Our Beaches are Pet Friendly

Looking for a dog-friendly community? Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and the surrounding areas are very pet-friendly. In fact, many hotels and summer rentals are catching on to the fact that many people consider their pets to be family members and can't imagine leaving Fluffy home alone while the rest of the family enjoys the surf and sand.

If you are planning to bring your dog or any other critter to the beach for a vacation, or better yet, a permanent move to Rehoboth, Lewes or anywhere else in Sussex County, Delaware, here are some useful tips.

Pet Owner's Guide to Everything   (Groomers, Boarding, Pet Supplies, & More)

Pet Friendly House/Condo Rentals in Lewes, DE

Pet Friendly House/Condo Rentals in Rehoboth, DE

Pet Friendly Hotels & Restaurants at the Beach 

Dogs on the Beach - The Rules

Lewes City Beach

Your dogs are welcome on the Lewes City beach year-round, but in the summer, May 1st to September 30, they are only allowed before 8:30 am and after 6:30 and they must be on a leash at all times. 

Cape Henlopen

Dogs are restricted to certain sections of the park. They are allowed on any of the roads or paved bike trails, parking lots and the beach at Herring Point. They must be on leash at all times. This is a carry-in/carry out park, meaning you to take everything with you that you brought into the park that day/trip and dispose at home. While the park does have 'Doggie Dooleys' for pet waste, you will need to bring bags. And did you know...you can even camp with your pet! 

Horses are welcome too. For detailed information, including a map, I suggest you read more at the Cape Henlopen State Parks website.

Rehoboth

Dogs are not allowed on the beach or the boardwalk at anytime between April 1st and October 31st and must be leashed all other times. Come November 1, its Dog heaven; sprinting in the sand and taking a long boardwalk stroll. 

Dewey Beach

Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round but are time-restricted in the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), on those days, it's a no-dog policy from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. But, dogs do not have to be leashed as long as they are under the owner's control. Additionally, owners must procure a Dewey Beach Dog License. 

Dewey also takes the cake, er, bone, when it comes to events too. Ever been to Greyhound week, also known as Greyhounds Reach the Beach? Every October, they visit the sandy shores of Dewey, DE and have a dog-filled blast! 

Bethany Beach

Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach only during the off-season, from Oct. 1 to May 14.

 

Other Dog Friendly Places to Take Fido

The Junction and Breakwater Junction Trail

Getting There - There are several entrances to the trail where you can park your car. One is behind Tanger Outlet Mall #2. You can see the beginning of the trail from the rear parking lot and there is a large sign/bulletin board at the point where the trail meets the parking lot. Another is at the official state park parking lot near the end of Wolfe Neck Road off Route One. For more information: Delaware State Park - Junction and Breakwater Trail.

The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a wonderful place to take your dog on off-peak times - lots of shady trees and plenty of interesting objects to sniff. On weekdays in the off season you might just have the trail to yourself! On weekends in the summer, keep that leash short so Fido doesn't get run over by a speeding bicyclist or runner. Note: Keep Fido on the marked trail to avoid bringing home ticks or disturbing wildlife. Deer are prevalent during the off-season, so keep a watchful eye if you have an excitable pooch.