Welcome to planning your dogs-welcome vacation in the Outer Banks! North Carolina beaches are fairly dog-friendly, however, there are several things to keep in mind as you plan to bring your furry family member to your vacation.
Keeping pets healthy and safe on your vacation is as important as your own health and safety. There is some variation of Outer Banks leash laws from beach to beach, with exceptions made for service animals. Observe pet ordinances for specific locations, and practice water and sun safety to make your stay a vacation to remember and the Outer Banks a place to visit again and again.
Corolla, NC Leash Laws
Corolla beach honors a year-round leash law—meaning pups are always welcome on the beach as long as they are leashed. Dogs are also welcome at the Heritage Park on the Currituck Sound.
Duck, NC Leash Laws
Dogs may be unleashed on Duck’s beaches year-round, under the watchful eye and control of an owner/handler. As a note, the town of Duck beaches are privately owned by homeowners associations (HOAs), and beach access is limited to homeowner group residents and guests only.
Southern Shores, NC Leash Laws
Between May 15 and September 15 dogs are not allowed on Southern Shores beaches between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. At all other times, dogs are welcome on the beach on a leash no more than 10 feet long, accompanied by a responsible owner or custodian. Carry scoopers and baggies with you and dispose of waste in trash receptacles.
Kitty Hawk, NC Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed at the beach in Kitty Hawk on leashes up to six feet in length from the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. At other times, dogs should be on leashes retractable to 12 feet or less or be off-leash within 30 feet of its owner provided the dog does not interfere with other people on the beach. Dogs must also wear a current rabies tag.
Kill Devil Hill, NC Leash Laws
No dogs are allowed between Memorial Day and Labor Day, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. At all other times, dogs are allowed on a leash in Kill Devil Hills.
Nags Head, NC Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on Nags Head beach year-round on leashes up to 10 feet in length. Keep a scooper and bags handy to dispose of pet waste properly. Waste removal in the sand or depositing waste in the ocean is against the law in the town of Nags Head.
Manteo, NC Leash Laws
Pets are welcome on Manteo beaches year-round provided they are on a leash or restraint no longer than 6-feet in length and that they remain in control of their owner.
Cape Hatteras, NC Leash Laws
The nation’s first national seashore covers more than 70 coastal miles. Pets are welcome at Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches on a leash of not more than 6 feet. They are not allowed on designated swim beaches or in buildings.
Dog Safety In The Outer Banks: Tips & Tricks
- A day at the beach can be wonderful for humans and animals but sun and surf pose the same threats to your dog as they do to you. Prepare ahead of time with safety in mind to make you and your pet’s day great.
- Your dog needs shade, a break from a beautiful, sunny day, to relax and rehydrate. If there are no trees or sheltered area under a picnic table, pack a beach umbrella to make shade anywhere.
- Supply plenty of fresh water throughout the day in your pet’s own bowl.
- Hot sand can irritate a dog’s pads. Pack a blanket or thick towel for your pet to relax on when taking a break from more active pursuits.
- Some things at the beach are the same as anywhere. Be sure vaccinations are current and your pet always wears his collar with an ID tag. Be respectful to other beachgoers and always clean up after your pet, keep him on a leash if that is the law, and do not have an aggressive pet or female in heat join you at a public beach.
- Your dog can sunburn the same as you. This is especially true of short-haired dogs, those with light-colored coats and any pet with pink nose or ears. Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs, following the product’s instructions for how to apply and when to reapply. Do not use sunscreens with zinc because it can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
- Prepare for minor mishaps by packing a first aid kit. It should include cotton balls, ammonia, peroxide, and bandages. Jellyfish and other stinging creatures in the ocean can harm a dog as easily as a human.
- Discourage your dog from drinking salt water by providing fresh water if you see him drink it. Consuming seawater can cause vomiting or work as a laxative.
- Any dog can become overly tired from swimming, and not all dogs swim well, so be aware of how your dog is doing. For short-legged breeds or an older pet, consider a doggie life jacket. Be aware of deep water and rip currents since neither dogs nor animals are drown-proof. It is best to leave puppies at home if you are spending a long day at the beach.
- By being considerate of others, following established rules, and keeping an eye on your pet and potential threats, you can both enjoy a great beach outing and return home safe and sound after your OBX vacation.