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[lisiward-blog]

Spring Tips for Enjoying the Beach with your Pets

One of my fur babies loves the beach! I mean, what's a Labradoodle to do when water is her favorite past time. I remember the doggie daycare telling me one summer, “if Bella could climb into a bucket of water, she would”. They were taken and surprised by her having her head, nose and all, under the water while swimming when other dogs would not dare. 

My dogs, Bella and Beau, always travel with me to the North Carolina Outer Banks and Bella knows when she is within an hour from the shore.  It is as if she can smell the salt in the air  or hear the crashing waves for miles and miles. Her excitement and whining begins and I know vacation is about to start. 

We always find a dog friendly beach houses to rent because Bella is 70 lbs and her Poodle brother, Beau, is much larger at 100 lbs.  

Here are some questions and tips to help find the perfect beach rental for your fur babies: 

Is your dog a stranger danger barker? That means if anyone comes within a short distance of the street or a shared breezeway or hallway, then you might want to avoid a hotels or duplex style rentals. This environment will have a bit more traffic passing through potentially trigger barking. You don’t want noise complaints or stress on your pets from others.

Does your beach home have an outdoor shower to spray your dog after a beach walk? An outdoor rinse helps to rinse off sand and sand water from your pet prior to entering the rental.  This comes natural for breeds that find water pleasurable at anytime (like my Bella). 

Do they have tile floors in the living areas of the home? I find it easier to clean and maintain the sand, fur bunnies, and other things brought in by our four legged friends (oh... and of course, ‘the wind’). 

When I scout for vacation rentals, I prefer something with a large deck and some cover for those beautiful sunny days.  That cover will allow you and the fuzzies to enjoy midday outside in the ocean air. Be sure to bring your expandable baby gates. Yes, I said baby gates! Closing off as many as three deck openings will allow your pets to have some freedom out in the beach air as you and your family enjoy breakfast peacefully. 

Does your beach location have strict laws regarding dogs on the beach or even allowing you dogs at all? Check local leash laws prior to booking your rental. Some beaches will only allow your fur babies to be on the surf at certain times of the year or during certain hours. Other beaches may be completely restricted to dogs. You’ll also need to know the maximum allowable length of leashes for walking your pets on the beach. These are answers you’ll need to  know before your trip. 

And please... let's not forget doggie bags for proper disposal of pet deposits on your walks. We all want to make sure our beaches continue to allow our furry pals. 

Guess who loves to pick out seashells? Bella acts as a pointer to pick out her favorites; it was a surprise to us, too. Keep your puppies intrigued, but be careful not to let them pick up the shells or drink anything except the water you bring along. 

My favorite time to visit is the Spring or Fall since this is perfect doggie weather. The weather is good for me as well because I think my puppies push my exercise regime to my limits while we are there. I caught Bella pushing me in the back of the legs to hurry me up. She wanted to catch up with her brother, Beau, and Dad. I think she wanted another walking partner......lol. 

We always enjoy the natural settings mother nature provides to us, and are looking forward to the next trip. Remember, when you take your fur babies on a beach trip... keep these tips in mind. 

- Lisi Ward 

Lisi Ward is a Broker/Realtor with the Allen Tate Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Email: [email protected]