Isle of Palms Magazine, Summer 2016

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There are few things
better than a day at the beach.
South Carolina’s beautiful coast is
certainly a main reason tourists visit
the Lowcountry and eventually move
here, hoping to spend endless days
enjoying the sun, sand and sea. And,
as many dog owners will tell you, the time they spend with
their four-legged friends is an
experience that can’t be beat.
The prospect of hanging
out at the beach with
a canine companion
led me to wonder what
island visitors and
residents alike would
need to know to fully
enjoy quality time with
their dogs on the Isle of
Palms. Here’s the scoop.
Those who live on
the island are required
to have a current city of
Isle of Palms license for
their dogs, but visitors
are not. Licenses can
be purchased at the
Isle of Palms Police
Department, 30 J.C. Long Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
seven days a week. Dog owners must provide proof of a
current rabies vaccination and pay the $5 fee, then their
leash-loving friend is licensed and ready to romp and roll.
I cannot recall a day on the beach when I haven’t seen
a fun-loving pup and its owner enjoying a seaside game of
fetch, a leisurely walk or a rambunctious dip in the ocean.
If you are gearing up for a dog day at the beach, knowing
the city’s regulations and dog friendly options will help
you plan for a “pawsome” day.
Leashed dogs are always welcome on the Isle of
Palms, including on the beaches and in the county park.
Owners must have dogs under control, even when they
are swimming in the ocean. And, of course, owners are
expected and required to pick up after their pooches.
The city has made pooper scooper bags available at
more than 25 locations, making the job of cleaning up
more convenient. Disposing of those bags in the trash
receptacles properly completes the cleaning up process.
There are times when you can enjoy the beach with
your dog off-leash, but you must have a leash in your
hands and have your canine under voice command. Dogs
are permitted to be off-leash from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. from
April 1 to Sept. 14 and
from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.
from Sept. 15 through
March 31.
If you and your dog
would like a little less
sand in your lives or
if you are looking for
other dogs your canine
can socialize with,
you’re in luck. The IOP
Recreation Department
has an award-winning
dog park at the
Recreation Center
on 29th Avenue. The
“Bark Park,” open daily
from sunrise to sunset,
is a favorite spot for dogs and owners alike. You can find
more information about the Bark Park and its policies at
As the temperature heats up and you head out to enjoy
all the Isle of Palms has to offer, having your four-legged
family member along for the ride will ensure that you both
will enjoy the dog days of summer.
The county park is located between Palm Boulevard and
the beach, just off of the Isle of Palms Connector. Visit
for park hours.
For summer tips and precautions for dog owners, visit
19 | |
Summer Fun on the
Isle of Palms:
A Doggone Good Time
By tanja dePasse
Feature