Pet-Friendly Vacation Tips

If you’re planning on bringing along your four legged best friend on this family vacation, you’ll want to do a bit of planning beforehand to ensure a fun and safe vacation for everyone. The Outer Banks is a fantastic place to bring your dog; however, you’ll want to be aware of each town’s leash laws (see below) as well as any other safety concerns. If you’re going to be bringing your dog along to stay at one of our pet friendly Outer Banks rentals, make sure to read over these safety guidelines and leash laws first!

When hanging out on the beach with your furry friend, bring fresh water for him or her to drink to keep him from drinking ocean water. Your dog might try to drink the saltwater regardless, so keep an eye out. Drinking saltwater can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Also, make sure that you bring plenty of plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. 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 so. 

When walking on the beach, people often assume that the padding on a dogs paw will protect them from extreme heat. However, if the sand or pavement is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is most likely too hot for you dog as well. Also, don’t take your dog on walks when the temperature is too high to prevent heat stroke. Your dog may be especially susceptible because of his thick coat so look out for excessive panting or exhaustion. It’s very important to note that flea and ticks are common in this OBX environment 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 is a safe bet to keep your dog on a leash, especially when near roads. There is a ton of traffic during the summer months and dogs off leash are at a high risk of being hit. Read on for each town’s specific leash laws.

Beaches of Currituck County: Leashes are required but there is no length requirement.

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. 252-255-1234

Southern Shores: Leash law requires leash not to exceed ten feet in length. From May 15 to September 15 of each year, animals are prohibited on town beaches. Leash laws enforced remainder of the year. 252-261-2394

Kitty Hawk: Leash law requires leash not to exceed 6 feet in length between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day. At all other times the leash may be extended, but must be retractable to 12 feet. Well trained dogs may be unleashed under close supervision of owner, not to exceed 30 feet in distance between owner and dog. 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 15^th to Sept. 15^th each year, no dogs shall be allowed on town beaches, 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 towns 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: Leash law at National Parks requires leashes not to exceed six feet in length. 252-273-2111

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!