Dogs on the Beach: Scarborough

Scarborough has many options for getting outdoors and enjoying nature, especially with your four legged friends. The Eastern Trail is a great option as well as the public beaches. Some of my favorite spots are Higgins Beach, Scarborough Beach and Pine Point Beach. For current, detailed information about bringing a dog to the beach, refer to the Animal Control Ordinance:

a. From April 1 to Labor Day dogs shall be restricted in the Restricted Areas of each Beach as set forth in Section 604.2(11).

b. From May 15th to Labor Day (i) no dogs on any Beach from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and (ii) dogs on leash from 5:00 p.m. to dusk.

c. From the day after Labor Day to May 14th dogs on leash from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

d. If directed by the Animal Control Officer or a law enforcement officer a Responsible Party may be required to leash their dog.

e. No dogs on any beach from 30 minutes after sunset (dusk) to 30 minutes before sunrise (dawn).

f. Whenever a portion of a beach has been roped off, fenced off or otherwise demarcated or posted as a protected area in order to protect the nesting site of a piping plover or of any other endangered species protected under federal law, no dog shall approach within 200 feet of such protected area.

g. Dogs shall be on leash while entering or exiting vehicles and the Beach.

h. At all times not otherwise addressed above, dogs shall be under Voice and Sight Control.

source: Scarborough Animal Control Ordinance 604-10. Public Beaches and Shores (amended 05/19/2004; [Amended 05/07/2014])