The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S

Dog friendly beaches allow dogs to enjoy swimming. All beaches designated as dog-friendly beaches have rules that owners must follow. All dogs must have applicable current vaccinations including a rabies vaccination. Dog owners must pick up after their dogs. Dogs who display aggressive and dangerous behavior are prohibited. Puppies and dogs in season are not allowed. Dogs must be under control at all times and owners must be responsible for their own dogs. Individual dog-friendly beaches may have additional rules.

Although dog-friendly beaches are a great deal of fun for dogs and owners alike, dog owners should be aware of the possible dangers. Although aggressive dogs are not allowed, dog owners still run the risk of their dog being attacked by an out of control dog or being hurt inadvertently in playing with another dog. Other dangers at dog-friendly beaches include dogs becoming overheated in the summertime, dogs digesting large amounts of salt water and dogs swimming in possible hazardous undercurrents.

Dog-Friendly Beaches - Huntington Beach Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach Dog Beach is a mile long and is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, about 35 miles south of Los Angeles and ten miles from Disneyland. The dog-friendly beach is maintained by Huntington Dog Beach, a non-profit organization. Tax deductible donations are accepted. Dog owners can also buy t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, beach towels and other merchandise imprinted with the Huntington Dog Beach logo, with profits going to the organization. This dog-friendly beach is equipped with sixty dog bag dispensers along the beach to promote cleanup by dog owners.

Dog-Friendly Beaches - Duck Dog Beach, Duck, North Carolina

Duck, North Carolina is located in the coastal area known as the Outer Banks. The rules of this dog-friendly beach, which is open year round, are strictly enforced by the town of Duck. Local dog owners and vacationers are encouraged to join the Outer Banks Pampered Pet Club, which offers discounts and other benefits to its members. The club sponsors a pet photo contest every spring. Photos entered must include the pet photographed at Duck Dog Beach or one of the other dog-friendly beaches of the Outer Banks.

Dog-Friendly Beaches - Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago, Illinois

Montrose Dog Beach is located on the northeast corner of Montrose Beach in Chicago. It is the only dog-friendly beach in Chicago. It is maintained by MonDog (Montrose Beach Dog Owners), a volunteer group who persuaded the city to establish the dog-friendly beach in 2000. MonDog encourages all local dog owners to join their group and assist in beach cleanup days and enforcement of dog beach rules. The beach is handicap accessible and is open from dawn to dusk daily.

References:

http://www.dogbeach.org/

http://www.townofduck.com/pets.htm

http://www.mondog.org/