Old Orchard Beach Dog Rules, Maine | New Laws 2025

Old Orchard Beach dog rules allow pups and their owner to have a gala time. This dog-friendly Maine beach has an excellent view of the blue ocean that attracts many visitors annually.

This beach is ideal for relaxing under the sun or dipping in the water. According to state policies, the beach has several laws that must be followed. It is adjacent to New England’s only amusement park, which makes it beneficial to visit. 

Old Orchard Beach Dog Rules, South Portland, ME

• Dogs are prohibited from 15th May to Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are allowed on a leash from 5 a.m. to sunset and off-leash from sunrise to 9 a.m. 
• The dog must be a minimum of 100 feet away from the Piping Plovers’ nest. 
• Dogs can be unleashed during the day after Labor Day until May 15th.
• While unleashed, pets must be under voice control and within sight. If the responsible party asks the dog to come to his/her side, the pet must do that immediately. If the dog is within 10 feet of someone other than the owner, that should be considered no voice control. 
• During summer, any rule violation can cause a $100 fine.
• From 15th May to Labor Day, the leash must be a maximum of 12 feet.
• The feces of the pets must be removed from the beach. 

Discover Old Orchard Beach dog rules in Maine! Learn about leash regulations, pet-friendly areas, and seasonal guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit with your dog.

Old Orchard Beach Dog Licensing

All dogs 6 months and above should have a license. If an owner is adopting a dog of 6 months or more, they should get a license by January every year. A veterinary doctor needs a rabies certificate to get a license. Owners must show proof of spaying or neutering. $6 is required for spayed dogs and $11 for not-neutered dogs per year. 

How To Reach Old Orchard Beach 

• By Flight: Portland Airport 
• By Train: Amtrak
• By Bus: Cascade Plaza
• By Ferry: Cosco Bay Ferry Lines.

About Dog-Friendly Old Orchard Beach – York County, Maine, US

Old Orchard Beach is one of the popular beaches in York County. The community of 9000 residents has welcomed hundreds of thousands of tourists every year for over 170 years. During the season, the population reaches about 75000. Visitors even come from Eastern Ontario and Quebec. 

The beach stretch starts from Pine Point in Scarborough and goes down to Camp Elliot. This seven-mile broad sandy shore becomes endless at low tide. Tourists love napping on the sand, playing football, surfing in the waves, tossing around a frisbee, or enjoying walking there.

The eastern trail adjacent to the beach is ideal for a stroll. Kayaking in Scarborough Marsh is an extra benefit. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, chairs, and umbrellas. 

The Old Orchard Pier was built in 1898 and was an even more popular place and reason to visit the beach. About 1800 people can get off the pier into the bay. It hosted several restaurants, a casino, and shops. The old pier eventually broke, and a new one was built, a little shorter than the previous one. But it also contains a place to shop, drink, and eat. 

The Palace Playland is the only amusement park in New England located on the shore. It features kids’ rides, arcade games, and a Ferris Wheel from which the waves can be seen. Every Thursday, fireworks are enjoyed. Seaside Pavilion is an outdoor covered music venue where live music shows are organized. 

• Parking: Milliken St Parking lot, Seven Seas Parking, Cap’n Mikes Parking
• Things To Do: Swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing
• Pet-Friendly Restaurants: Pirates Patio and Galley, Sunset Bar & Grill
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: The Landings Inn and Cottages at Old Orchard Beach, The New Oceanic Inn
• Dog-Friendly Rentals: Little Miss Cottages, 2 Wildwood Lane 
• Dog Boarding: Keoke Kennels Boarding, Another Dog Day
• Events: Scottish Festival, Friday Night @ the ‘Swick!!!
• Amenities: Umbrella, Chairs, Kayak, Paddleboard
• Nearby Visiting Places: Scarborough Beach State Park, Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
• Beach Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Old Orchard Beach Rules and Regulations

• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited.
• Fishing in swimming areas is disallowed.
• Amplified sound, demonstrations, or events of more than 20 people are restricted except for permits.
• Walking and climbing on the jetty are restricted.
• Barbecues or open fires outside the designated area are banned.
• Fins, rafts, snorkels, unauthorized watercraft, and other floatable objects, except for the bodyboards, are prohibited.
• Feeding birds, squirrels, and other wildlife is restricted. 
• Unauthorized motorcycles and ATVs are disallowed.
• Bicycle riding and skating on the beach are disallowed after 10 a.m. from Memorial Day to October 1st.
• Vending without a permit is illegal.
• Camping is not allowed.
• Jet skis and stand-up paddleboards are banned.
• Littering is strictly banned.
• Glass containers are restricted.
• Swimming and Sunbathing are allowed only when lifeguards are present.

Conclusion

Old Orchard Beach, one of Maine’s dog-friendly places, is ideal for fur babies. Pets can relax on this beach with their owners. With numerous attractions and the simplest beach rules, it has managed to attract tourists from all around the World. Visit this place to spend time with beloved pets and give them an exciting moment of pure joy. 

Maine Dog Beach Articles:

• Higgins Dog Beach, Maine
• Pine Point Dog Beach, Maine
• Wells Dog Beach
• Dog-friendly Goose Rocks Beach
• Ogunquit Dog Beach
• Long Sands Dog Beach in Maine
• Fort Foster Dog Beach
• Seapoint Dog Beach in Kittery
• Dog-Friendly Willard Beach
• Kennebunk Dog Beach, Maine
• Dog-Friendly East End Beach, Portland, Maine