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, 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.
Cape May area pet sitters, kennels, supplies, and veterinarians
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cape May
| Beach | Dog Policy |
| Cape May City | Dogs are not permitted. The exception is that you can walk your dog on Poverty Beach (at the extreme eastern end of the beach – you know, where the sun rises) during the winter months of November through February. |
| Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area | Allows dogs from September 1 to April 30. Higbee is a state-owned beach and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Read NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife WMA Regulations |
| Sunset Beach at Cape May Point | Allows dogs September 15 to April 15 |
| Lower Township beaches 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. |
Pet-Friendly Cape May Accommodations
| Accommodation | Type of Pets Allowed |
| Billmae Cottage | Dogs only |
| Blue Fish Inn | Dogs only |
| Highland House | Accepts "just about all pets"! |
| Madison Avenue Beach Club | Dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| Marquis de Lafayette | Domestic dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| The Mason Cottage | Dogs under 60lbs |
| Palace Hotel | Dogs and cats. Ask about other types. |
| Beach House Rentals | There are also pet-friendly rental houses available. Be sure to find out what type of pets the accommodation allows. |
Cape May's 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.