Bringing Your Pet to the Outer Banks

The beach can be fun and rewarding for both pets and their owners. Each of the town's have their own restrictions pertaining to pets. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.

On Duck beaches, dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye and contact of their owner.

On Southern Shores beaches, dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15 - September 15. Year-round leash law. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.

On Kitty Hawk beaches, dogs are permitted on public beaches. The owner/handler is responsible for and must remove feces and possess a bag/container for waste removal at all times. From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 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 the handler, who must remain within 30 feet of the dog at all times. A leash must be with owner/handler at all times. Violation of any of these rules shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $50.00.

On Kill Devil Hills beaches, dogs are permitted between May 15, and September 15, of each year. No dogs shall be permitted on the public beach between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless being used to aid a handicapped person. At all other times no dogs shall be permitted on the public beaches except upon a leash and under control of owner. All pet waste must be gathered in appropriate containers. Year-round leash law.

On Nags Head beaches, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners.

On Currituck County beaches, leashes are required but there are no length requirements.

Important Links

• Outer Banks Vets & Pet Hospitals
• Pampered Pets Guide