DOG PARKS AND BEACH REGULATIONS & INFO
CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS AND REC DOG PARKS & BEACHES www.ccprc.com/1513/Dog-Parks
A visit to one of Charleston County Parks and Rec’s (CCPRC) off-leash dog parks is a special treat for everyone, not just your pups. With acres to run and play, taking your best friends along for fresh air and exercise is good for you and as easy as a walk in the park!
CCPRC GENERAL DOG PARK RULES
YOU are completely responsible for all injuries and damage caused by your dog. Pick up your dog’s waste! If your dog goes, you must immediately remove the excrement – NO EXCEPTIONS! Leash your dog until it is safely inside, and return to a leash upon exiting. Always keep an eye on your dog, and keep voice control to prevent any trouble. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Leash your dog whenever you sense problems. Do not let dogs dig holes. If they do, fill them in immediately. Keep food out of the enclosures. Dogs may become overly protective or aggressive in the presence of food. Access to the dog park may be restricted during special events. If so, notice will be posted. Immediately report any bite or attack to the Park Office.
Please report any and all animal abuse/mistreatment to the authorities – it is NEVER ok!
CCPRC BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES FOR SHARED AND OFF-LEASH SPACES
Do monitor your dog for inappropriate behavior. Handle any conflicts with kindness and good manners. Don't bring people food or dog treats into the dog park. Dogs may show undesirable behavior in the presence of food. Did You Know...You are supposed to leash and unleash your dog in the Double-gated entry/exit area? Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs can create a hostile situation. Do remember, this is a “dog” playground. Please closely watch your children. Dogs and children both frighten and excite easily - and react differently - which can create a dangerous atmosphere. Don't pick up or carry your dog or child as this sometimes causes excitement in other dogs that may jump up and nip at them. Did You Know...Leashed dogs may experience anxiety, fear or defensive posturing when approached by unleashed dogs? Please unleash your dog upon entering. Do keep the park clean by picking up an unclaimed “pile” and stop dogs from digging. And keep an eye on your dog so you know when to clean up his piles or holes. Don't let your dog poop in the water. Did You Know...You can keep water runoff clean by picking up poop and not using soap/shampoo to wash your dog at the park? Do play and interact with your pet while here. Exercise is good for humans too. Don't bring puppies or dogs to the dog park before they have had ALL their vaccinations. Did You Know...Young puppies should not go to dog parks because they don't understand canine body language and can unknowingly provoke undesirable and/or aggressive behavior in other dogs?
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Do be prepared for behavior you may not like that is natural and not necessarily aggressive. Examples include growling, barking, charging, humping, posturing, play biting, curling of lips and wrestling. Did You Know...Not all dogs like to socialize? If your dog is timid or aggressive, leave them home for their safety and enjoyment. Do keep your leash with you so you’re prepared to enforce a “time out” and remove your pet from the park if they misbehave. Don't bring your pet’s favorite toy if he or she doesn’t like to share. Did You Know...Spaying or neutering your pet will not only decrease pet overpopulation but will also make your visit a more pleasant one?
SAFETY TIPS (Provided by Bark Busters Home dog Training): Observe: Consider visiting the park without your dog for the first time to familiarize yourself with the park and the dogs that play there. Start Out Slowly: On your first few visits to a dog park, choose a time that is less busy; peak, high traffic- times at parks are weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Consider Size: Keep to areas appropriate for your dog’s size; if you have a smaller dog, take your pet to the park designated for smaller dogs. Closely Supervise Your dog: Don't roam too far from your pooch. Don't get distracted talking to other pet owners. Make sure your dog’s interactions are safe. Know When to Leave: Remove your dog from the park if they are being bullied or seem fearful, display aggressive behavior or threaten other dogs, or if they are panting heavily or seem tired. Keep your dog’s welfare a top priority. Preventing Injury: Prevent injury to yourself and your dog and react appropriately. Be aware of signs of a possible fight before it happens. If your dog injures a person or dog, provide your name and number to the injured party and notify park staff. Bring the contact information of your emergency vet and your cell phone to the park in case you need it. Responsibility: Be a responsible pet owner overall. Use common sense - clean up after your dog, make sure your dog stays enclosed inside the dog park, Don't let them intimidate others. It’s up to you to make the difference in everyone’s experience. Have Fun! Your Charleston County dog parks are a great way for you and your dog to relax and let yourself go. Don't forget to enjoy your visit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. When are the dog parks closed for maintenance? The dog park at Wannamaker is closed for routine maintenance every Monday morning until 10 a.m. The dog parks at James Island and Palmetto Islands are closed for routine maintenance every Wednesday morning, with James Island closed from 7-9 a.m., and Palmetto Islands closed from 7-10 a.m.
