Virginia
Virginia Beach
Dogs are permitted to join their owners year-round, but there are certain restrictions between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Leashed dogs are permitted to walk on the boardwalk and are free to roam the beaches unleashed in the spring, fall and winter. But during the summer, dogs are limited to wandering on the beach north of 42nd Street or at the south end in Sandbridge before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., and they can only be on the boardwalk on-leash from 6-10 a.m. During this time of year, dogs are not allowed on the resort beach south of 42nd Street and north of Sandbridge.
Maryland
Downs Park
At this park, two dogs per owner are permitted. To maintain a positive environment, owners must maintain control of their pets’ behavior at all times. Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the beach. Anyone who violates this rule will be permanently suspended. Before entering the beach, all dogs must have the appropriate vaccinations and be collared with the correct identification. When on the beach premises, owners must be present at all times with leash in hand and within viewing distance of their dogs. Owners must also keep their dogs from digging holes on the beach or wandering into the woods. When exiting the beach premises, all dogs must be leashed.
Delaware
State parks
Dogs are permitted to join their owners at Delaware state parks Cape Henlopen, Fenwick Island and Delaware Seashore. However, from May 1 to Sept. 30, state law prohibits dogs from swimming and sunbathing beach areas. In addition, regulations also restrict pets year-round from picnic areas, bird nesting places, park buildings and other natural environmental settings. Dogs are allowed to visit designated areas for surf fishing vehicles but must be leashed. These rules are generic for the specified beach areas and do not reflect all pet polices for each individual beach. For more direct information regarding a specific beach, contact the park office before arriving.
North Carolina
Freeman Park
Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners to this park, a division of the northern part of Carolina Beach, year-round. However, between April 1 and Sept. 30, all dogs must be leashed. Dogs are permitted off-leash between Oct. 1 and March 31 and must be under strict supervision. Owners are required to carry with them at least two plastic bags or other containers that can be used to dispose of waste. If the dog is responsible for property damage or an act of aggression, the owner will be held accountable.
