Now that we’ve been spending a lot of time out at the beach with our dogs, we’ve become even more aware of the things you should do to make sure your pets are good beach citizens and ensure their safety.

The main thing is to be aware of what your dog is doing and what else is occurring on the beach. If you are too busy watching your pet or watching the tide, your distraction can result in dangerous situations for your pet or other beach users.

Pet Safety

The beach can contain many things that can harm your pet. Be aware of sudden waves and undercurrents. During the summer, the sand may burn the paws of dogs. There are also dangerous sea animals like jellyfish or crabs that the dogs may decide look like food.

During the summer of 2004, there were some dogs who were poisoned in Manzanita. There have been no dogs poisoned at Rockaway Beach.

Because of these dangers, we’ve adopted a practice of keeping the dogs close at all times and watching closely when they start to sniff at things on the beach. We never let them eat anything they find on the beach.

Pet Etiquette

The main reason people take their dogs to the beach is to let them run free. This freedom comes with responsibility.

Keep your dogs on leash in the City of Rockaway and on the beach when around other people. If you see someone else walking a dog on a leash and your dogs are off leash, keep your dog away from the tethered dog. Dogs on leash feel cornered and threatened when confronted with a strange dog.

Clean up after your dog. Keep the beach clean for other visitors.

Honor the ecosystem and native animals. During various seasons, you can find seals, baby birds, and other wild life making nests and relaxing on the beach. During these times, keep your dogs on leash or close by so they do not disturb the wild life.

Your cooperation will help keep Rockaway Beach safe and clean and ensure that it remains a great place for you and your pets to visit.