Bringing Your Pet to the Outer Banks

First, you have to plan ahead. Many pet-friendly accommodations are available here including rental houses, cottages and motels, most of which charge an extra fee if you bring your dog. However, it is still possible to bring Fido with you, even if you do not stay in one of those pet-friendly places, as there are many boarding facilities available. Many of the local veterinary hospitals have room for boarders, and there are a few boarding kennels within driving distance. You can drop your dog off on the way to your rental unit and pick him or her up on your way out of town.

While you are here, you can take your dog out of the kennel during the day, and the two of you can have fun. Just remember to make your dog's boarding reservations well in advance of your vacation (space fills up quickly during the summer) and make sure that your four-legged friend is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Check with the specific veterinary hospital or boarding facility; usually current distemper/parvo, kennel cough, and rabies vaccines are required.

Whether you board your dog or stay at a pet-friendly rental, there are several things to keep in mind while here:

• Fleas and ticks are abundant on the Outer Banks. Bring protection (for example, Advantix or Frontline, or some other flea/tick control).
  
  
• There is lots of traffic during the summer, and dogs off-leash are at risk of being hit by cars. This is more common here than people think! Bring a leash and keep your dog on it (most municipalities here have leash laws).
  
  
• Salt water, if a dog drinks it, causes vomiting and diarrhea. If you take your dog to the ocean or the sound, bring fresh water for him or her to drink.
  
  
• Beach sand and pavement get hot on sunny days, and dogs’ feet can easily be burned. Remember, if you can’t walk on the beach in your bare feet, then neither should your dog. Mornings or early evenings are the best times to take a dog (check local ordinances for additional information).
  
  
• In case of an emergency, any of the local veterinary hospitals can accommodate you and your dog during the day. At night, (after hours) emergency service is available but limited. The local veterinary hospitals take turns being "on call" on a rotational basis. The nearest 24-hour fully staffed veterinary emergency clinic is at least an hour away in Chesapeake, Virginia. Keep this in mind, especially if you are bringing a dog that is ill or has a chronic disease.

For More Information:

• PetFriendlyOBX.com
• Bringing Your Pet with You
• Local Pet Regulations
• Pet Care on the Beach
• Beach First Aid for Pets
• Pet Friendly Vacation Homes
• Outer Banks Vets & Pet Hospitals

Yes, it is possible to bring your dog to the Outer Banks, and allow him or her to have a great vacation too!
If you plan ahead, you and your dog can have a wonderful vacation together on the Outer Banks. Use common sense and obey local regulations. You’ll both want to come back again and again!