North Carolina beaches can be fun and rewarding for both pets and their owners. Towns and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore have their own restrictions pertaining to pets. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.
Dogs are allowed on the beach unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye and contact of their owner.
Southern Shores
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 15 - September 15. Year-round leash law. All pet waste must be collected immediately and deposited in appropriate containers.
Kitty Hawk
Dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day (anytime for the remainder of the year). Dogs must be leashed (leash not to exceed 12 foot). Please visit The Town of Kitty Hawk for
Dogs are allowed on the beach from mid-September to mid-May. Dogs aiding the handicapped are allowed year-round. All pet waste must be gathered in appropriate containers. Year-round leash law.
Nags Head
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners.
Animal Medical Care & Boarding
While on The Outer Banks, feel safe knowing there is medical care as well as boarding available for your pets.
Animal Hospital of Nags Head
- MP 14, Nags Head. (252) 441-8611.
Hospital equipped for the finest health care for your pet. Please contact us for all your health care needs.
Coastal Animal Hospital
- Kitty Hawk. (252) 261-3960.
Outer Banks' only AAHA accredited full service veterinary hospital. 15 years caring for pets. Climate controlled boarding.
Martins Point Veterinary Hospital
- Kitty Hawk. (252) 261-2250.
Complete care facility with small animal medicine, surgery & climate controlled indoor boarding.
Roanoke Island Animal Clinic
- Manteo. (252) 473-3117.
Full service veterinary hospital. Complete boarding & grooming centers. High quality medicine in a friendly environment.
Salty Dog Grooming & Boarding
- Kill Devil Hills. (252) 441-6501.
Large indoor-outdoor runs. Climate controlled. Special cattery. Professional grooming. Homestyle care with owner living on premises. ABKA Member.
