63 °F Ocean City, US
March 31, 2026

Dogs allowed on Ocean City beaches

OCEAN CITY – As per local ordinance, dogs are permitted on the beach in Ocean City starting Thursday, Oct. 1, and continuing through April 30, 2021. Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time from May through September.

For the safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers, please remember that dogs must be leashed at all times. The police department has received a number of complaints in recent weeks about unleashed dogs. Officers will be patrolling beaches and have been instructed to take appropriate enforcement action regarding potential violations. Violators are subject to fines up to $500.

Ordinances also include the following provisions:

–  “Any dog off the property of either the owner or person exercising custody of such animal, shall be on a leash not exceeding six (6’) feet in length and of sufficient strength to restrain the dog. The leash shall be held by a person of sufficient strength and maturity so as to be capable of controlling the dog.”

–  “No dog, whether on a leash or not, shall be permitted on the boardwalk or any public platform, pavilion, ramp, or steps adjacent or leading thereto, nor shall any dog, whether on a leash or not, be permitted to be carried, carted, transferred, or transported by any person or in any object, on or above any portion of the boardwalk, or in any public platform, pavilion, ramp, or steps adjacent or leading thereto. No dog, whether on a leash or not, shall be permitted upon any publicly owned park or playground.”

– “From March 15 through April 30, dogs are not permitted: 1) In the area from the Longport Bridge to the terminal groin; and 2) In the area between 18th Street and 34th Street.”

Related articles

Ocean City teachers, staff glad ‘toxic’ work environment gone

OCEAN CITY – While thanking Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Baruffi for improving the relationship between the administration and teachers, support staff and parents, speakers at last week’s Ocean City Board of Education meeting decried the “toxic” work environment under the former administration. The presidents of the Ocean City Education Foundation and the Ocean City Educational Supportive […]

Somers Point teachers, administrators stop at each 2020 grad’s home

By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff SOMERS POINT — Students weren’t able to go to Jordan Road School for their eighth-grade graduation ceremony this year, so the district brought it to them. The usual ceremony, held in the school’s gymnasium, had to be canceled this year due to social distancing and crowd limitations related to COVID-19. […]