A day at the beach with your dog!

With warmer weather (hopefully) ahead, more owners and their dogs will be heading out of doors. Regardless if you’re a visitor or a full-time islander, now is a great time to brush up on the local leash laws before you head to the beach with your four-legged friend. Below is a recap of the leash laws for Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, and Sullivan’s Island:

• Folly Beach: Dogs are welcome on the beach but must be kept on a leash at all times. From Memorial Day through Sept. 30 dogs are prohibited from being on the public beach at any time between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  
• Isle of Palms: Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach year round. Leash laws are in effect daily, except 5 a.m.-8 a.m. when dogs must be under voice command and the owner must have a leash in hand. If cited for non-compliance, fees range from $100-$500.
• Kiawah Island: Dogs must be on a leash at all times from March 16 to October 31 except east of the Beach Club & west of Beachwalker Park. From November 1 to March 15, dogs can be unleashed for the entirety of the beach so long as the animal is under voice control.
  
• Seabrook Island: Seabrook Island has designated an area east of the Property Owners’ Community Center boardwalk to the Atlantic Ocean for dogs. From May 1 until October 31 within the Designated area, dogs are allowed off leashes daily before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. provided they remain under voice control. From November 1 until April 30, dogs are allowed off leashes at all times during the day. In all other beach areas outside of the Designated Area from May 1 until October 31, all dogs must be on leads. From November 1 until April 30, dogs can be off lead prior to 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Sullivan's Island: Dogs can be on the beach from April 1, 2009- October 31, 2009. Off-leash from 5 a.m.-10 a.m.; on-leash from 6 p.m.-5 a.m. NO DOGS on the beach from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets island-wide.
  
  An additional pet requirement for Sullivan’s Island is: All dogs kept by residents and visitors within the town limits must have a town-issued tag and collar. This tag is required for all dogs whether on the beach or throughout any other part of Sullivan’s Island. Tags can be purchased for a $25 annual fee at Town Hall, 1610 Middle St. Monday- Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For information call 843-883-3198. The fine for non-compliance is a hefty $500.00.