Here we will discuss everything you need to know regarding whether Virginia Beach is Dog Friendly or not. Keep reading to learn more.
Virginia is a dog-friendly city that will allow you to hike with your dog. You will be welcome to explore the beach with your furry friend as long as it is well-mannered.
You will also have to ensure that your pet is on a short leash throughout and under your control.
Generally, you will have an enjoyable stay at Virginia Beach with your dog as long as you adhere to a few policies.
While restaurants and hotels in the city differ on their dog policies, the city and state’s regulations for parks and beaches will be uniformly enforced.
In addition, you will need to make sure that your dog has proof of rabies vaccination if you are planning to visit Virginia Beach.
Pet Tips When Visiting Virginia Beach
If you are visiting Virginia Beach with your canine friend, you should never leave them unattended or alone in the car on a sunny or warm day.
This is because cars or any other vehicles can rapidly heat up to high temperatures, which can be dangerous even with the window slightly opened.
When going out with your dog for a walk on a hot day, be sure to plan for shorter walks at the midday when temperatures are high.
You can consider long walks in the evening and morning when it is cooler and low temperatures.
Although your dog may look tough on the outside, the hot sidewalks can be harmful to it as they can burn the pads on their paws. You can consider walking on grass when possible.
You should not leave your pet outdoors unattended on a leash, tether, or chain. Your dog will have no place to go if it is uncomfortable.
Besides, long-term chaining, especially during the hot summer months, can lead to predator and insect bites, heatstroke, and dehydration.
If you are traveling with your dog, keep it inside the vehicle and properly restrained. Remember, dogs or other pets are not allowed to be in bed on an open truck.
Dogs can easily become distressed during a busy day because of the commotion and noise involved with events and festivals.
Therefore, you can leave your dog at home and in a crate or doghouse so that they do not jump over the fence and get lost.
You should also make sure that your friend is wearing identification or an internal chip to be easily traced whenever they get lost.
Virginia Beach Pet Policies
Here are some of the pet policies in public places in Virginia Beach.
Beaches
Dogs and other pets can enjoy the city’s boardwalks and beaches during winter, fall, and spring without restrictions.
However, during summer, defined as beginning the Friday before Memorial Day and ending after the Labor Day weekend, dogs are restricted to the hours from 6 p.m. up to 10 a.m.
At the resort beach of the city, off Atlantic Avenue, dogs are restricted during the summer to the north and south ends.
You will be required to ensure that your dog is leashed at all times and under your control. In addition, you will be required to clean after your dog.
State Parks
Dogs are also welcome in Virginia Beach state parks with some restrictions. For instance, at False Cape State Park, dogs are permitted in the park section and are not allowed in the refuge except during October.
They can enter the park by beach trail or boat from 1st April to 31st March. From 1st April to 30th September, dogs can enter the park only by boat.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and at the park at False Landing State Park. They are allowed at no additional fee during the day.
However, they are charged $3 every night for overnight camping. You will need to make your that your dog is under your control and on a leash, not more than 6 ft. You will also be required to clean up after your dog.
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Virginia Beach has two off-leash dog parks: Woodstock Park Dog Park and Red Wing Park Dog Park.
They are all 1-acre fenced enclosures open from morning up to sunset. You can pay at the park maintenance offices a $5 annual fee to use each park.
As the dog owner, you will be required to show proof that your canine friend is vaccinated and licensed by the relevant authorities.
Be sure that your children are eight years or above to enter either dog bag. In addition, you will have to ensure that your dog is well-mannered and under your control all the time.
Businesses
Many businesses in Virginia Beach are dog-friendly and will allow you to shop or do any other thing with your pet at their facilities.
Most restaurants will welcome dogs will welcome you with your furry friend at outside tables.
However, the dog should be on a short leash and under your control while at their facilities.
You will also need to ensure that your dog is well-mannered and does not cause any disturbance or interference with other visitors’ activities.
Most businesses in Virginia Beach will ask you to leave with your dog if it causes any disturbance and appears unfriendly to other shoppers.
Virginia Beach has more than a dozen dog-friendly motels and hotels and several campgrounds that will welcome your furry friend.
Vacation rental agencies in the city will also offer dog-friendly vacation homes. In addition, there are a variety of pet boutiques, day kennels, and pet stores in Virginia Beach.
Dog-Friendly Virginia Beaches To Visit
Here are a few dog-friendly Virginia Beaches that you can visit with your dog.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park is located in Virginia Beach, about three hours from Fairfax County. It is close enough for a trip on the weekend and will offer you a relaxed atmosphere that you will like.
First Landing State Park allows dogs on the beach as long as it is not a designated swimming area. You will also have to ensure that your dog is well-behaved.
Ocean View Beach Park
Ocean View Beach Park is located in Norfolk and has time restrictions from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
They do not allow dogs on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, this adorable location is perfect for sunset and sunrise walks with your canine friend.
Throughout the off-season, pets are welcome on the beach at any time of the day. Dogs must be on a short leash and under the control of their owners.
Bayville Farms Park
This one-acre dog park in Virginia Beach has separate sections for both small and large dogs.
If you visit the place with your pet, they will require an annual registration fee of $15. They will also need a valid rabies vaccination as well as a license from the relevant bodies.
You can visit the park office to obtain a collar tag. Like most other dog parks on our list, they will require your dog to be on a short leash. In addition, you will also be required to clean after your dog.
What You Should Know When Bringing Your Pet To Virginia State Parks
One of the good things about Virginia State Parks is that you can come with your furry friend to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Here are a few things you need to know if you are planning to visit any of the Virginia State Parks with your dog.
- Dogs and other pets, either service animals or emotional support animals, are allowed at all Virginia State Parks.
- State regulations do not allow dogs at designated swim areas and require dogs to be confined or on a leash measuring 6 ft or less. The dog should also be kept under the supervision of the owner while in the park.
- Dogs may not be allowed in some public facilities such as visitor centers, bathhouses, restaurants, and park offices.
- Dogs are allowed at False Cape State Park. However, they are not allowed to access it through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
- You will be required to bring proof of current rabies vaccination in order to avoid any inconveniences. This is important, especially in Virginia Beach, where a rabies alert is in effect.
- Dog owners must clean up after their pets. If a dog is left unattended, disturbs other visitors, becomes a nuisance in violation of the leash law, or damages a state facility, the handler’s stay may be terminated without a refund.
- Service dogs are welcome at all park facilities without additional charges.
Conclusion
If you have been asking yourself whether or not dogs are allowed in Virginia Beach, now you are answered.
Dogs are allowed with their owners as long as they are kept on a leash and remain under the owners’ control.
You will also be required to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and does not cause any disturbance.