Pet-Friendly Myrtle Beach

The Rules

There are a few rules you should be aware of in regard to having your dog on the beach.

The City Of Myrtle Beach

May 1 through Labor Day: Dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. (Note: At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.)

Dogs are allowed on the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day through April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at any time.

Note: At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.

The City Of North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach from May 15 to September 15: No dogs allowed on the beach 9 am - 5 pm. The leash law is in effect at all times; the maximum leash length is 7 feet. Pet owners must pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.

Many of these rules in North Myrtle Beach function as state laws as well, meaning that there may be certain repercussions one may have to encounter if these are not followed. It is important to note that there are certain parts of North Myrtle Beach that restrict entry for pets. Even though these are small stretches of the beach, trespassing onto them can result in disciplinary action.

The North Myrtle Beach Park And Sports Complex has a special dog play area designed with your four-legged friend in mind where they can have a good time and meet new friends. Learn more about the North Myrtle Beach dog rules here.

Pawleys Island And Georgetown County

Pawleys Island and Georgetown County beaches: Pets are allowed year-round, but they must be on a leash between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., they can be off-leash if they are trained for voice command.

Play Time

While in Myrtle Beach, the family-friendly atmosphere and southern hospitality is extended to our furry family members at our two local dog parks. Our free "Barc Parc" playgrounds are complete with drinking fountains and fenced-in areas for dogs to run, with separate areas for large and small dogs. They are the only areas in the city limits of Myrtle Beach where there is no leash law, and your dog can run free.

Barc Parc South - Located at 676 Mallard Lake Drive at the Market Common (former Air Force Base), where you'll find a beautiful pond on 14 acres of space just for dogs!

Barc Parc North - Located at 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Drive, off of 62nd Ave. just west of U.S. 17 Bypass, beside the new YMCA. Dogs can run and play on 3.3 acres and has Big Dog and Little Dog areas.

Take A Hike

If you and your dog are active nature lovers, there are some terrific options for Grand Strand hikes!

Myrtle Beach State Park

4401 South Kings Hwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

There are admission fees for this park: $5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas. Pets are not allowed on the beaches from 10 am until 5 pm (7 days a week) May 1 through Labor Day. This is a county ordinance that is effective on all public beaches in Horry County. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas year-round, provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.

Huntington Beach State Park

16148 Ocean Hwy

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

There are admission fees for this park: $5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.

This is a dog-friendly park year-round. All dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, including Atalaya and on the north end of the beach. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty.

Vereen Memorial Gardens

2250 Hwy 179

Little River 29566

FREE admission!

Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River on more than 115 acres of forest and marshland, this facility includes approximately 3 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that meander through its botanical gardens and along its waterfront. This is “easy” hiking, and you and your dog will love it!

Lost Pets

If you lose your pet while you’re in the Myrtle Beach area, be sure to call Animal Control to see if anyone has found it and turned it in.

Within Myrtle Beach city limits – Myrtle Beach ACO: (843) 918-1382

Horry County/Conway – Horry County ACO: (843) 248-1520

North Myrtle Beach ACO: (843)280-5511