Bringing your pets to Cape May
Cape May is a great destination if you like to vacation with your pets, but we want to caution you that Cape May City's beaches are not pet friendly in season, and the Lower Township beaches along the Delaware Bay are the only beaches which are dog-friendly all year.
Why leave your pet at home? A family vacation need not be without the most important member of the family. Be it a guest house or hotel, Cape May has a nice selection of Pet Friendly places to stay. Mind the rules though, almost all Pet Friendly Accommodations take dogs, some take cats and dogs. Many have restrictions regarding the weight of the dog and the number of pets which can be accommodated.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations
- Cape May City dog policies
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants
- Dog-Friendly Activites
- Cape May Dog Park
- Cape May area kennels and veterinarians
- Read The Four Legged Tourist, our monthly pet column
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cape May (also see map below)
| Beach | Dog Policy |
 Cape May City |
Dogs are permitted only during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs shall be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker. The owner or caretaker shall carry a dog waste disposal device. Any owner or caretaker of a dog who permits such dog to leave animal waste on the Boardwalk, Promenade, beach without disposing of same shall be subject to the penalties. |
 Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area |
Allows dogs from September 1 to April 30. Higbee is owned by the State of New Jersey and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Although you may see dogs year-round, it is not technically permitted. We would recommend reading NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife WMA Regulations for more information. |
 Cape May Point |
Dogs are permitted from November 1 through March 30. Dogs must be leashed at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs must be accompanied by an owner over 12 years of age. |
 Sunset Beach |
Allows dogs September 15 to April 15 |
 Lower Township, along the Delaware Bay |
Dogs are permitted year-round. Lower Township is considering tightening regulations, so CLEAN UP after your pet if you want this to remain a pet-friendly area. Lower's beaches literally run along the coast and are quite narrow compared to Cape May's. Follow directions to the Ferry terminal, then make a right rather than turn into the Ferry complex. The beach will be to your left and continues as the bay does. Park where you can find a space and enjoy! |
Dogs are prohibited at Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge in an effort to protect vulnerable chicks of the federally-threatened Piping Plovers and Least Terns.
View Dog Friendly Beaches in Cape May in a larger map
Pet-Friendly Cape May Accommodations
| Accommodation | Type | Pets Allowed |
| Billmae Cottage | Guest House | Dogs |
| Blue Fish Inn | Motel | Dogs |
| Holly Shores | Campground | Dogs (2 per campsite) |
| Highland House | Guest House | Accepts "just about all pets"! |
| Madison Avenue Beach Club | Motel | Dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| Marquis de Lafayette | Hotel | Domestic dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| The Mason Cottage | Bed & Breakfast | Dogs under 60lbs |
| Palace Hotel | Hotel | Dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| Victorian Lace Inn | Bed & Breakfast | One dog friendly room, Seabee's Seashore Retreat, starting June 15, 2012! |
| Beach House Rentals | House | There are also pet-friendly rental houses available. Be sure to find out what type of pets the accommodation allows. |
Cape May City dog policies
- First, keep your dog on a leash that is no more than 6’ long.
- You must clean up after your dog! Droppings must be disposed of in a sanitary manner (scooper, paper towel and plastic baggie are the tools for this task). Failure to do so could result in a $100 fine.
- No dogs are allowed on the beach, mall, or promenade whether or not controlled by a leash. You may not walk your dogs on the Washington Street Mall. This is strictly enforced.
- No dogs in the back of pick-up trucks. This no-no violates state laws governing cruelty to animals.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Several eateries have sidewalk seating where it's okay to bring your dog along. Try Zoe's at 715 Beach Avenue (next to the Beach Theatre). Aleathea's at the Inn of Cape May also offers dog-friendly seating on their patio. Others include the Rusty Nail, Gecko's, Tishas's, and the Blue Pig at Congress Hall.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Cape May Winery, Hawk Haven, and Natali Vineyards are all dog-friendly wineries which offer tastings year-round and outdoor seating during the summer.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and Historic Cold Spring Village are also dog friendly.
Cape May Dog Park
Located on Lafayette Street near the corner of Broad, the dog park has a gazebo, toys, and a water source for when the dogs get thirsty during play. The park is double gated for easier entry and introduction.
| Duration | Cost |
| 2012 Weekly Permit | $10 |
| 2012 Annual Permit | $20 |
Passes are available at City Hall. Please call the city Clerk's office at 609-884-9525 or visit them on the second floor.