The Annual Outer Banks Marathon Weekend is a big event for our area. Lots of participants and their friends and family will be here to run or cheer on the marathoners. The OBX now has many marathons, half-marathons, “runcations”, and other fun races all year long. Family friendly too. The off-season events are very welcome, as they bring many visitors here during a time of year that used to be fairly quiet…as in, almost no one here but the locals. 

However, the word is out and off-season now is getting more and more popular with families with no children or those not in school yet. And for couples who are retired. All are welcome. And so are their dogs. We love our four-legged family members here. And that is my not so perfect segue into a Pets On The Beach post…reminding everyone of the leash laws in each town or village. 

If you are staying in Duck, NC be aware that you can bring your dog on the beach, and a lease is not required but please keep an eye on your dog and maintain control. Not everyone is a dog lover and small children and even some adults are intimidated by dogs, even if they are very friendly. 

In Southern Shores, there is a year-round leash law and that leash must no be longer than 10 feet. . Dogs can be on the beach before 9 am and after 6 pm from May 15 to September 15. Please collect all pet waste and deposit in the containers you will see. 

Kitty Hawk. Dogs are allowed on the beach. Your dog must have on a current rabies tag.  From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between the hours of 10 a.m.. and 6 p.m.., dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 12 feet. You can take your pup off the leash only if they will not disturb other people on the beach. You must be able to control your dog and you dog has to remain within 30 feet of you all the time. A leash must be with you, all the time you are on the beach with your dog. 

You love your dogs, we get it. Again, not everyone feels the same way and some people are actually scared of dogs. And no one wants to see anyone get hurt. So, head to the beach, bring your leash, clean up after your dog. And enjoy the OBX. 

In Kill Devil Hills, you cannot have your dog on the beach from May 15 through September 15 during the hours of 9 am – 6 pm unless it is a service dog. There is a year-round leash law. Again, please pick up al waste, there are receptacles at the beach accesses. 

Nags Head allows dogs on the beach all year as long as they are on a leash that is no longer than 10 feet. 

Nags Head Woods welcomes leashed dogs on several trails within the park; Discovery, Roanoke, ADA and Town Trail. 

Dogs are allowed at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, but not in the buildings at the park. Your dog must be on a leash, 6 feet or under. 

Roanoke Island Festival Park. Yes, pets are allowed in the parking area and along the boardwalk and the Pavilion lawn if they are on a leash. Not allowed when there is an event, concert, etc. Pets are not allowed in any of the attraction venues. 

If you are headed to Cape Hatteras, you can bring your dog. They are allowed year-round if they are on a leash that is 6 feet or less at all times.

A tip: Make sure you bring fresh water so your dogs do not drink ocean water, which can make them sick. 

Treat your dog with some homemade dog biscuits from Salty Paws Biscuits.  They are made with human grade ingredients and contain no added salt, byproducts, artificial flavorings or preservatives. These biscuits are baked daily to ensure the freshness and quality that your pet deserves. Salty Paws Biscuits offers dog treats for all dogs – even those with special dietary needs such as diabetic, low fat, and allergy friendly. You can find them in Nags Head, at the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing Shops and in Duck, at the Loblolly Pines Shopping Center. And you can also order online. www.SaltyPawsBiscuits.com