Kitty Hawk Town Information

Staying in a dog-friendly vacation rental? From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between the hours of 10am & 6pm dogs must be on a leash not to exceed six feet. At all other times during the year, dogs must be restrained on a leash retractable to 12 feet. Dogs may be taken off the leash only if they will not disturb other people on the beach. Unleashed dogs must be controlled by their owner/handler who must remain within 30 feet of the dog at all times. A leash must be present at all times.

Owners must clean up after their dogs, but thankfully most beach access points have pet waste disposal available! Check the individual beach access points for further information.

Be mindful of the weather, as animals can overheat easily (and it's not always obvious!), and ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a first aid kit for your pet.

The ocean can be unpredictable and dogs are not only shorter but can also be a lot weaker than an adult swimmer. If you're planning on taking your pooch to the beach, consider outfitting them with a life jacket. Sun is also a factor, as it can cause overheating (as mentioned earlier), but also don't forget that Fido will be walking on the hot sand and (unless you've planned ahead) doesn't have any sandals or shoes to protect his paws. His nose and exposed skin can also get sunburned, so take a few moments to look for pet-safe sunscreen to keep him safe and well cared for while enjoying a vacation with you!

Want more information about bringing your dog with you on vacation? Check out our blog article about the what, where & how of bringing pets to the Outer Banks.