Pet-Friendly Myrtle Beach

Yes, Myrtle Beach’s famous Southern hospitality also extends to our canine friends. If you travel with your pet, everyone - even your furry friend - will really enjoy a visit to the Grand Strand. After all, they are a member of your family! 

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!

Kennels

If you find that you need to spend a little bit of time without your pet while you’re in Myrtle Beach, you’re in luck! There are some great kennels that will take good care of your pet. All kennels will require proof of vaccinations, so be sure to travel with your pet’s health records! Here are some recommended kennels, and most provide pet grooming as well:

Emergency Room Hospitals

In the unfortunate event that your pet needs medical attention during your visit, there are several emergency animal hospitals around the Grand Strand. Here are a few to choose from:

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