Pet-Friendly Jersey Shore
Bring your furry friend along! Dog beaches, pet-friendly hotels, and tips for a great beach vacation with your pet.
Dog Beaches
Brigantine North End Dog Beach
Year-RoundBrigantine
Year-round dog beach. Off-leash allowed. One of the best in NJ.
Longport Dog Beach
Year-RoundLongport
Year-round bay-side dog beach. Off-leash area.
Sandy Hook
SeasonalSandy Hook
Dogs allowed Sept 15 - March 14. National park beaches.
Island Beach State Park
SeasonalIsland Beach
Dogs on leash in park areas. Beach access Oct 1 - April 30.
Asbury Park Dog Beach
SeasonalAsbury Park
Designated dog beach area. Check seasonal restrictions.
Most Pet-Friendly Towns
Brigantine
Best dog destination. Year-round beach, affordable badges, quiet beaches.
Long Beach Island
Many pet-friendly rentals. Dogs on beach off-season.
Longport
Year-round dog beach. Quiet, upscale atmosphere.
Wildwood
Pet-friendly motels. Dogs on beach off-season only.
Cape May
Some pet-friendly B&Bs. Dogs on beach Oct-April.
Beach Safety for Dogs
Hot Sand Warning
Sand can reach 150°F+ in summer. Test with your hand - if too hot for you, too hot for paws.
Fresh Water is Essential
Salt water can make dogs sick. Bring fresh water and a bowl for regular hydration.
Watch for Jellyfish
Keep dogs away from washed-up jellyfish. Stings can be harmful even when dead.
Shade is Critical
Dogs overheat quickly. Bring an umbrella or pop-up tent for shade breaks.
Rinse After Swimming
Salt and sand irritate skin. Rinse your dog after beach time.
Know the Rules
Beach rules vary by town and season. Check local regulations before visiting.
When Are Dogs Allowed?
| Beach | Summer | Off-Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigantine North End | ✓ Yes (year-round) | ✓ Yes | Best summer option. Off-leash allowed. |
| Longport Dog Beach | ✓ Yes (year-round) | ✓ Yes | Bay-side. Off-leash area. |
| Sandy Hook | ✗ No (Mar 15-Sep 14) | ✓ Yes | Leash required. Federal rules. |
| Island Beach State Park | ✗ No (May-Sep) | ✓ Yes (Oct-Apr) | Leash required in park. |
| Most Ocean County beaches | ✗ No | ✓ Before 9am/after 5pm | Rules vary by town. |
| Cape May beaches | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (Oct-Apr) | Some have designated areas. |
Pet Travel Budget Guide
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Fee (hotel, per night) | $25-35 | $50-75 | $75-100 |
| Pet Fee (vacation rental) | $50-100 | $100-200 | $200-300 |
| Pet Deposit (refundable) | $0 | $100-200 | $300-500 |
| Beach Gear (umbrella, mat, water) | $20-40 | $40-60 | $60-100 |
| Pet-Sitting (if needed, per day) | $30-50 | $50-75 | $75-100 |
| Vet Visit (pre-trip checkup) | $0 | $50-75 | $100+ |
Common Pet Travel Mistakes
Assuming all beaches allow dogs in summer
Turned away at beach, no backup plan, stressed pet stuck in hot car or rental.
✓ Check beach rules BEFORE booking. In summer, only Brigantine and Longport allow dogs.
Not bringing fresh water to the beach
Dog drinks salt water, gets sick, vomiting and diarrhea ruin the trip.
✓ Bring 2x the water you think you need. Offer water every 15-20 minutes.
Letting dog on hot sand without testing first
Burned paw pads. Dog in pain, limping, can't walk. Emergency vet visit.
✓ Press back of hand to sand for 7 seconds. If too hot for you, too hot for paws. Use booties.
Booking a rental without confirming pet policy
Arrive to find "no pets" sign. Scrambling for new lodging at peak season prices.
✓ Get pet approval in WRITING. Confirm breed/size restrictions. Ask about fenced yards.
Leaving dog in car "just for 5 minutes"
Car hits 140°F in minutes even with windows cracked. Heat stroke can be fatal.
✓ NEVER leave pets in cars at the shore. One person stays with dog or skip that stop.
Where to Stay with Pets
Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals
Vacation Rental • LBI, Wildwood, Cape May
Tip: Book early - pet-friendly rentals are limited and book fast.
Pet-Friendly Motels
Motel • Wildwood, Seaside Heights
Tip: Doo-Wop motels in Wildwood often allow pets.
Select B&Bs
B&B • Cape May, Spring Lake
Tip: Call ahead - not all rooms are pet-friendly.
Beach Day Packing List for Dogs
Essentials
- • Fresh water & bowl
- • Leash & collar with tags
- • Waste bags
- • Towels
Comfort
- • Shade umbrella/tent
- • Cooling mat
- • Beach blanket
- • Favorite toy
Protection
- • Dog sunscreen
- • Paw booties
- • Life jacket
- • First aid kit
After Beach
- • Rinse water
- • Brush
- • Extra towels
- • Car seat cover