Starting April 1, 2026, updated seasonal dog regulations take effect along the Carolina Beach shoreline. These rules are designed to balance the town’s popularity as a dog-friendly destination with the need to protect wildlife, maintain safe beach conditions, and ensure an enjoyable experience for residents and visitors during the busy spring and summer months. If you’re planning to bring your dog to Carolina Beach, it’s important to understand when and where pets are allowed on the sand, boardwalk, and at nearby Freeman Park.
Municipal Beach Strand Regulations:
Owners are required to carry a plastic or paper container for cleaning up after their pets and must dispose of waste appropriately.
From April 1 to September 30, dogs are permitted on the beach only during specific hours: before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
They are prohibited on the beach between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Freeman Park Regulations:
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times from April 1 to September
- Owners must have a suitable container for pet waste and dispose of it properly.
Boardwalk Regulations:
- Dogs are prohibited from the historic wooden sections of the boardwalk at all times.
- Dogs are not allowed in the Boardwalk Business District, which includes sidewalks, walkways, and public areas east of Canal Drive, from the north side of Harper Avenue (near the Hampton Inn) up to and including Cape Fear Boulevard (gazebo area).
Violating these regulations can result in a $100 fine or citation. For full details and updates, visitors should review the official guidance from the Town of Carolina Beach website before heading to the beach with their pets.
