Support Us Button Widget

Dog regulations on Lowcountry beaches

The rules of the sand for dogs

CHStoday dog beach rules

The smiles that says it all after swimming and playing ball.

Photo by CHStoday team

Table of Contents

Smell that? That’s the smell of summer. Sunscreen, sand, salt water, and... wet dog? Follow along to read about how you can have a beach day with your pup while following local regulations.

Isle of Palms

Permits | Dogs who are there must have a permit that displays their vaccines readily available at all times. They should also have a metal tag on the collar that acts as a license to show they have the rabies vaccine. Get your permit for free at the Isle of Palms Police Department at 30 J C Long Blvd.

Play time | Your pup can run wild and free off-leash from 5 to 9 a.m., April 1 to September 14. The times change to 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. starting September 15 until March 31. Be sure to have your leash handy at all times.

CHStoday Sullivan dog

We promise our friends golden retriever “Sullivan” is very happy to be on the beach, he is just a grumpy old pup.

Photo by CHStoday team

Folly Beach

Permits | To get a pet license in this surf-haven, you have to be a Folly Beach resident or must be staying there for more than 30 days. Send your rabies information and completed forms to animaltags@follybeach.gov to apply for a permit.

Play time | Dogs are only allowed on-leash at Folly but they can be on the beach between 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. from May 1 to September 30.

CHStoday dog on beach

This photo is cute until the sandy and soggy tennis ball comes home in the car.

Photo by CHStoday team

Sullivan’s Island

Permits | All dogs are required to have a license to be on the island. Licenses are $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. You can get one by presenting your rabies vaccine, driver’s license, and current address to Town Hall at 2056 Middle St.

Play time | Summer dogs can play from May 1 to September 30 from 5 to 10 a.m. off leash and 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. on leash. In the off-season (October 1 to April 30), pets can be off-leash from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on-leash from 12 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Friendly reminder for all beaches: Clean up after your pooch.

More from CHStoday
The City of Charleston’s Lowcountry Lowline project has been in the works for years and is set to
Whether you’re planing to dine in or carry-out, we’ve rounded up some options for Thanksgiving dinner in Charleston that don’t involve getting the kitchen dirty.
Thanks to the Beyond Our Gates Foundation, 173 children will receive custom bikes, helmets, locks, and bike pumps in a upcoming giveaway.
Join Charleston’s top bartenders as they compete for the best tequila cocktail while supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
This Veterans Day you may consider supporting one of the several veteran-focused organizations in the Lowcountry that work all year to support veterans.
The approval of a tax increment financing district will help fund the high-profile development on the edge of the eastern Charleston Peninsula.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Here’s the need-to-know information. 🗳
This well-known John Ravenel House is located in historic downtown Charleston and is on the market for the first time in almost a decade.
The team behind Pelato says they aim to bring both authentic Italian dishes and traditions to Charleston — the new restaurant will call the former Butcher & Bee space home.
From composting events to feeding farm animals, the City of Charleston offers several sustainable ways to discard your pumpkins.