Dogs on the Strand

The Town of Sunset Beach recognizes the special relationship between owners and their dogs and, therefore, allows dogs on the beach at designated times and dates. Owners have a responsibility to properly leash their dogs and to pick up after them. Not doing so will result in citations. Not cleaning up after your dog presents health hazards to humans and is detrimental to our beach and our ocean. Please act responsibly.
  1. Notwithstanding the provisions of #96.20, it shall be unlawful for an owner or another person to permit his/her dog to be on the beach strand between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from the Friday immediately preceding Memorial Day through Labor Day, whether or not the dog is leashed and under the control of the owner or some other person.
  2. After 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. from the Friday immediately preceding Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are permitted on the strand if leashed and under the control of the owner or some other person assuming responsibility for the owner.
  3. After Labor Day and before the Friday immediately preceding Memorial Day, dogs are permitted on the strand if leashed and under the control of the owner or some other person assuming responsibility for the owner.
Ordinance § 96.33 Cleaning Up After Pets
  1. Any person owning, keeping, possessing or harboring any pet shall carry in plain view bags and utensils to promptly remove and dispose of all feces left by the pet on any public property and on any private property not owned or lawfully occupied by such person within the Town of Sunset Beach and shall promptly remove said feces left by said pet.
  2. Violation of Section 96.33 shall be a misdemeanor punishable as provided in GS 14-4. In addition, any person violating this section shall also be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100 for each separate and distinct offense, which shall be payable within 72 hours of being cited for the violation. Please click below to print and post the Dogs on the Strand Regulations in your rental property.