When are dogs allowed on Charleston-area beaches? A guide to local rules
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — The beginning of May means summer is just around the corner, but it also marks the start of stricter rules for four-legged friends on the beach.
Before you leash up your pup for a day of sand and surf, here’s a look at the guidelines for each local community:
Folly Beach
Dogs are not allowed on Folly Beach from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from May 1 to September 30. During other hours, dogs are permitted on the beach as long as they are leashed and under control.
Pets are never allowed on the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.
Isle of Palms
Dogs can be off-leash from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. between April 1 and September 14 on the Isle of Palms. From September 15 through March 31, dogs can be off-leash from 4 p.m. until 10 a.m.
At all other times, dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash and under control, including while in the water.
Owners must always have a leash in hand, have their pet under control, and clean up after them. Waste bags are available at most public beach access paths.
All dogs that live or visit IOP must be vaccinated against rabies and have a metal license tag on their collar with veterinary information, according to city officials.
Residents are encouraged to get a free, annual dog permit from the Isle of Palms Police Department, though it is not required.
Sullivan’s Island
Dogs are permitted to be off-leash on the beach from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. between May 1 and September 30. They must remain on a leash from 6 p.m. until 5 a.m.
Dogs are prohibited from being on the beach entirely between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the summer months.
Permits are required for all dogs on Sullivan’s Island beaches, which cost $25 for residents and $50 for visitors. More information on obtaining a dog license can be found here.
Kiawah Island
Dogs are allowed on Kiawah Island beaches year-round, but the rules regarding leashing change seasonally.
At Beachwalker County Park — the only public beach access on the island — dogs must be leashed at all times between March 1 and October 15. Dogs can be off-leash from October 16 through February 28 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the designated “dog use area” between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course Clubhouse. At all other hours, they must be leashed.
Even in off-leash areas, owners must remain with their pet, have a leash with them, and use it if another beachgoer or Beach Patrol requests.
Dogs are never allowed in designated critical habitat areas.
Edisto Beach
Dogs must be on a leash from May 1 through October 31 while on Edisto beaches and year-round at Edisto Beach State Park.
At all other times, pets must be within verbal command of owners, on a leash, or in a secure area within the town limits.
Seabrook Island
Beaches on Seabrook Island are considered pet-friendly, but there are certain rules regarding when and where pets are allowed.
Within the restricted area:
No dogs are allowed at any time within the “restricted area,” which stretches from the Community Center Boardwalk northeast to Captain Sams Inlet, whether leashed or unleashed.
Within the limited restriction area:
Dogs are allowed within the “limited restriction area,” which extends from the Pelican Watch Boardwalk to the Edisto River and northwest to Privateer Creek, but must be leashed at all times.
Within the general beach area:
Rules regarding pets for all other areas of the beach change seasonally.
From April 1 through September 30, pets must be on a leash between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. They can be off-leash outside those hours but must remain under the owners’ control.
From October 1 through March 31, pets can be off-leash at all times.
Remember, if you do decide to take your furry friend with you to any nearby beaches, always clean up after them.
