When you are taking a beach trip, you are no doubt wondering if you can bring your furry friend along. After all, many dogs love beaches, and taking a vacation with your beloved pup in tow is a great way to include your favorite canine in your plans. However, some beaches may not allow dogs, or you may have specific rules to follow when bringing your dog onto the beach.
Our guide tells you more about the dog beach rules of Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast. We also give you some information about potential exceptions to these rules and tips on other pet-friendly places in the Myrtle Beach area.
Myrtle Beach Dog Rules
Myrtle Beach has specific rules when it comes to allowing dogs on the beach, and it’s important that you are aware of these rules if you are planning on taking your dog to the beach with you. Like many beaches, rules about dogs on the beach are tailored around the busiest seasons and aim to keep all visitors happy with their experience on Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach’s Dog Rules are as follows:
- From May 1st through Labor Day in September, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10:00 am and after 5:00 pm.
- From May 1st through Labor Day in September, dogs and bicycles are only allowed on the boardwalk between 5:00 am and 10:00 AM.
- From the day after Labor Day in September to April 30th, dogs are allowed to visit the beach any time of day.
- From the day after Labor Day in September to April 30th, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time of the day.
Additionally, any dog on the beach or boardwalk must be on a leash with a maximum length of seven feet, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog.
You can check for updates on these rules or adjustments by visiting the City of Myrtle Beach’s official website for more details.
Can I Take My Service Dog to the Beach?
Beaches, like many other spaces across the United States, must permit access to service dogs under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at any time of the day and year. This act protects your rights to access spaces with your service dog, as service dogs are typically required for those with disabilities who wish to visit the beach or other spaces.
That being said, if a beach is in an environmentally protected area, or there are certain federal restrictions about dogs in that specific area, you may not be able to bring your service dog. You will need to consult with a federal park ranger or staff if this is the case on the beach you are visiting.
Can I Take My Emotional Support Animal to the Beach?
Emotional support animals do not receive the same protections as service dogs, and they are not required to be permitted onto beaches at any time of the day or throughout the year. Instead, your emotional support animal will need to adhere to the restrictions placed by a beach in regard to the time of year and day that they can accompany you down to the sand and water.
Do I Need Permission to Bring My Dog to Myrtle Beach?
You don’t need explicit permission to bring your dog to Myrtle Beach, though if you are taking a service dog down to the beach outside of the beach’s allowed dog hours, you may want to identify them as such. Service animal registration is not required by any law, but many individuals with service dogs or a therapy dog find it helpful to do this in order to let the public know how their dog is different from others and how to interact with and accept them accordingly.
What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places in Myrtle Beach?
In addition to taking your pup out to the beach when they are allowed access, you can take your dog along with you to a number of other pet-friendly activities. There are two state parks around the Myrtle Beach area that permit dogs, in addition to outdoor shopping centers. Certain bars and restaurants may also have dog-friendly rules, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink with your pup by your side.
Bringing Your Pup On a Beach Vacation
Taking your dog on your next beach vacation is something that many families with beloved canine companions dream about, though it is important to be sure of the rules of the beach you are planning to visit.
At Myrtle Beach, dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk during certain hours only, depending on the time of the year. Double-check these requirements before planning your vacation, and keep in mind that service dogs are generally the exception to Myrtle Beach’s dog access rule.