2. Is the water quality of the lake at James Island County Park monitored? The dog park at James Island County Park is situated on a peninsula that is surrounded by a retention pond that does not drain into storm water sewers. Our staff worked with the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) prior to opening the dog park. We conduct water quality tests multiple times throughout the year to ensure that we meet DHEC standards for recreational use for dogs and people. In addition, riparian buffers were created along the retention pond border. These buffers help protect the water from the impact of the adjacent land.
3. Do you have a warning about alligators? Alligators are a natural, normal, and important part of wetlands along the coast of South Carolina. Usually docile creatures, these reptiles can become aggressive as an unintended result of being fed by people. Once the alligator associates people with food, it must be killed. Remember: A fed gator is a dead gator. For this reason, the
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S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources can fine up to $2,000 and imprison anyone feeding, harassing, or approaching an alligator.
4. Is the dog park the only area where my dog can be off-leash? Exercising, sniffing, and playing off-leash are important to a dog’s sense of well-being. Your county park system is proud to provide these facilities for our pooch patrons in several county parks. However, once your pet leaves the dog park, it must be leashed at all times.
A leashed pet is not likely to:
Stress songbirds & other wildlife Be harmed or killed by poisonous plants, venomous snakes, ticks, or vehicles Ruin the outing of another visitor, who may not recognize your pet as friendly or lovable
PARK & BEACH LOCATIONS
JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK: http://ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 Park Office: 843-795-7275 / Campground Reservations: 843-795-4386 Email: [email protected] About: Each dog park features large and small dog sections, and the dog park at James Island County Park has a large lake in which your dog can swim and play. Hours: January – April: 8 a.m. – Sunset May – Labor Day: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. September & October: 8 a.m. – Sunset November & December: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
PALMETTO ISLANDS COUNTY PARK – MOUNT PLEASANT: http://ccprc.com/69/Palmetto-Islands-County-Park 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843-884-0832 / Phone 2: 843-795-4386 Email: [email protected] Hours: January – April: 8 a.m. – Sunset May – Labor Day: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. September – December: 8 a.m. – Sunset
NORTH CHARLESTON WANNAMAKER COUNTY PARK: http://ccprc.com/1737/North-Charleston-Wannamaker-County-Park 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-572-7275 / Phone 2: 843-795-4386 About: North Charleston Wannamaker County Park is a nature- oriented park designed for family and group use. It offers over 1,015 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands, and provides guests with a variety of activities. Miles of paved trails allow for exploration of the area’s beautiful natural resources. Hours: (note: dog park closed every Monday morning until 10 a.m. for routine maintenance) January – April: 8 a.m. – Sunset May – Labor Day: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. September – December: 8 a.m. – Sunset
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ISLE OF PALMS - BEACH: http://www.iop.net/departments/Police_AnimalControl.aspx Hours for Dogs on the Beach – Changes Seasonally, Please Read Carefully! When can dogs be on the beach off leash? From 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. April 1st through September 14th 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. September 15th through March 31st Dog owners must have leash in hand and have their dog(s) under voice command and must clean up excrement At all times, other than those specified above, dogs must be on leash and under complete control, even in the water Please see information about the IOP Dog Park, where dogs can play off-leash year-round! Licensing and Rabies Vaccination All dogs of Isle of Palms residents must have a current City of Isle of Palms dog license. Licenses may be purchased from the Isle of Palms Police Department at the Public Safety Building at 30 J.C. Long Boulevard from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days per week. To obtain a license, owners must provide a copy of proof of a current rabies vaccination for the dog. The fee for a dog license for residents is $5. Residents can acquire rabies vaccinations and City dog licenses at the annual "Doggie Day at the Rec" event hosted at the Recreation Center. Licenses should be purchased prior to April 1 of each year and are valid until March 31 of the following year.
