“Dogs are family members,” said Lisa Sparrow, owner of Starfish Realty Inc. in Surf City. “We find that Fido is so important families do not wish to leave their dog behind.”
While many beaches along the Carolina coast prohibit pets on the beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach are pet friendly.
"’Furry Family Members’ are welcome on Topsail Island,” said Cathy Medlin, owner of Island Real Estate. “When we say Topsail is a family friendly beach we mean the whole family.”
“We do offer pet friendly rentals,” said Sparrow. “More than 60 percent of our vacation rental homes allow pets.”
“A big percentage of the private homes and cottages are pet friendly with a fee,” said Medlin, adding that most - not all, but most - condominium complexes do not allow pets.
“Please remember service animals are not considered pets and they are allowed at all times,” Medlin stated.
For vacationers traveling with the family pet, Sparrow urges pet owners to keep the dog clean and if they romp on the beach, let the dog dry outside on the deck so the rental doesn’t get a “wet dog smell.”
“Most dogs love playing in the surf,” said Sparrow. “However, dogs should not drink salt water. Always remember to have fresh water for your dog.”
Both Surf City and Topsail Beach have leash laws. The laws are designed to keep the pet and the public safe.
“From May 15 through Sept. 30, we have a leash law,” said Topsail Beach Police Chief Sam Gervase. “During that period of time a dog must be kept on the leash at all times, even while in the water.”
“Leash laws are in effect at all summer long to protect your pet,” said Medlin. “Dogs get excited too.”
“It is important for vacationers to understand that dogs running-at-large is prohibited in Surf City,” said Surf City Police Chief
Ron Shanahan. “An animal is under restraint with a chain, leash, or another device that does not exceed 10-feet.”
Gervase agrees. “We enforce our ordinance very, very strictly. I cannot stress enough, if your dog is off the leash, you will be ticketed. No exceptions.”
Pet owners are also urged to clean up after their pet, both inside the rental property and outside.
“Pee stains should be mopped up, soaked up and cleaned with disinfectant,” urged Sparrow. “By doing this, you assist us and sharing with the owners that pets are a huge part of the vacation rental market.”
“We also have an ordinance that deals with cleaning up dog waste,” said Gervase. “The fine for violating our ordinance is $100 and we have a zero tolerance policy.”
Surf City also provides dog waste bags at beach accesses.
“We urge pet owners to remember, never leave a dog in a hot vehicle,” said Shanahan. “We have received numerous calls in the past about this.”
It only takes 10 minutes for a car on an 85 degree day to reach 102 degrees, even with the windows cracked. A car’s interior can reach 120 degrees when it is a pleasant 70 degrees. Leaving a pet unattended is a form of animal cruelty.
Surf City and Topsail Beach are pet friendly beach communities with the pet’s safety always in mind.
“So bring your furry family member and watch them chase sand crabs in the surf,” said Medlin.
Fido is family. Bring him on vacation and let him enjoy the surf as much as the rest of the family.
