Permits for Dogs to be on the beach

[Cork On the Ocean]

I'm not whacked but I have an indoor cat who only gets to go out when I take him for his walks. I haven't had time yet this year but last year we walked on the beach several times. He was on his leash of course and yes, even though it's the greatest sandbox in the world, I cleaned up. I was passed by the beach patrol a few times and they even made a joke about Gizmo but never said anything about a permit. I've been planning on calling but everyone here is so knowledgable that maybe someone on the board knows if Gizmo needs a permit.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I'm not whacked but I have an indoor cat who only gets to go out when I take him for his walks. I haven't had time yet this year but last year we walked on the beach several times. He was on his leash of course and yes, even though it's the greatest sandbox in the world, I cleaned up. I was passed by the beach patrol a few times and they even made a joke about Gizmo but never said anything about a permit. I've been planning on calling but everyone here is so knowledgable that maybe someone on the board knows if Gizmo needs a permit.

Interesting question. The language regarding permits is specifically for "dogs," even though the application refers to "animals." Looks like Gizmo does not even need a leash, unless you want Gizmo to run away after being chased by all of the unleashed dogs.
From the Walton Co's site:
"
Walton County ordinances set forth the guidelines and requirements to allow dogs to join their owners on the beaches of Walton County.

To obtain a Beach Dog Permit you must meet the following requirements:

You must be either:

A property owner in Walton County, or

A permanent, year-round resident of Walton County and furnish a valid Walton County voter's registration card or a valid driver's license with a verifiable Walton County street/911 address.

Note: Proof of property ownership will be verified by the tax collector's employees at the time of application.

You must also provide documentation from your veterinarian that your dog(s) vaccinations are current. Please note that the name of the dog owner on the vet records must match the name of the property ownership records of the tax collector.

The cost of the license is $30.00 per year and each license is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Proof of property ownership and updated vaccination records must be verified at each renewal.

Permit renewal and new permits are available for issue beginning May 2, 2005 of each year at both Walton County Tax Collector locations.

You may download the application for annual animal beach license by clicking here.

If you are purchasing a permit on behalf of another person, you will be required to complete an affidavit form. To obtain the form click here.

You may e-mail your questions concerning Beach and Dog Permits to raypamela@co.walton.fl.us"

 

[Kurt]

Keep Gizmo away from the endangered "Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse" habitat areas in the dunes. I would hate for him to follow his instinct and wind up in the Federal pen.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

Thanks for the info Joe. It appears that Gizmo is exempt then. One less thing to worry about.

Funny you mention the terrible beach mouse. Actually, I brought Gizmo on his leash into the Rosemary Beach office one day and they told me that apparently there actually is something in Rosemary's covenents that requires all cats to be on leashes to protect the endangered beach mouse. I wonder if the feral cats know this. Trust me, the only thing that Gizmo cares about on that beach is the pounding waves getting too close to him. :shock:

 

[ShallowsNole]

For the record, the helpful Clerk employee at 850-267-2040 is glad the Tax Collector is now handling the beach permits...

 

[Miss Kitty]

I should have known who started this thread!!!!! GTTBM!!!! I remember reading this some time ago...and now I can really use this info. However, I clicked on the link and it didn't open...am I doing something wrong? Thanks good people who LOVE animals!!

 

[Smiling JOe]

I should have known who started this thread!!!!! GTTBM!!!! I remember reading this some time ago...and now I can really use this info. However, I clicked on the link and it didn't open...am I doing something wrong? Thanks good people who LOVE animals!!

Try this link for the form. Sometimes the County's server is down. Try the other links again if this does not work.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Thanks SJ!! Molly sends you a kissie kissie in the face!!!!

 

[Sunnystreak]

Do we have to have permits now? I thought after 6:00 pm, anyone oculd walk dogs on the beach in Grayton.

 

[RiverOtter]

This lady didn't have a permit for her......duck