Pet Rules & Regulations on the Outer Banks
Dogs love the Outer Banks, and we love having them here. To help you plan a safe, stress-free trip, this page covers (1) beach rules by town, (2) Beach Realty’s pet policy for vacation rentals, and (3) local dog parks.
Important: Beach rules can change and may vary by season and time of day. Always confirm the latest regulations with the town where you’ll be on the beach.
Beach Rules by Town
Each Outer Banks town has its own rules regarding dogs on the beach and leash laws. Use the table below as a quick reference, then confirm details with the town website or posted signs at beach accesses.
| Town | Dogs Allowed Year-Round | Leash Required | Seasonal / Time Restrictions | Town Hall & Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla and Carova | Yes | Yes | Dogs are welcome year round, but must be on a leash. |
252-453-8555 northernouterbanks.com |
| Duck | Yes | No | Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round and may be unleashed, however must be under owner control at all times. |
252-255-1234 townofduck.com |
| Southern Shores | Limited | Yes |
May 15 – September 15: 6:00 PM – 9:00 AM only September 16 – May 14: No time limits, however leashes are required at all times all year long. |
252-261-2394 southernshores.org |
| Kitty Hawk | Yes | No | Dogs are permitted year-round. Summer hours require a leash no longer than six feet from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; all other times allow retractable leashes up to 12 feet. Off-leash dogs must be controlled, within 30 feet of the owner, and accompanied by a leash. |
252-261-3552 townofkittyhawk.org |
| Kill Devil Hills | Limited | Yes | Dogs are only permitted on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. (unless used to aid a person with disabilities) from Memorial Day to Labor Day. |
252-449-5300 kdhnc.com |
| Nags Head | Yes | Yes | Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times as long as they are leashed. |
252-441-5508 townofnagshead.gov |
Which Towns Allow Dogs Year-Round?
Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Nags Head allow dogs on the beach year-round with a leash. Southern Shores and Kill Devil Hills have seasonal/time restrictions (see the table above).
How Does Beach Realty’s Pet Policy Work?
If a property advertises “Pet Friendly”, our general rule is that two adult, house-trained dogs are welcome with a pet fee. , unless otherwise noted in the property listing.
- Pet-friendly homes will show Pet-Friendly on the listing.
- Limit: 2 adult, house-trained dogs (unless the home specifies otherwise).
- No dogs are allowed in the pool or hot tub.
Browse our Pet-Friendly Homes.
Do You Have Three Dogs (or More)?
Some of our pet-friendly OBX vacation rentals welcome more than two dogs. Additional pet fee may apply. See the property description for details.
Are Puppies or Certain Breeds Allowed?
No. Puppies and certain breeds considered dangerous by insurance companies are not permitted in Beach Realty properties.
Which Local Dog Parks Are Near OBX Rentals?
If the beach isn’t enough of a dog park for your best friend, the Outer Banks also has several dog parks:
- Kitty Hawk Dog Park — 900 W Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. More info
- Kill Devil Hills – Mary’s Paws Park — Aviation Park (next to the skate park), 103 Veterans Dr, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. More info
- Nags Head Dog Park — next to the soccer fields, 227 W Satterfield Landing Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959. More info