If you’re looking for a great place to take your furry friend, Washington has plenty of dog beaches where they can run and play leash-free. From the rocky shores of the northwest to the sunny beaches of the south, your pooch will have a blast roaming around and swimming in the waves. Here are some of our favorite beaches to take your dog across the state of Washington.
Washington Dog Beach Rules
If you’re planning to visit a dog beach in Washington, it’s important to be aware of the rules and guidelines that apply. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Always keep your dog on a leash when at the beach. This is for the safety of both your pet and other beachgoers.
- Pick up after your dog – there are trash receptacles provided for this purpose.
- Bring fresh water with you to offer to your pet during the visit.
- If your dog is new to the beach, keep them on-leash until they become acclimated to their surroundings. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the individual animal.
- If you or your dog is sick or has been recently been sick, do not visit the beach until after a full recovery. This helps in reducing any spread of illness between dogs in the area and also protects other beachgoers from potential contamination.
- If your dog is playing in the water, keep a close eye on them and be prepared to pull them out if necessary. Not all dogs are good swimmers, and even those that are can get into trouble if they’re not supervised properly.
- Make sure your pet is wearing some form of identification in case they get lost while at the beach.
- Not only should you not allow your dog to swim in the off-leash area of a beach, but you also shouldn’t bring food with you to these areas. This helps keep the dogs from competing for resources, which can increase tension between them and cause fights.
- If your dog is misbehaving at the beach, you should remove them. This is for your pet’s safety as well as the safety of others in the area.
- If your dog is not comfortable being around this many strange dogs at once, visit a different day or time when fewer pets are expected to be there.
- Dogs with health issues, disabilities, and pregnant dogs should not visit dog beaches.
By following these simple rules and guidelines, you can help ensure that everyone – both human and canine – has a fun and safe time at the beach. For more information on dog beaches, be sure to check out your local animal control office for additional online resources.