Isle of Palms beach - dog ordinance and off-leash hours

Dogs are welcome on the Isle of Palms beach at ALL times of year, but leash rules change by season and are enforced by the Isle of Palms Police Department (non-emergency 843-886-6522). OFF-LEASH IS PERMITTED ONLY DURING THESE WINDOWS: April 1 through September 14, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; September 15 through March 31, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. the following morning. At all other times dogs must be on a leash and under complete control, including in the water. During off-leash hours the owner must have the leash in hand, keep the dog under voice command, and clean up excrement. Dog waste bag receptacles are at most public beach access paths. LICENSE/VACCINATION: every dog living in or visiting the City must be vaccinated against rabies and wear a metal license tag on its collar with the name of the licensed veterinarian who gave the vaccine, and the owner must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate readily available at all times. Residents are encouraged to obtain a free annual dog permit from the Isle of Palms Police Department, 30 JC Long Blvd. Other beach rules that affect dog walkers: no motorized vehicles on beach paths or the beach; sand dunes are protected and only designated access paths may be used; gatherings over 50 people require a permit.