With an abundance of outdoor activities, the Outer Banks is a great place for pets. Your pet will love it here just as much as you will! Besides, what’s a vacation without your best friend? If you don’t want the hassle of bringing your pet crate on vacation, we rent a large dog crate that folds up into one piece for no hassle and easy transportation. Here’s a rundown of the local beach pet rules and some top spots to explore with your pet off the beach.
Beaches
Duck has the most pet-friendly beach on the Outer Banks, allowing pets to be on the beach year-round and unleashed as long as they are being carefully watched. In Nags Head, dogs are allowed year-round, but must be kept on a leash less than 10 feet long. At the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, dogs are also allowed year-round but must be on a leash 6 feet or less.
Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills have greater restrictions based on the time of day and season. Southern Shores and Kill Devil Hills do not allow dogs on the beach May 15-September 15 between the hours of 9am and 6pm, all other times dogs must be on a leash.
In Kitty Hawk, dogs are allowed all day but must display a current rabies tag. They can roam off the leash during the off season and off hours, but from the Friday before Memorial Day and the day after Labor Day between 10am and 6pm they must be kept on a leash less than 6 feet. Owners must stay within 30 feet of their dog at all times.
Nature Trails
Nags Head Woods is a beautiful maritime forest to explore with your pet. Dogs are allowed (on a leash), on the following trails: Discovery, Roanoke, ADA, and Town Trail. The Kitty Hawk Woods Preserve has many trails and areas to explore and allows pets on a leash. Check out our family-friendly running trail list for a few good pet friendly walking/running paths.
Boardwalks and Parks
Everyone loves a stroll on the Town of Duck’s boardwalk that winds along the waterfront and by numerous restaurants and shops. Pets are allowed if they are collared, displaying identification, and controlled on a leash less than 10 feet. The Town Park has a large green lawn area that you and your pet will enjoy. They hold many events throughout the summer and controlled pets are welcome to join their owners. Look for the dog-friendly water fountain in the Town Park near the playground!
The Wright Brothers National Memorial allows pets if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There is plenty of walking to be done at the park that has a large field area, pathways, and a hill that the monument sits atop.
Jockeys Ridge State Park is a great park to take your pet, it allows dogs year-round that are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. From the top of the sand dunes you will find beautiful views of the ocean and the sound.
Remember- Always collect your pets waste immediately and deposit it into the appropriate containers. If you are in need of a crate, we rent a large dog crate that folds up into one piece for easy transportation. Check out our rental website for more information, or call us at 1-800-635-9559.
