Pet Friendly Beaches

For those traveling with pets, we love animals in Gulf County!
On all beaches (with the exception of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park), pets on a leash are more than welcome to take their owners for walks and enjoy the calm water. Many vacation rental properties also offer "Pet Friendly" accommodations. You've made it to the beach at last! The sun is shining, the water is warm, and the sand is a brilliant white. This is the perfect spot to relax. Uh oh, Rover needs to go. No worries. There are over 20 Pet Waste Disposal Stations along the public beach access points. Join us in protecting the beaches and helping keep them clean for all. Help yourself, the bags are on us!

Gulf County's Leash Law
The pet law in Gulf County states that pets on leashes are welcome on the beaches of Gulf County, except within the St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Animals must remain on the leash at all times while on the beach, and owners must remove any remnants left behind by the animal, so carry baggies on all beach adventures. Also, respect children and adults around you who may not be familiar with your pet or pets in general.

Pet Stations
Gulf County has installed 20 pet waste disposal stations along our beach access points for the public's use. These stations make it convenient for dog owners by providing both the bag and the waste removal station for the dog. Thank you for helping keep our beaches clean and beautiful.

Dog Etiquette
Always keep your dog on a leash in public. You never know what you might run into, another dog that's not so friendly, or cat/ squirrel/seagull that must be chased.

Never leave your dog in the car. Even with the windows rolled down its dangerous and your pet can easily overheat.

Always keep doggy bags with you. You never know when you dog will want to go potty and no one wants to step in a mess.

Don't let your dog behave badly. Your dog should always be on it's best behavior. Some folks are scared by barking and jumping. It always best to remove a your pup from others if he doesn't use his manners.

When traveling with your dog staying in hotels, be courteous of other guests. Good manners keeps pets welcome for other owners.

When hiking trails, keep your dog close. When meeting others on a trail give them the right of way. If you run into a horse and rider give them space to pass. Any barking or aggressive movements can startle the horse and injure someone.