Who’s a good dog? Dog Safety at the Beach
By Kirsti Scott
dev___.k/Shutterstock.com
Heading to the beach with your dog? It’s great having a four-legged beach buddy on your beachcombing adventures. Make sure you plan for a safe and happy experience along the shore using the B.A.R.K. principles.
B = Bag your pet’s waste
Keep the beach clean by collecting all dog waste. Do not throw bags into the sand or the water. Dog waste is not a natural fertilizer, and dogs can carry disease that affects wildlife populations and pollutes water sources. Bring poop bags along and dispose of them in trash bins—or pack them out if there are none on the beach.
B Cruz/Shutterstock.com
A = Always use a leash
Keeping your dog on a leash and under control helps protect them from getting lost or entering wildlife zones. Dogs can disturb bird nests, wildlife, other dogs, and children, and unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb your dog. Not everyone is a dog person no matter how friendly and well behaved your dog may be—they may be afraid, allergic, or just do not want a dog approaching them.
oksana perkins/Shutterstock.com
R = Respect wildlife
Keep an eye out for other critters and keep your dog at least 50 feet away from birds, mammals, and other animals you encounter. Do not allow dogs to interact with wildlife in any manner. Wild animals are unpredictable and can harm you and your pet if you get too close, and scents left behind by a dog can disrupt the behavior of park wildlife who may think there is a predator nearby.
K = Know where to go
Follow all posted signs about where your pets are allowed to visit, which areas are open and closed to pets, and obey all posted signs. Do not leave your pet unattended or tied to an object.
iampaese/Shutterstock.com
Beach Safety Tips for Dogs
Make sure that you are prepared for your trip with your dog so that you both stay safe and comfortable during your beach trip.
- Don’t leave your dog unattended in your car.
- Bring enough water for both you and your dog, including a collapsible bowl for on the beach.
- Test trails, boardwalks, and sand with the back of your hand to see if it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s probably too hot for theirs.
- Your dog may not be able to negotiate the same trails or rocky shores as you, so plan accordingly.
- Bring a first aid kit that includes everything you and your dog might need in case of an accident.
Many state and national parks have B.A.R.K. Ranger programs designed to help your family learn the best way to explore a park with your dog. Before you visit, check the web for the latest information, closures, and rules about bringing your dog to your beach.
This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 49, the July/August 2025 issue.
