Sandbridge Beach Dog Rules, Virginia | New Laws 2025

Sandbridge Beach is a picturesque coastal community located in the southern region of Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is located on Berrier Island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Back Bay of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Virginia has many dog-friendly beaches, including Sandbridge Beach, which is quite popular with visitors. Here, owners enjoy a memorable day with furry friends. However, a few dog rules and policies must be followed. Pets enjoy both on and off-leash at the beach (designated season). 

Sandbridge Beach is a mystery to many people. It’s a short drive towards the southern oceanfront district. The beach is a hideaway for dancing sea oats and beautiful sand dunes. Visitors enjoy glimpses of the mesmerizing Atlantic Ocean. This place features miles of open waters and marshes.

False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are nearby, making it perfect for hiking, kayaking, and fishing.  

Sandbridge Beach Dog Rules, VA

The following dog rules are applicable from Memorial Day weekend till Labour Day weekend:

• Dogs are allowed to stroll on the boardwalk from 06:00 am to 07:00 pm.
• Owners must at all times keep their dogs under leash.
• Pets are barred from entering the Resort area’s waters and sandy beaches.
• Pets are prohibited on Northern 42nd Street beaches and Southern Rudee Loop from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, dogs must always be on a leash. 

The specified dog regulations are in effect after the Labor Day weekend and before the Memorial Day weekend.

• Dogs get to enjoy the boardwalk and beaches at all times.
• While on the boardwalk, pets must be on a leash every time. However, on the beach, pets get to enjoy off-leash. 

General Rules:

• Pet owners are responsible for keeping the beach clean. They must dispose of their pet’s waste in appropriate dustbins. 
• According to Sandbridge Beach, VA laws, owners must ensure that their dogs are supervised using reliable recall and voice commands. 
• According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Act, dogs categorized as “service animals” are prohibited from the above-mentioned prohibitions and restrictions. 

Sandbridge Beach Dog Licensing, VA

Sandbridge is a picturesque neighborhood in Virginia Beach City. It’s a paradise for owners and their furry friends. However, people must get their pets licensed. Virginia mandates registration of all pets over four months via the City Treasurer. These licenses are obtained for one, two, or three years. For registration, current proof of rabies vaccination is necessary.

Dog laws vary from city to city in Virginia. Tethering is allowed only for one hour in a single day. Microchipping and licensing prevent pets from wandering.

Charges for registration of non-neutered or spayed dogs range from $10 to $30 (approx). License cost for spayed or neutered dogs ranges from $7 to $21 (approx). Service dogs with valid exemption affidavits are licensed for free.  

How to Reach Sandbridge Beach, VA

• By Air: Norfolk (ORF) Airport and Reagan Washington (DCA) Airport are the closest airports to Sandbridge Beach in Virginia. For Norfolk, a bus service is available twice daily from Charlottesville Union Station. Greyhound Bus Service provides this 4-hour, 20-minute journey. 
• By Bus: Visitors reach Virginia Beach and take a bus from line 033 to reach Sandbridge Beach. This journey takes around 40 minutes. 
• By Road: The driving distance from Virginia Beach to Sandbridge Beach is approximately 22 km. Visitors need around half an hour to reach their destination. Alternatively, a taxi service is also available. 
• By Train: Another best way to reach Sandbridge Beach is by train. Visitors reach Washington and take a train from there. This journey takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes (approx). 

About Dog-Friendly Sandbridge Beach – VA

Sandbridge Beach is Virginia’s best-kept mystery. It’s a coastal community in the City of Virginia Beach. People also call it “Virginia’s Outer Banks.” This serene coastal haven offers fun and memories all year round. The beach offers five miles of sandy areas.

Visitors have enough room to laze around and spread their beach gear. Many vacation rentals are located nearby, offering unforgettable private oceanfront experiences.

There is a popular fishing spot nearby called “Little Island Pier.” It lets visitors fish all day and even for a week. Species like flounder, croaker, mackerel, drum, etc., are caught. Eight miles of beautiful trail go near Sandbridge Beach.

Visitors can see various coastal habitats, maritime forests, marshlands, sand dunes, and other colorful wildlife. Tundra swans, geese, and ducks are some migratory fowls spotted here. 

• Parking: 34th Street Parking Garage and Preferred Parking VB Amphitheater
• Nearby Visiting Places: Norfolk Botanical Garden and Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Sandbridge Island Restaurant and FIREBREW Bar & Grill – Virginia Beach Restaurant
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
• Dog Boarding: Holly Ridge Manor Canine Country Club and Cosmo’s Corner Doggie Day Care
• Rental Providers: Sea Beauty and Blue Ocean
• Events: Sandbridge Boat Parade, Symphony By The Sea Concert Series, Sandbridge Party at the Pier, Water Lantern Festival, etc
• Things to do: Hiking, cycling, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, jet-skiing, scuba diving, boating, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, SUP, paddleboarding, etc
• Amenities: Restrooms, parking, outdoor showers, changing areas, foot washes, portable toilets, etc
• Beach Hours: Sandbridge Beach remains open for 24 hours per day

Sandbridge Beach Rules and Regulations, VA

• Visitors must obtain a Virginia Saltwater license to indulge in surf fishing.
• Fishing in brackish or freshwater requires a Virginia Freshwater License.
• Sandbridge Beach prohibits lighting any fire. Similarly, fireworks and bonfires are also strictly prohibited on the beach.
• According to the city ordinance, trucks, SUVs, cars, motorcycles, and other all-terrain vehicles are prohibited on the beach.
• Bringing and using glass containers and vessels are prohibited on the beach. Sandbridge also forbids the consumption of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and marijuana. 
• Visitors are responsible for keeping the beach clean. They must throw away waste in appropriate dustbins provided on the beach.
• From 1 May to 30 September, throwing aerial objects, landing and launching personal watercraft, playing with balls, etc., are prohibited. 

Conclusion

Sandbridge is a well-known dog-friendly beach in Virginia. This beach lays down different dog rules for various times of year. Pet policies here welcome furry friends on both sand and water. Many annual events and festivals are organized to attract visitors. The beach is easily accessible from Wisconsin and Norfolk. It has good connectivity via land & air. Visitors find multiple dog boardings and lodgings nearby.