If you’re visiting one of Maine’s beaches with your dog or you’re a new dog owner, you may be wondering if your 4-legged family member can enjoy the sand between their toes too. The answer is “yes” in most cases, but there’s a catch…
The dog beach rules vary from town to town and change based on the time of year. Some Maine beaches are more dog friendly than others. Kennebunk, where fido can run off-leash, appears to be the most dog friendly. Ogunquit’s rules are much more strict.
In all cases, you are expected to pick up after your dogs and keep them away from Piping Plover nests. Pet control ordinances are strictly enforced, and fines can be hefty (up to $250). So, do your homework before walking your dog on the beach. Here’s a good place to start.
NOTE: Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are two different towns, each with separate dog ordinances.
Kennebunk Beach Dog Rules – Gooch’s Beach, Mother’s Beach & Middle Beach
- After Labor Day to June 14 – Dogs are allowed on the beach any time.
- June 15 to Labor Day – Dogs are allowed on beaches before 9:00am and after 5:00pm.
- Dogs must be under voice control or on leashes.
- Owners must carry a leash at all times.
Visit the web page maintained by the Dog Advisory Committee for the latest information about taking your dog to the beach in Kennebunk.
Kennebunkport Beach Dog Rules – Cleaves Cove, Goose Rocks Beach & Arundel Beach (also known as Colony Beach)
Kennebunkport’s rules regarding dogs on the beach are more strict and complex than Kennebunk’s. Quite frankly, I found them difficult to interpret. Visit Kennebunkport’s official website for clarification on any of the following:
- October 1 to March 31 – If under Voice and Sight Control, dogs may be off leash on the beach, except between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm when they must remain on leash.
- April 1 to June 14 – Dogs must be on leash on the beach at all times other than between 6:00 am and 7:30 am, when they may be off leash if under Voice and Sight Control.
- June 15 to September 30 – Dogs are NOT permitted on the beach between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm.
Ogunquit Beach & Marginal Way Dog Rules
- September 9 to March 31 – Dogs are permitted on the beach, as long as they remain ON A LEASH.
- October 1 to March 31 – Dogs are permitted on the Marginal Way, as long as they remain ON A LEASH.
- April 1 to September 9 – Dogs are NOT permitted on the beach at any time.
- April 1st to September 30 – Dogs are NOT permitted on the Marginal Way at any time.
- Dogs are NOT permitted in the Ogunquit River Estuary at any time.
- Dogs may NOT run at large on Ogunquit beaches or the Marginal Way at any time.
For more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about Ogunquit’s beaches, visit the Town of Ogunquit Maine website.
Wells Beach Dog Rules (including Drakes Island Beach)
- April 1 to June 15 – Your dog may join you on the beach, as long as they remain ON A LEASH and under charge of a responsible person.
- June 16 to September 15 – Dogs are NOT permitted on the beach from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
- Dogs may NOT run at large on Wells beaches at any time.
See the Town of Wells website for a complete details and answers to other questions regarding Wells Beaches.
York Beach Dog Rules (Harbor Beach, Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, Cape Neddick Beach)
- May 20 to September 20 – Dogs are NOT permitted on the beach from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Leashes are required between 6:00 pm and sunrise. Between sunrise and 8:00am, dogs may be off leash as long as the dog is under voice and site control.
Read the York Animal Control Ordinance for more information.
Wells Vacation Rental 