Old Orchard Beach Dog Rules, Maine | New Laws 2024

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. The beach has several laws that must be followed according to the state policies. It is adjacent to New England’s only amusement park, which benefits visiting it. 

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 from 5 a.m. till sunset on leashed condition and from sunrise to 9 a.m. They can roam off-leash. 
• The dog must be a minimum of 100 ft away from the Piping Plovers’ nest. 
• Dogs can be unleashed during the day after Labor Day to before 15th May.
• Pets, while unleashed, must be under voice control and within the sight. If the responsible party asks the dog to come to his/her side, the pet must do that immediately. If the dog is near 10 feet of someone other than the owner, that should be considered as 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. 

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 gods 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 and thousands of tourists every year for over 170 years. During the season, the population reaches up to near about 75000. Visitors even come from Eastern Ontario and Quebec. 

The beach stretch starts from Pine Point by Scarborough and goes down to Camp Elliot. This seven-mile broad sandy shore becomes endless when there is low tide. Tourists love napping on the sand, playing football, surfing in the waves, tossing around 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 OId Orchard Pier was built in 1898 and was an even more popular place and reason to visit the beach. Near about 1800 people can arch out from the pier into the bay. It hosted several restaurants, a casino, and shops. The old pier eventually broke, and a new one was built, which was 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 that is present on the shore. It features kids’ rides, arcade games, and a Ferris Wheel from where the waves can be seen. Every Thursday, fireworks can be enjoyed. Seaside Pavilion is an outside-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 swim 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 1st Oct.
• 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

The Old Orchard Beach, one of Maine’s dog-friendly places, is ideal for fur babies. Along with their owners, the pets can relax on this beach. 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.