We travel with Lucy, our golden retriever, so the house is set up for a dog, and the town’s rules are worth knowing before you book a week in July with yours.
The rules
Ocean City beaches are dog-free from May 1 to September 30, and the boardwalk is dog-free year-round, ramps included, with fines up to $500. From October 1 to April 30 leashed dogs are welcome on the sand. Dog Days on the boardwalk, a late-October weekend, is the one time dogs walk the boards.
Summer means your dog stays off the sand and the boards. Walks are the bay two blocks the other way, the residential blocks, and the shady deck. Fall and spring are the dog seasons: leashed on the beach from October 1, and Dog Days on the boardwalk in late October with a pet parade.
Our house
One well-behaved dog per stay, approved at booking: $100 per stay, waived on Dog Days weekend. No cats. A few breeds are excluded by our insurer; tell us the breed when you ask for your dates and we confirm within the day. An outdoor hose at ground level rinses sandy paws.
Tell us about your dog when you ask for your dates. The Dog Days weekend row on our fall board has the pet fee waived.
Sources
Checked September 6, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Ocean City NJ?
Not in season: dogs are not permitted on Ocean City beaches from May 1 to September 30, and never on the boardwalk or its ramps, with fines up to $500. From October 1 to April 30 leashed dogs are welcome on the sand, and owners clean up. Dog Days on the boardwalk in October is the one exception for the boards.
Is Haven on 12th dog friendly?
Yes, one well-behaved dog per stay, approved at booking: $100 per stay, waived on Dog Days weekend. No cats. A few breeds are excluded by our insurer; tell us the breed and we confirm within the day. The bay is two blocks away for walks, and the deck is shady.
