What better way to celebrate summer than with your B.F.F (best furry friend)?
The peak summer season at the Delaware beaches may restrict some of the places where pets will be allowed to roam free, but new legislation loosened constraints in some beach towns, allowing dogs year-round access to the sand and waves.
Here’s your guide to taking your pets to the beaches this summer.
General rules for pets
Generally, pets are not allowed on sunbathing and swimming beaches between May 1 and Sept. 30. This does not include service animals or on Delaware’s state park beaches like Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore State Park.
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However, park rules also restrict pets from surfboarding and sailboarding beaches and shorebird nesting areas.
In places where dogs and pets are allowed, it’s important that they are licensed and leashed at all times except in designated off-leash areas. Leashes should be no longer than 6 feet. In most places, owners should ideally be able to prove that their pets have the rabies vaccine (although this likely won’t be checked).
Don’t leave your pets unattended, especially in a car. Park rangers have the authority to break into vehicles if it looks like an animal is left alone and in distress.
Of course, clean up after your pets as you go (and as they go). There are waste composting receptacles at certain locations in Delaware State Parks where the waste can be properly disposed of.
If you’re ever unsure about what is and isn’t allowed for your pet, contact the park before you visit.
Which Delaware beaches allow pets?
Most beaches restrict pets allowed on beaches and boardwalks during the peak summer season.
The Dewey Beach Town Council announced an expansion of beach access for dogs in January, giving dogs unrestricted access to the beaches from the Sunday following Labor Day weekend through the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.
Fenwick Island, Broadkill Beach and Rehoboth Beach allow dogs on their beaches and boardwalks from Oct. 1 through April 30. Bethany Beach allows dogs from Oct. 1 through May 14.
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There are “doggie hours” at some beaches like Lewes and Bowers Beach. Between May 1 and Sept. 30, dogs are allowed on the beaches before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
Leashed dogs are also allowed at Slaughter Beach, James Farm Ecological Preserve and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
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