Surfside Beach Local service guide

Beach life

Beach dog rules in Surfside Beach, SC

Surfside Beach bars dogs from the public beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.

Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach rules (opens in a new tab)

Plan around restricted hours

The town bars dogs from the public beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach rules (opens in a new tab)

Dogs may visit outside those restricted hours. Plan the walk with enough time to leave the beach before the restriction starts.

Keep the dog leashed

The town allows dogs on the beach only when they remain leashed during permitted hours. Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach rules (opens in a new tab)

The town also requires owners to pick up after their dogs. Source: Town of Surfside Beach dog rules (opens in a new tab)

Pack a leash, waste bags, drinking water, and a bowl before leaving the property.

Check the beach jurisdiction

Surfside Beach town rules apply within town limits. Horry County governs nearby county beaches, including Garden City Beach. Source: Horry County beach rules (opens in a new tab)

Confirm the beach location before relying on one authority's rules.

Plan pet care during restricted hours

Share beach plans with the pet care provider. State whether you need daytime sitting, a walk away from the beach, or boarding.

Give the provider the dog's routine, medications, veterinarian, and emergency contact.

Guides for pet sitting and dog boarding

Dog boarding paperwork and rabies vaccination

Prepare dog boarding paperwork and proof of current rabies vaccination for care near Surfside Beach, SC.

Town rules

Beach rules

Check when dogs cannot use the beach during the summer season.

Noise and nuisance rules

Understand why drivers cannot sound a horn unnecessarily or unreasonably loudly.

Questions about pet sitting and dog boarding

When are dogs barred from the beach in Surfside Beach, SC?
The town bars dogs from the public beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.
Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach rules (opens in a new tab)
Must my dog stay on a leash at Surfside Beach?
Yes. The town allows dogs on the beach only when they remain on a leash during permitted hours.
Source: Town of Surfside Beach beach rules (opens in a new tab)
Must I clean up after my dog?
Yes. The town requires each dog owner to pick up after the dog.
Source: Town of Surfside Beach dog rules (opens in a new tab)
Do the same rules apply in Garden City Beach?
Horry County governs beaches outside Surfside Beach town limits. Check the care location and the county rules before a visit.
Source: Horry County beach rules (opens in a new tab)