Traveling with Pets

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	Dog Policy
Cape May City	Dogs are permitted on Cape May City Beaches 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 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 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.

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.

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 Cape May City beaches only during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker.
• 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.

Cape May City 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. View park rules on the City website

Passes are available at City Hall. Please call the city Clerk's office at 609-884-9525 or visit them on the second floor.

Emergency Veterinary Care

Ocean View Veterinary Hospital
2033 Route 9 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 486-5025

24-hour emergency veterinary services and extended care hours during the evening and on weekends.

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.