Pet Friendly Outer Banks Vacation

The Outer Banks is one of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations on the East Coast, so we encourage you to bring all the members of the family. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches, vacation rentals, and local attractions, your four-legged friend will have plenty of opportunities to accompany you during your stay. Below are some things to consider when planning your pet-friendly Outer Banks vacation.

Outer Banks Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

 

• Stan White Realty Pet Policy
• OBX Pet Stores, Services, & Care

1) DECIDING WHERE TO STAY - Outer Banks Dog Friendly Beaches

Some areas of the Outer Banks are more dog-friendly than others. Leash laws vary from town to town and in some, dogs are only allowed on the beach during certain times of the year. The good news is that no matter where your Outer Banks vacation rental is or what time of year it is, a dog-friendly beach is always just minutes away.

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

Duck: Dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed as long as they are under the watchful eye and contact of the owner.
Duck Pet Friendly Rentals

Southern Shores: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15 to September 15. When dogs are allowed on the beach, they must be on a leash. All pet waste must be collected immediately and disposed of in appropriate receptacles.
Southern Shores Pet Friendly Rentals

Kitty Hawk: Dogs are allowed on the beach but owner must possess a bag or container at all times for waste collection. Between the Friday before Memorial Day and the day after Labor Day, dogs on the beach must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet between the hours of 10AM and 6PM. Dogs may be taken off the leash only if they will not disturb other people on the beach, and must be controlled by the owner who is required to remain within thirty feet of the dog with a leash on hand at all times.
Kitty Hawk Pet Friendly Rentals

Kill Devil Hills: Dogs are only allowed on the beach from mid-September to mid-May and must be on a leash. Dogs aiding the handicapped are allowed on the beach year-round. All pet waste must be gathered and disposed of in appropriate receptacles.
Kill Devil Hills Pet Friendly Rentals

Nags Head: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but must be restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet.
Nags Head Pet Friendly Rentals

2) BOARDING

If you are unable to stay in a Outer Banks pet friendly rental, consider making reservations at one of the nearby kennels. Several local veterinarians also offer boarding services. If you’re planning a day trip or any activities that will require you to leave your four-legged friend behind for a length of time, make sure he has a place to stay where he’ll be comfortable and cared for while you’re gone, either in a kennel that offers day-care, or with a local pet-sitter.

Whether your need to board your dog for the entire week or just a day, be sure to make reservations well in advance as space fills up quickly, especially during the summer. Have your furry friend up to date on all necessary vaccinations before your arrival.

3) HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS

• Fleas and ticks love the beach too, so make sure your dog has the necessary protection.
• Traffic can be heavy in the summer, especially on weekends, so always keep your dog contained or restrained during your stay. This will also prevent Fido from running off and getting lost in unfamiliar territory, or getting picked up by Animal Control. Just in case, be sure your dog has tags with a phone number where you can be reached while on your Outer Banks vacation.
• Don’t let your dog drink water from the ocean or the sound. Ingesting too much salt water can upset your buddy’s digestion, possibly causing vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to bring along plenty of fresh water for him to drink when the two of you are on the beach or out and about.
• While dogs may be excellent swimmers, they’re still no match for powerful rip currents in the ocean. Before letting your dog jump in, learn about obx rip currents and how to spot them.
• When at the beach or outdoors, always provide a shady place for your dog to rest and cool off.
• Make sure pavement or sand isn’t too hot for your dog’s paws. If it doesn’t feel good on your human feet, it probably doesn’t feel good on your friend’s doggie feet either. Walk him in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler, and afterwards, check his paws for any sandspurs or cactus that he may have stepped on.

4) FUN PLACES TO TAKE YOUR DOG IN THE OUTER BANKS

While the beach may be your dog’s favorite place to spend his Outer Banks vacation, here are some others that welcome four-legged friends (as long as they’re on a leash):

• Heritage Park and The Whalehead Club in Corolla
• The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
• Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head
• Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo