One weekend a year, Ocean City hands the boardwalk to the dogs. Costumes, a parade, photos with Santa in a lifeguard boat, and October sand your dog is actually allowed on. We waive our pet fee for it, because this is the weekend the house was made for.
What happens
Dog Days runs Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026: leashed dogs on the boardwalk 9 to 5 Saturday and 9 to 3 Sunday, and the Howl-O-Ween pet parade Saturday at 3 p.m. from 6th to 14th Street, costumes encouraged, benefiting the Humane Society of Ocean City.
The parade route ends at 14th Street, a few blocks from the house, so you can watch the finish and be back on the deck in minutes. Beaches are leashed-dog-friendly all October, tag-free, and usually near-empty by late month.
The stay
Two nights on our weekends board with cleaning included, and the pet fee is waived for Dog Days weekend. One dog per stay, approved at booking; the house sleeps 10, with driveway parking for 3 cars and an outdoor hose for sandy paws at the bottom of the stairs.
Bring the crate if your dog uses one, and a towel for the beach; we cover the rest of the humans’ needs, linens to a stocked kitchen. Tell us the breed when you ask for the weekend and we confirm within the day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dog Days on the Boardwalk in Ocean City NJ?
Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026. Leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, the one weekend of the year the boards open to dogs. The Howl-O-Ween pet parade steps off Saturday at 3 p.m., running 6th to 14th Street, with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Ocean City.
Can dogs go on the beach during Dog Days weekend?
Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed on Ocean City beaches from October 1 through April 30, so Dog Days weekend your dog gets both the sand and the boardwalk. The rest of the year the boardwalk is off-limits to dogs, which is what makes this weekend special.
Is there a dog-friendly place to stay for Dog Days?
Haven on 12th welcomes one dog per stay, and we waive the pet fee entirely on Dog Days weekend. The house is 6 flat blocks from 12th Street Beach and the parade route ends at 14th Street, a few blocks from our door.
