on Topsail Island, please be sure to check our wide variety of pet friendly rentals by visiting our pet friendly Topsail Island Rentals to find your perfect beach getaway for you and your pet.

In North Carolina, many beaches are pet-friendly, but the specific rules and restrictions regarding dogs vary from beach to beach. While a majority of the coastal areas allow dogs, the regulations typically depend on the time of year, the time of day, and whether dogs are on a leash. Below is a general overview of the pet policies at some of the more popular beaches in North Carolina...

North Carolina Beach Rules for Dogs

  • Wrightsville Beach

    • Off-season (October 1 to March 31): Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be on a leash.

    • Peak season (April 1 to September 30): Dogs are not permitted on the beach at all.

    • Owners are required to clean up after their pets.

  • Carolina Beach

    • Off-season (October 1 to March 31): Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash.

    • Peak season (April 1 to September 30): Dogs are allowed only on the beach before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m., with the leash requirement in place year-round.

  • Kure Beach

    • Off-season (October 1 to March 31): Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.

    • Peak season (April 1 to September 30): Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

  • Topsail Island (including Surf City and North Topsail Beach)

    • Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, but they must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times.  Pet waste cleanup is mandatory.

  • Oak Island

    • Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but must be leashed between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from May 15 to September 15.

    • During the off-season or outside the restricted times, dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control.



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