Watching a dog chase a tennis ball into the ocean may seem like the perfect summertime photo opp but it’s important to keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed to frolic freely on most Lowcountry beaches. Know the rules for the various beaches and avoid a fine that will most certainly spoil your summer fun.
Isle of Palms: Dogs are allowed off leash on the beach between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. April 1 to Sept 14 and then 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 15 to March 31. The rest of the time, dogs must be on a leash and pet owners should clean up after their dogs. IOP does have a dog park behind the Recreation Department at 24 Twenty-Eighth Ave.
Folly Beach: Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash at all tmes. From May 1 to Sept. 30, however, dogs are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Kiawah Island: Between March 16 and Oct. 31, dogs on the beach must be a leash at all times unless in designated dog use areas located east of the Beach Club and west of Beachwalker Park. From Nov. 1 to March 15, dogs are allowed on all beach areas except those labeled as “critical habitat areas.” Dogs should be under voice command and owners need to have a leash on hand. Remember to keep you dog on a leash when near any ponds on the island as these are alligator habitats. Check out the dog leash law map.
Sullivan’s Island: All dogs on the island, including residents, day visitors and vacation renters, must have a town-issued dog permit to visit the island and the beach. Permits are $35 per dog and are issued at Town Hall, 1610 Middle St. Owners should have proof of rabies vaccine. Once you have your permit, dogs are allowed on the beach 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. (off leash May 1 to Sept. 30) and 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. (on leash May 1 to Sept. 30).
Remember in the heat of the summer, it’s best to leave your dogs at home anyway. You probably wouldn’t be very comfortable going to beach in a fur coat and walking on the hot sand without shoes so that’s what it’s like for your pooch.
