Traveling with Pets

Why leave your pet at home? A family vacation doesn't have to be without the most important member of the family!

Where should you stay in Cape May with a pet? Be it a guest house or hotel, Cape May has a good selection of pet-friendly accommodations and several restaurants that offer outdoor seating so your dog can accompany you to brunch!

Cape May City's beaches are not dog friendly during the summer, but you can take them on the beach from November through March. That makes the off season a great time to visit with your dog.

Additional reading:

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Cape May

Cape May is a great destination if you like to vacation with your dog, but we want to caution you that Cape May City's beaches are not dog-friendly in season, and the Lower Township beaches along the Delaware Bay are the only beaches which are dog-friendly all year.

Beach When dogs are permitted
Cape May City

Dogs are permitted on the promenade and beach from September 15 through May 15, during the winter months. They must be leashed.

Cape May's rules about dogs on the beach »

h 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.

NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife WMA Regulations » (opens in a new tab)

Cape May Point

Dogs are permitted from November 1 through March 14.

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

Leashed animals are permitted anytime of the day during the off-season.

Animals are prohibited at the beach between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm in-season (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Dogs are to be leashed at all times when they are off of the premises of the possessor and it is mandatory that people clean up after their animals. Lower's beaches run along the Bay 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 on your left as you drive north. Park where you can find a space and enjoy!

Cape May Point State Park

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.

A golden retriever looking through an open doorway

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Almost all pet-friendly accommodations take dogs, and some take cats and dogs. However, many have restrictions regarding the weight of the dog and the number of pets which can be accommodated.

Accommodation Type Pets Allowed
Cape May House and Condo Rentals House and condo rentals There are many pet-friendly rental houses available. Be sure to ask what type of pets the accommodation allows.
Beachcomber Camping Resort Campground  
Beach Shack Hotel Limited dog-friendly rooms. Policies apply.
Blue Fish Inn Hotel Dogs
Boarding House Hotel Dogs under 80lbs welcome! There is a nightly fee for up to 2 dogs.
Holly Shores Campground Dogs (2 per campsite)
Highland House Bed and Breakfast Accepts "just about all pets"!
Marquis de Lafayette Hotel Domestic dogs and cats are welcomed. Please ask about other types. The hotel has 20 pet-friendly room on the first floor for easy outdoor access.
Rhythm of the Sea Bed and Breakfast The Cape Carriage House is pet-friendly, but the main building is not.

If your hotel, bed and breakfast, or campground offers pet-friendly lodging, email updates@capemay.com with the details!

Kid-friendly things to do in Cape May
Dog-friendly Cape May restaurants

Several restaurants have sidewalk seating where it's okay to bring your dog along.

Explore dog-friendly restaurants

Kid-friendly things to do in Cape May
Things to do with dogs in Cape May

Your dog doesn't have to spend the whole vacation in your hotel room.

Explore dog-friendly activities

Dog Etiquette and City Ordinances

  • First, keep your dog on a leash that is no more than 6’ long.
  • Your dog may not ride in the back of a pick-up truck, as this violates state laws governing cruelty to animals.
  • 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 for each violation.
  • Dogs are permitted on the promenade from September 15 through May 15, during the winter months. They must be leashed. [City of Cape May ordinance 158-9]
  • By city ordinance, dogs are not permitted on the Washington Street Mall under any circumstances, whether or not controlled by a leash. There are signs to this effect posted at mall entrances. Although people break this rule, we would urge you to follow it so that you aren't subject to any penalties.
  • Some stores in Cape May are pet-friendly, but not all, so please ask the shopkeeper before entering.

Emergency Veterinary Care

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital

535 Maple Ave
Linwood, NJ 08221
609-926-5300

A 24-hour emergency animal hospital in Linwood, New Jersey, about 45 minutes from Cape May. No appointment needed.

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. It's open daily from dawn to dusk.

Passes are required to use the park. They're available at City Hall. Please call the city Clerk's office at 609-884-9525.

Learn more