Rules about dogs on the beach

[sdenly]

Hi,
My family and I are about to relocate to the 30A area and have a yellow lab that we would like to be able to take down to the beach. We are long term renters. Can someone fill me in on the rules regarding dogs on the beach. Thanks.

 

[Beach Runner]

Here they are: http://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3392.

 

[melscuba]

You have to get a beach permit for the dog. It's pretty painless, especially if your used to the likes of government processes in cities such as Atlanta :shock:If I remember correctly, you have to have proof of updated immunizations on the dog, and something to prove you are a resident of Walton County, or own a residence there. The building is right next to South Walton High School on 331. Hmmmm, somewhere around $50.00 per dog. Hope that helps. And, congrats on moving to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

 

[melscuba]

Ooh.. haha. Tip number one, don't let your dog lap up the salt water. Saline cleanses aren't just for people if you get my drift. YUCK!! And, they have to be on a leash, and poop scooped.

 

[hippiechick]

Welcome to the area!! The most important things to remember once you have obtained your tag for your dog to be allowed on the beach is, please carry a poop bag with you, be mindful of the hours that dogs are allowed to be on the beach, it changes with DayLight savings time, and keep your dog on its leash. I have 2 large dogs that love to swim in the Gulf and retrieve sandy wet balls. Its great exercise for them and you. We are lucky to live in a county that allows are dogs to go on the beach.

 

[Will B]

I see on the form that they are asking for proof of residency or for being a property owner. Did that change? Used to be that you had to be an owner.

 

[melscuba]

Don't go on my word. It's what I thought she said at the office, but I can't be certain. We own, so she just looked up our address on the website for proof.

 

[Beach Runner]

Don't go on my word. It's what I thought she said at the office, but I can't be certain. We own, so she just looked up our address on the website for proof.

They just look up your address on the tax assessor's page. I don't know what they do if you are a resident but not an owner.

They DO expect the current rabies vaccination documentation. BTW you can send in all of the documentation and your credit card info via email, and they'll mail you the dog tag.

 

[Beach Runner]

Please note that dogs are supposed to be on a leash. Many people ignore this requirement. I love dogs and, except on one occasion at the Eastern Lake outflow, I have never been afraid of dogs.

But the story about the Denver news anchor scared the heck out of me. From now on me+Pepper+walking on the beach -->carrying a golf club. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABUKagZ5mA

 

[tsutcli]

I walk our beach constantly, summer and winter weather permitting. I rarely see dogs leashed and on three occasions I was aggressively approached by one small Poodle and two Pit Bulls and really thought I was going to be attacked. One couple had four unleashed dogs on the beach in Seacrest including a Pit Bull. Guy saw me coming and his wife leashed the three other dogs but not the Pit Bull. Owner tried to keep the Pit Bull distracted while playing with it in the Gulf but the dog saw me coming and raced toward me. It was ready to jump on me because I saw him rock back and thank God the dog heard the owners whistle. The owner was screaming numerous times before that but the dog ignored it. My guess is that he didn't have a leash for the Pit but the owner took the dog to the beach anyway. I was shaking all over and called home and as soon as I picked up the phone they all left. No surprise there!!! I then called the Sheriff's Dept. I have every right to be on our beach any time I want and I should be able to walk it without fear. I do NOT and always walk with a portable umbrella for self defense and will be getting mace before summer gets here. I was also told I could use mace on the pet owner if they get violent too! And trust me, you make one comment about their dog being unleashed and they do get an attitude!!!!!