Dogs on Oak Island
Are dogs allowed on Oak Island beach?
The short answer
Yes, all year. From March 16 to October 15, dogs must be on a physical leash (electronic collars don't count). From October 16 to March 15, 6am–8pm, dogs may run off leash where the signs at the beach access allow it, as long as they stay under voice and visual control. Pick up after your dog year-round.
Town code Sec. 4-49
The rules in full
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Leash season: Mar 16 – Oct 15Dogs must be on a physical leash on the beach. Electronic collars don't count as a leash.
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Off-leash season: Oct 16 – Mar 15, 6am–8pmDogs may run off leash where signs at the access allow it. They must stay under voice and visual control and never be left alone, and they can't greet people or other dogs without permission. A dog that shows aggression gets leashed and leaves the beach.
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Stay off the dunesDon't let pets cross the dunes. Use the beach accesses (Sec. 14-132).
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Pick up, every seasonClean up after your dog all year.
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FinesThe Town's Beach Rules page lists $100 for a first violation and $200 for a second. After that, a violation can become a criminal charge.
Free, off leash, any time of year
Fenced dog parks
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Templeton Dog ParkFenced off-leash dog park on the island. Free.
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Salty Dog Park at Bill Smith ParkBig fenced off-leash park with separate small-dog (25 lb and under) and large-dog sides. Free. Bill Smith Park is at 4410 Fish Factory Rd SE, on the mainland side.
Quick answers
Common questions
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Can dogs be off leash on Oak Island beach?Yes, from October 16 to March 15, between 6am and 8pm, where the signs at the beach access allow it. The dog must stay under voice and visual control. From March 16 to October 15, dogs must be on a physical leash.
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Does an electronic collar count as a leash on Oak Island?No. During leash season (March 16 to October 15) the Town requires a physical leash.
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Is there a dog park on Oak Island?Yes. Templeton Dog Park is a free fenced off-leash park on the island, and Salty Dog Park at Bill Smith Park has separate small-dog and large-dog sides.
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What is the fine for breaking beach rules on Oak Island?The Town's Beach Rules page lists $100 for a first violation and $200 for a second. After that, a violation can become a criminal charge.
All the beach rules Marsh walks & parks More questions
Town of Oak Island Beach Rules and Code of Ordinances (Sec. 4-49, 14-132). Rules can change, and the Town is the final word.