ISLE OF PALMS BARK PARK DOG PARK 29th Avenue (behind the Recreation Center), Isle of Palms, SC 29451 Hours: Open sunrise to sunset / Closed Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 12 noon for cleaning. Rules: Enter and use the Bark Park at your own risk. Dog owners must be 18 years of age and may be accompanied by only one child 12 years or older. ALL dogs must have current rabies vaccinations and wear current tags. Resident Isle of Palms dogs must have and wear current City license tags. Spectators and children shall remain outside of the fence area. Owners shall clean up after their dogs using scoops provided. Dispose of waste properly in the designated on-site containers. No more than two dogs per person on any single visit. Owners must have one leash per dog at all times. Puppies four months and younger are not permitted in the Bark Park. The Bark Park is subject to patrol by Animal Control, IOP Police Department and Recreation Staff. Aggressive dogs and female dogs in heat are not allowed in the Bark Park. Professional Dog trainers may not use the Bark Park to conduct business UNLESS sanctioned by the IOP Recreation Department. Owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their dog and are fully responsible for their dog's and their own actions. No smoking, eating or drinking in the Bark Park. Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the Bark Park. Do not leave your dog(s) in the car on a warm day for ANY amount of time. Animal Control will be called to collect any unattended dogs and appropriate actions will be taken. SC Law Requires all dog bites to be reported to the Isle of Palms Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 842-886-6522 for non-emergencies. The Isle of Palms Police Department regularly patrol and have jurisdiction over Recreation grounds.
Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp
FOLLY BEACH COUNTY PARK: https://www.ccprc.com/61/Folly-Beach-County-Park 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, SC 29439 Ph: 843-762-9960 / Ph: 843-795-4386 Email: [email protected] Hours: Dogs are not permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from May 1 – September 30. All other times, the dog must be on a leash.
KIAWAH ISLAND BEACHWALKER PARK: https://ccprc.com/1411/Kiawah-Beachwalker-Park 8 Beachwalker Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Ph: 843-762-9964 / Ph: 843-795-4386 Email: [email protected] Hours: January & February: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. March & April: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. May - Labor Day: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. September & October: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. November & December: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Notes: Leashed dogs are allowed at the beach park with the following regulations - Both the eastern and western ends of the island that are marked as “Critical Habitat Areas” prohibit dogs at any time (on or off leash) year round. From the Beach Club (west) to the “Critical Habitat Area” beyond the County Park, is now a seasonal area and pets can be unleashed only between November 1 to March 15. The owner must remain with their pet, have their pet under control and have in their possession a leash in the event that there is a need to leash their pet, or if requested by other beachgoers. From March 16 - October 31, there is no off-leash area on the west end of the island.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND BEACHES http://www.sullivansisland-sc.com/ Hours for Dogs on the Beach – Changes Seasonally, Please Read Carefully! Summer Season (May 1 – September 30): Dogs Allowed On Beach: o Off Leash: 5 AM – 10 AM o On Leash: 6 PM – 5 AM Dogs Must Be OFF OF THE BEACH between 10 AM and 6 PM! Winter Season (October 1 – April 31): Dogs Allowed on Beach: o Off-Leash: 5 AM – Noon o On-Leash: Noon – 5 AM Rules: All dogs visiting the Island must have a dog permit and dogs should wear the Town-issued collar while on Sullivan's Island. Permits and collars are available at Town Hall (2050-B Middle Street). Please call (843)883-3198 for more information. You MUST clean up after your dog! Pet waste bag dispensers and trash cans are located near the entrance to each beach access path. Please keep your dog from relieving themselves in the water; it’s unfair to the other beach goers and contaminates the water source.
CITY OF CHARLESTON DOG PARKS
ACKERMAN DOG PARK – WEST ASHLEY 55 Sycamore Ave., Charleston, SC 29407 Hours: 6:30 am to Sundown About: Fully-fenced off-leash dog park with gated transition areas
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LENEVAR PARK & DOG RUN – WEST ASHLEY 1309 South Lenevar Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 Ph: 843-724-7324 About: Neighborhood park with 4 tennis courts, playground, baseball field, 2 half basketball courts, and a playground building. The walking trail, which circles the outer perimeter of the park, is a great place to job or walk your dog. There is also an off-leash area for dogs.
HAZEL PARKER DOG PARK – DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON 70 East Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401
CANNON PARK – DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON 131 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC 29401 About: One of Charleston's most visible parks located near the Medical University of South Carolina. The grassy area is used extensively by dog owners. Off-leash play is allowed during certain times of the day. There is also a small playground, shaded by trees, and a sidewalk bordering the park for walking/running.
HAMPTON PARK & DOG RUN – DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON: http://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/our_parks/view_park/hampton_park/ 122 Grove St., Charleston, SC 29403
BEES LANDING RECREATION AREA – WEST ASHLEY 1508 Ashley Gardens Blvd., Charleston, SC 29414 Located behind the Rec Center on Ashley Point Blvd. About: 3 fully-fenced off-leash areas. Water fountains for dogs and humans. Plenty of shady spots.
