As the temperatures drop, Delaware’s beaches become even cooler—literally and figuratively. In the fall, the coastal towns relax restrictions on pets in public, allowing dog lovers to bring their furry friends along for some sun and sand. No longer do you have to choose between quality time with your pup and enjoying the great outdoors. Grab a leash, pack the essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable beach adventure with your canine companion. Here are some tips to make it your best trip yet.
Plan accordingly
Make a list of your dog’s daily necessities, plus items for comfort and safety, like a dog-specific first aid kit, life jacket, and sunscreen. (Yes, dog sunscreen exists.)
Keep your dog’s vaccination record handy, as well as home veterinarian information and proof of an up-to-date dog license, which state law requires. To obtain a license online, visit animalservices.delaware.gov.
Be sure to check the specific beach and boardwalk regulations at your destination, as they vary between towns. Dewey Beach and Lewes welcome dogs year-round, with some restrictions during the summer months. Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island allow pets on the beach from October 1 to April 30. At seashore parks, similar rules apply, prohibiting pets from swimming and surfboarding at beaches and shorebird nesting areas. Bethany Beach extends this window to May 14.
Staying overnight
Prior to finalizing your reservation at pet-friendly accommodations, call to double check you’ll be booked in a room appropriate for your dog’s breed and size. Some hotels allow only one pet per reservation, while others welcome multiple. Expect to pay a deposit to cover potential damage, plus a nonrefundable pet fee.
In downtown Lewes, the Dogfish Inn charges a $75 additional fee for its dog-friendly rooms with bright, coastal cabin vibes. The inn offers an optional $45 Dog’s Day at the Inn package that includes a beer can toy, travel water bowl, and Delaware-made treats.
105 Savannah Road, Lewes; 644-8292; dogfish.com/inn
Walking your dog from Atlantic Oceanside Dewey to the beach takes just a couple of minutes. It requires a $30 per night pet fee, but you can get more bang for your buck using the promo code “PPP” at the beginning of the booking process. The Pet Perks rate includes a Frisbee, a treat bag, and a red Solo cup dog bowl.
1700 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach; 227-4000; blockpartyhotels.com
Just off Rehoboth Avenue and 1 mile from the boardwalk, the Canalside Inn invites pet parents to bring any breed and size dog on vacation with them for $50 extra per night. Amenities include treats, a bowl, and other essentials. Guests may request dog-sitting and walking services, subject to availability, for an additional fee.
34 6th St., Rehoboth Beach; 226-2006; thecanalsideinn.com
The recently renovated Hotel Bethany Beach is less than a mile from the beach and boardwalk and welcomes dogs up to 30 pounds with a pet fee of $150 per stay.
39642 Jefferson Bridge Road, Bethany Beach; 877-841-6471; hotelbethanyde.com
If your dog gets anxious around unfamiliar people, pets, or noises, consider renting somewhere that offers more privacy. Pet-friendly rentals abound on VRBO and Airbnb that provide more space to comfortably play and potty.
Safety first
Follow the same safety precautions on the beach as you would anywhere else: Secure your dog in a well-fitting collar or harness with identification, avoid hot surfaces, and don’t let them eat anything off the ground. Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital provides these additional tips:
- Bypass heavily shelled areas that could cut paw pads.
- Watch your dog closely to prevent them from eating fish, crabs, or other items that might contain parasites or upset their stomach.
- Offer fresh water to drink often so that your dog isn’t tempted to drink seawater, which can cause health problems.
- Contact a veterinarian if you notice disorientation, vomiting, excessive drooling, dry gums, diarrhea, muscle spasms, or tremors.
Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital and Precious Paws Animal Hospital in Ocean View offer urgent care and emergency appointments on a first-come, first-served basis during the day, Monday through Friday. Call ahead to ensure availability.
Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, 20259 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach; 227-2009
Precious Paws Animal Hospital, 118 Atlantic Ave., Suite 101, Ocean View; 539-2273
After hours, Pet’s ER in Salisbury, Maryland, is the nearest clinic open on weeknights, holidays, and 24 hours on weekends. Located about a 45-minute drive from Fenwick Island, it might not be the most convenient option for emergencies north of Bethany. In such cases, the Delmarva Animal Emergency Center in Dover might be a better choice. Regardless of which clinic you choose, it’s advisable to call ahead while en route to discuss the situation.
Pet’s ER, 402 Punkin Court, Salisbury, Maryland; 410-543-8400
Delmarva Animal Emergency Center, 1482 E. Lebanon Road, Dover; 697-0850
Doggone good times
Hit the town with your dog by your side—just remember to bring a leash. Pamper your pup at local boutiques like P.U.P.S. of Lewes, Critter Beach in Rehoboth Beach, and Sandy Pawz and Yuppy Puppy in Bethany Beach. For an extra special treat, visit Salty Paws, an original ice cream shop and bakery for dogs on Rehoboth Avenue. When it’s time for the humans to eat, dine at a pet-friendly restaurant such as Crabby Dick’s in Rehoboth Beach, Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes, Woody’s Dewey Beach, or Baja Beach House Grill in Bethany.
With so many pet-friendly options, you and your furry friend are sure to have an unforgettable adventure at the Delaware beaches this fall.
