Pet-Friendly Shore
Your four-legged friend deserves a beach vacation too. Find dog beaches, pet-friendly stays, and more.
Dog Beaches
Find pet-friendly beaches
🏨Pet-Friendly Stays
Hotels that welcome pets
Pet-Friendly Dining
Outdoor patios welcome dogs
Dog Parks
Off-leash play areas
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Island Beach State Park
Berkeley Township
Dogs allowed on leash in designated areas year-round
One of the best options for dogs. Bring water!
Sandy Hook
Gateway National Recreation Area
Dogs on leash on most beaches Sept 15 - March 15
Great off-season option. Check beach closures.
Brigantine Beach
Brigantine
Dogs allowed on beach September through May
Quiet beach town near Atlantic City.
Strathmere
Upper Township
Dogs allowed year-round on beach
Small, dog-friendly beach community.
Wildwood (off-season)
Wildwood
Dogs allowed on beach September through May
Wide beaches great for running!
Cape May (off-season)
Cape May
Dogs on beach before 10am and after 6pm in summer; all day off-season
Beautiful for dog walks.
Where to Stay
Hotels
- • La Quinta Inn & Suites - Atlantic City, Toms River
- • Red Roof Inn - multiple locations
- • Days Inn - various shore towns
- • Many Asbury Park boutique hotels
💡 Always call ahead to confirm pet policies and fees.
Vacation Rentals
- • VRBO and Airbnb often have pet-friendly options
- • Many beach house rentals allow pets
- • Filter by "pet-friendly" when searching
💡 Rentals may charge pet deposits or cleaning fees.
Campgrounds
- • Ocean View Resort Campground
- • Seashore Campsites (Cape May)
- • Various state park campgrounds
💡 Great budget option for pet owners.
Beach Safety Tips for Dogs
Bring plenty of water
Sand and heat can dehydrate dogs quickly
Watch for hot sand
Sand can burn paw pads on hot days. Test it with your hand.
Rinse after beach
Salt water can irritate skin. Rinse your dog after swimming.
Bring poop bags
Always clean up after your pet. It's the law!
Check for jellyfish
Dogs can be stung too. Avoid washed-up jellyfish.
Consider a life vest
Ocean currents can be strong. Dog life vests add safety.
Pet Services
Veterinarians
Emergency vets available in Toms River, Atlantic City area, and Cape May County
Pet Stores
PetSmart and Petco in most major shore areas. Local pet shops in many towns.
Groomers
Many local groomers throughout the shore area.
Dog Walkers
Rover and local services available for hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jersey Shore beaches allow dogs?
Most beaches allow dogs in off-season (September-May). In summer, try Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and Brigantine. Some towns have designated dog beach areas or early morning hours.
Are there any dog-friendly hotels at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Many hotels accept pets, especially chains like La Quinta and Red Roof. Vacation rentals often allow pets. Always confirm pet policies and fees before booking.
Can I bring my dog to Jersey Shore boardwalks?
Most boardwalks allow leashed dogs in the off-season and early mornings. Summer restrictions vary by town. Wildwood allows dogs on the boardwalk except during peak hours.
Are there dog parks at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Many shore towns have dog parks including Asbury Park, Ocean City (off-season beach areas), and various inland parks. Check local town websites for locations.
Plan Your Pet-Friendly Trip
Check out our dog beach guide for more details.
Dog Beaches Guide