Dog Rules at Salisbury Beach

No, not in season: DCR does not allow dogs or other pets on Salisbury Beach from April 1 to September 15, except service animals. From September 16 to March 31 dogs may go on the beach, but they must be leashed at all times. DCR marks the reservation as dog friendly, so leashed dogs are welcome off the sand year round, including in the campground.

The Dates

• April 1 to September 15: no dogs or other pets on the beach. Service animals are the only exception.
• September 16 to March 31: dogs allowed on the beach, on a leash at all times.

You may see "May 1" quoted elsewhere, including on the beach center's events site. DCR runs the beach and its page says April 1, so plan on April 1.

In the Campground

DCR lists Salisbury Beach as a park where dogs are allowed, and its leash rule applies everywhere dogs go. Campers with dogs can walk them around the loops and the nature trail, but not on the beach during the April to mid-September ban. See camping.

At the Beach Center

The beach in front of the town's beach center is the same stretch of sand, and the same summer ban applies. The one dog event of the summer is the Salisbury Beach Partnership's costumed Pet Parade on Broadway in July. See concerts and events.

Nearby Beaches

DCR's Sandy Point State Reservation on Plum Island allows no dogs at all. See Plum Island and Sandy Point.

Good Dog Etiquette

Carry bags and pick up after your dog; DCR prohibits littering. Keep dogs off the dunes and away from nesting shorebirds, and give other beachgoers room.