Going to an NC beach with your dog this summer? Here are rules you should know

Mari Pressley
·4 min read

Looking to take your canine out on the beach during the dog days of summer? Well, North Carolina beaches have some rules to abide by and advice for protecting your pup.

“Not cleaning up after your dog presents health hazards to humans and is detrimental to our beach and oceans,” according to Sunset Beach officials on its website.

Sunset Beach is located 3 hours and 25 minutes east of Charlotte, near Wilmington, NC.

While you share the beach with vehicles and fishing activities, Shackleford Banks in Cape Lookout is home to more than 100 wild horses which could “injure or kill a dog that is harassing the herd,” according to the National Park Service.

NPS says it is important to “respect the rights of others” who may be uneasy, as some visitors may fear your pet.

Unleashed pets can also chase birds and “other wildlife,” which can harm wildlife protection.

Here are pet rules for North Carolina beaches:

Cape Lookout

Pets are allowed on the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore, but pets must always be controlled on a 6-foot leash. This is required for all islands, including Shackleford banks. “The leash requirement is for all pets - pet size, breed, or training does not matter,” NPS states.

On Cape Lookout, you could be court summoned or fined $150 for breach of rules.

Things to remember:

  • Some ferries will carry pets to the islands, but ferry operators have the right to refuse to carry a pet.

  • There is not very much shade on the island.

  • Bring fresh water for your pet because there “is little available on the island.”

  • Pick up after yourself and your pet.

  • Don’t leave pets tied up and unattended.

  • With the exception of The Great Island Cabins, pets are not permitted inside any buildings in Cape Lookout.

Cape Hatteras

Pets are welcome but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs “are prohibited within any resource closure” and not allowed on designated swim beaches or buildings.

Things to remember:

  • Never leave a pet unattended.

  • Clean up after your pet.

  • If your pet is a horse, you can ride them “anywhere vehicles are permitted to drive, except in campgrounds.”

Kitty Hawk

Dogs must be kept on that doesn’t exceed 12 feet in public. If you decide to keep your dog on private property, it “must be restrained” to prevent them from entering public property or other’s property.

In Kitty Hawk, dogs are allowed on the beach. However, from Memorial Day weekend until the day after Labor Day, dogs must be kept on leashes up to 6 feet between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At other times, dogs can be restrained on leashes as long as 12 feet. Your pet is also permitted to be taken off a leash “only if they will not disturb other people on the beach. Unleashed dogs must be controlled by the handler, who must always remain within 30 feet of the dog. A leash must always be with the owner/handles,” Kitty Hawk officials wrote on its website.

You could receive a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $50 upon violating these rules.

All dogs, whether you are a tourist or a local, you need to have a current rabies tag.

Things to remember:

  • The owner/handler is responsible for and must remove all feces.

  • If you’re a Dare County resident, register to use the Dare County Dog Park at 900 W Kitty Hawk Rd.

Sunset Beach

Owners must “properly leash their dogs” at all times “and pick up after them. Not doing so will result in citations,” Sunset Beach officials said.

Owners are not allowed to bring dogs on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. between Memorial Day through Labor Day, whether or not your dog is leashed.

Between those hours, during the summer months, dogs are permitted as long as they are on a leash and under control; the same goes for after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.

Not picking up after your pet could result in a misdemeanor punishable by up to $100 for each offense which you’ll have 72 hours to pay.

Things to remember:

  • Leash length is limited to 10 feet.

  • Bring materials to properly remove and “dispose of all feces” your pet on public and private property you don’t own.

  • Large alligators could pose a safety risk. Be aware of places where alligators have been seen.