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At Seaside Vacations, we know your four-legged friends are a part of your family-and nothing beats being able to bring your beloved pet along on your beach vacation. From splashing in the surf to digging in the sand, a wide array of activities can be enjoyed by your furry friend on our beautiful stretch of barrier islands. 

The Outer Banks boast some of the most pet-friendly beaches on the entire East Coast, but the rules and regulations for taking your dog on the beach differ depending on the town and the time of year. So if you're planning to share your vacation with Sparky this season, here's some helpful information that will make vacationing on the Outer Banks with your pet a breeze. 


Outer Banks Pet-Friendly Beaches

Corolla: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but must be on a leash at all times.

Duck: Dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed, but they should always by closely supervised by and in contact with their owner.

Kill Devil Hills: From May 1 and Sept. 30, dogs are only permitted on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.-with the exception of service dogs. Dogs are permitted on the beach anytime from Oct. 1 through April 30. Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of their owner or handler at all times. 

Kitty Hawk: Dogs are permitted on the beach but must display a current rabies tag. Owners possess a bag or container for waste removal at all times. From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash no longer than 12 feet. During the off-season, dogs may be taken off leash only if they will not disturb other beachgoers and other dogs. Unleashed dogs must be controlled bytheir owner, who must remain within 30 feet of the dog at all times. Handlers of unleashed dogs must carry a leash with them at all times to secure their dog if necessary.

Nags Head: Dogs are permitted on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash no longer than 10 feet. 

Southern Shores: From May 15 to Sept. 15, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Dogs must always be on a leash no longer than 10 feet.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but must be restrained with a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Please be courteous of other beach goers-and other dogs-when taking your pet to the beach, and always clean up after your pet!