GOVERNOR’S PARK NORTH – DANIEL ISLAND Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492
FREEDOM PARK – DANIEL ISLAND 985 Barfield Street, Daniel Island, SC 29492
JOHNS ISLAND PARK – JOHNS ISLAND 1727 Bozo Lane, Charleston, SC 29455 About: John Island Park is a neighborhood recreation center with lots of sports facilities and grassy areas with picnic tables. It is located at Hay and Walpole roads near the intersection of Maybank Highway and Main Road
CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS
DOG DAY AFTERNOON: Location: Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark Timeframe: Mid September – Noon to 5 p.m. Event Details: Dogs must have all current vaccinations. Otter Bay, the Wave Pool, and the Lazy River will only be open for dogs. Swimming is for dogs only. Humans should not enter the water past knee depth.
Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp
PET FEST: Location: Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park Timeframe: 2 days in Mid March – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day Event Details: Pets and their owners are invited to join Charleston County Parks for a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more at Charleston’s premiere pet festival! Pet Fest provides an opportunity for local pet-related organizations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a fun, animal-friendly environment. Leashed pets are welcome with their owners! Or, come to the festival in search of your new best friend from area rescue groups, who will have adoptable animals on site.
YAPPY HOURS: Location: James Island County Park For Specific Dates and Band Information, please visit: http://ccprc.com/1181/Yappy-Hour Event Details: Reward yourself and your pooch after a long day at the office! Bring your favorite furry friend to enjoy live music and beverages at Yappy Hour at the James Island County Park Dog Park. The Yappy Hour series promises great music and fun!
BARK IN THE PARK OKTOBERFEST: Location: North Charleston Wannamaker County Park Timeframe: Mid October – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event Details: It's Pet Fest with a Bavarian flair! Pets are encouraged to bring their owners to one of Charleston’s newest Oktoberfest celebrations. The costume-friendly event offers pet exhibits, demonstrations, experts, entertainment, and more! Get a taste of Bavaria with your pooch.
DOGGIE DAY AT THE REC: Location: Isle of Palms Recreation Center Timeframe: February Event Details: Details: Discounted rabies vaccines, IOP dog license, free dog photos, and a fun dog show.
DOG FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENTS *Courtesy of Holy City Sinner
DANIEL ISLAND Daniel Island Grill - 259 Seven Farms Drive
DOWNTOWN Anchorage Inn - 26 Vendue Range The Blind Tiger - 36-38 Broad Street (back courtyard) Bubba Gump - 99 S. Market Street Bulldog Tours - (Ghost and Graveyard Tour and Dark Side of Charleston Tour are both dog-friendly) California Dreaming - 1 Ashley Point Drive Church Street Inn - 177 Church Street Colonial Lake (on-leash) - Rutledge Avenue Days Inn - 155 Meeting Street East Bay Deli - 334-H East Bay Street Fuel Caribbean Cantina - 211 Rutledge Avenue Hampton Park (designated dog run) - 30 Mary Murray Drive Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp
Hazel Parker Park (designated dog run) - 70 East Bay Street John Rutledge House Inn - 116 Broad Street (Click here for more details) Juanita Greenberg's Nacho Royale - 439 King Street Kickin' Chicken - 337 King St Kings Courtyard Inn - 198 King St Kitchen 208 - 208 King St Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - 4 Vanderhorst Street La Quinta Inn & Suites - 11 Ashley Pointe Drive The Lodge Alley Inn - 195 East Bay Street Marion Square (on-leash) Molly Darcy's - 235 East Bay Street Palmer's Pinckney Inn - 19 Pinckney Street (Click here for more details) Pearlz - 153 East Bay Street (Back patio) Poogan's Porch - 72 Queen Street Residence Inn - 90 Ripley Point Drive Sugar Bake Shop - 59 1/2 Cannon Street Taco Boy - 217 Huger Street Waterfront Park - 34 Prioleau St. Wentworth Mansion - 149 Wentworth Street (Click here for more details). White Pointe Gardens/The Battery
