Pet-Friendly Vacation Tips
If you’re bringing your four legged best friend on this family vacation, we recommend you do a bit of planning beforehand to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone. The beach is a fantastic place to bring your dog, and we provide over 100 pet-friendly Outer Banks rentals so you can cohabitate in luxury! Before you arrive, make sure you are aware of each town’s leash laws (below) and any other safety concerns.
When hanging out on the beach with your furry friend, bring fresh water for them so that they don’t resort to drinking saltwater. Your dog might try to drink the saltwater regardless, so keep an eye on them. Drinking too much saltwater can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Carolina Designs Realty provides a leash clip-on baggie dispenser at check in. (Clean beaches are our pride and joy here on the Outer Banks and we appreciate all efforts of our guests and residents to keep it that way!)
When walking on the beach, people often assume that the padding on dogs’ paws will protect them from extreme heat. However, if the sand or pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s probably too hot for paws too. Also, avoid taking your dog on walks during extreme heat in order to prevent heat stroke. Dogs with thick coats are especially susceptible, so just be on the lookout for excessive panting or exhaustion. It’s very important to note that flea and ticks are common in the OBX so make sure to pack protection from these pests.
Although towns have different laws and regulations when it comes to leashes for your pet, it’s a safe bet to keep your dog on a leash, especially when near roads. Read on for each town’s specific leash laws.
Beaches of Currituck County: Leashes are required, no specified leash length. (252) 232-2216
Duck: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. Pets are allowed to play unleashed on the beach under close supervision of owner. Year round pet-friendly beaches. A safe pet vacation kit is available at the Town’s Public Safety Building or by calling (252) 261-1112. For general information call (252)-255-1234
Southern Shores: Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. between May 15th and September 15th. Leashes are required the remainder of the year. Leashes may not exceed ten feet in length. 252-261-2394
Kitty Hawk: Dogs are allowed on the beach if they display a current rabies tag. Between the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash. Leashes may not exceed 12 feet. Well trained dogs may be unleashed under close owner supervision. The dog must stay within 30 feet of the owner, and a leash must be with the owner at all times. 252-261-3552
Kill Devil Hills: Leash law requires leash not to exceed 10 feet in length. From the hours of 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. each day from May 15th to Sept. 15th each year, no dogs shall be allowed on the beach, except those aiding a handicap person. 252-449-5300
Nags Head: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. Leashed pets allowed on Nags Head beaches year round. 252-441-5508
Manteo: Leash law requires leash not to exceed six feet in length. Leashed pets are allowed on the waterfront year round. 252-473-2133
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Leashed dogs allowed on beaches, leashes not to exceed six feet in length. 252-473-2111
Can’t wait to bring Fido on a family vacation? Check out these amazing pet-friendly Outer Banks vacation rentals from Carolina Designs here. We treat our pets like family too and we don’t want you to have to leave a valued member of the family at home. Known for some of the best pet-friendly rentals in the Outer Banks, Carolina Designs wants to be your first pick for all your vacation rental needs!