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Great dog beaches around the country
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Other dog beaches around the U.S.
Chicago
Dogs in Chicago gravitate to the Susan Kimmelman Off-Leash Dog Beach located at the northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Canine beach-goers need a special $5 DFA (Dog Friendly Area) tag confirming that they are vaccinated and in good health. The tags are sold at many veterinarian offices and also directly from the Chicago Park District. The only requirement imposed by the city is that dogs have to be leashed coming and going to the designated area.
Dogs need a beach pass to frolic at the Evanston Dog Beach in northern Illinois, too. The off-leash area is open May 1 through October 31, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The beach pass costs $50 for residents and $100 for visitors, to be worn by dog owners.
Annapolis, Md.
Quiet Waters Dog Beach on the banks of the South River in Annapolis, Maryland, is a popular hangout for dogs and is adjacent to a nearby fenced dog park. There are two play areas: One designated for larger dogs, the other for small or elderly animals. Owners are allowed to bring two dogs each, and there’s a shower to rinse off after a day of fun in the sun.
Lake Michigan
The Norman F. Kruse Park in Muskegon, Mich., on the banks of Lake Michigan, offers a beautiful stretch of white sand, capped with sand dunes for canine fun and games. It’s a popular location for a family beach picnics as parking is accessible and there are restroom facilities.
Duck, N.C.
In the town of Duck, dogs and their owners have the whole year to enjoy the vast stretches of beach that trace the coastline beyond a 10-mile radius of city limits.
Whidbey Island, Wash.
It’s a ferry trip to visit South Whidbey State Park on Whidbey Island — and a popular outing for both mainlanders and tourists. This picturesque setting offers dogs a wonderful stretch of sandy beach and ocean to enjoy. It’s a great place for people to relax and unwind too. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainer and the Seattle skyline.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
North Beach at Fort De Soto features a stretch of white sand and has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in America. It’s easy to find a secluded spot on this stretch of ocean paradise. Further, the Pinellas Country Parks and Recreation Department has opened a Paw Playground adjacent to the beach area where dogs can socialize and enjoy some serious doggy play.
Key Biscayne, Fla.
Trendy South Florida caters to pooches at Dog Beach in Key Biscayne, Miami. The area is on the corner of Waddell and Vernon Avenue, just south of South Street. Don’t be surprised if you see dogs sporting the latest bikinis, board shorts and shades to match their owners. No matter where you’re heading for a day of fun in the sun with your dog this summer, don’t forget to pack Frisbees, balls and toys that float for some doggone good fun. Take plenty of drinking water and sunscreen too.
Dog beach etiquette
Petfriendlytravel.com's Travey Thompson says there are not as many off-leash beaches in this country as pet-lovers might imagine.
“Leash-free beaches are the result of huge efforts made at a grass-roots level by dog lovers within a community. I think it’s important for people to understand that these beaches are a privilege that can be revoked at any time. We all need to help keep these leash-free zones in tact by always picking up after our dogs and obeying the rules of the beach.”
Readers send in photos of their
For up-to-date information about off-leash zones and beaches that require a leash, visit Haute Dogs, the organization that initiated the Dog Zone in Belmont Shore — it's also a good source of doggy beach information countrywide.
adventures with Fido and Fluffy
Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. She is the recent recipient of the Humane Society of the United States' Pets for Life Award. Her work appears in many national and international publications.
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