FOLLY BEACH The Barrel - (Dogs allowed off leash in the backyard) - 1859 Folly Road Folly Beach Bark Park (Dogs must be registered with the town) - 513 East Hudson Ave Drop In Bar & Deli - 32B Center Street Folly Beach Crab Shack - 26 Center Street Loggerhead's Beach Grill - 123 West Ashley Ave Lost Dog Cafe - 106 W. Huron Avenue Rita's Seaside Grille - 2 Center Street Tides Folly Beach Oceanfront - 1 Center Street Woody's Pizza - 39 Center Street
ISLE OF PALMS The Windjammer - 1008 Ocean Boulevard
JAMES ISLAND Bohemian Bull - 1531 Folly Road Brick House Kitchen - 1575 Folly Road O'Brion's Pub & Grille - 520 Folly Road The Pour House - 1977 Maybank Highway Smoky Oak - 1234C Camp Road Wild Blue Ropes - 1595 Highland Ave
MOUNT PLEASANT Crave Kitchen & Cocktails - 1968 Riviera Drive Dog & Duck - 624A Long Point Road Finz Bar & Grill - 440 W Coleman Boulevard House of Brews - 1537-C Ben Sawyer Boulevard Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp
Red's Ice house - 98 Church Street Shelter Kitchen and Bar - 202 Coleman Blvd Square Onion - 18 B Resolute Lane Steel City Pizza - 1440 Ben Sawyer Boulevard Triangle Char & Bar - 1440 Ben Sawyer Boulevard
NORTH CHARLESTON The BBQ Joint - 1083 East Montague Avenue The Brew Cellar - 1050 E Montage, Suite D Candlewood Suites - 2177 Northwoods Blvd Clarion Inn - 3640 Dorchester Road COAST Brewing Company - 1250 Second Street North Days Inn - 2998 West Montague Avenue DIG in the Park - 1049 East Montague Avenue EVO Pizzeria - 1075 East Montague Avenue Extended Stay - 5045 North Arco Lane Extended Stay - 7641 Northwoods Boulevard Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham - 7645 Northwoods Boulevard Holy City Brewing - 4155 C Dorchester Road Hyatt Place - 7331 Mazyck Road La Quinta Inn & Suites - 2499 La Quinta Lane Madra Rua - 1034 East Montague Avenue Manny's Cafe - 3032 West Montague Avenue Mixson Dog Park in North Charleston - Mixson Avenue Mixson Market - Mixson Avenue North Charleston Inn - 2934 West Montague Avenue North Charleston Wannamaker County Park (designated off-leash dog park) - 8888 University Boulevard Firehouse Subs - 3032 West Montague Avenue The Orange Spot Coffeehouse - 4824 Chateau Avenue Park Pizza Company - 1028 East Montague Avenue Quality Inn - 7415 Northside Drive Radisson Charleston Airport - 5991 Rivers Avenue Red Roof Inn North Charleston Coliseum - 7480 Northwoods Blvd Riverfront Park in North Charleston (designated off-leash area) - 1360 Truxtan Avenue Santis - 1302 Meeting Street Road Sheraton - 4770 Goer Drive Staybridge Suites - 7329 Mazyck Road Staybridge Suites - 2465 Prospect Dr
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND Dunleavy's Pub - 2213 Middle Street
SUMMERVILLE Crystal's Ice House - 104 E Doty Avenue Dog & Duck - 1580 S Trolley Road Montreux Bar and Grill - 127 W. Richardson Avenue (has an off-leash fenced in patio) Wassamassaw Community Park (designated off-leash area) - 651 Wassamassaw Road
Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp
WEST ASHLEY Best Western Sweetgrass Inn - 1540 Savannah Hwy. Charles Towne Landing (on-leash) - 1500 Old Towne Road Country Hearth Inn - 2311 Ashley Phosphate Road d.d. Pecker's - 1660 Savannah Highway Drayton Hall - 3380 Ashley River Rd. (on the grounds, not in the house. Water available and doggie treats in the gift shop!) Hawthorne Suites - 2455 Savannah Highway Home Team BBQ - 1205 Ashley River Road Inn at Middleton Place - 4290 Ashley River Road (Click here for more details) King Street Grille - 2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard (Citadel Mall) Low Country Dog Agility Club's West Training Field (membership required) - 1987 Ashley River Rd Parson Jack's - 3417-G Shelby Ray Court (has an off-leash fenced in patio) Sesame Burgers & Beer - 2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard (Citadel Mall)
First and foremost, we recommend that all pet owners consult with their veterinarian. The information contained herein is meant to be a resource. It is not exhaustive, nor does it indicate an endorsement or recommendation from Charleston Animal Society. Please use your own due diligence in researching these sources and making the best choice for your pet(s).
If you still need assistance after reviewing the information on our website, please either email or call our Animal Resource Center at [email protected] or (843) 329-1554.
Animal Resource Center www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/GetPetHelp