Virginia Beach Dog Rules, Virginia | New Laws 2025

Dog-friendly beaches in Virginia become popular hotspots in summer. The beautiful coastal city has miles of pet-friendly beaches. They are perfect to have a gala time out with furry friends. However, everyone must abide by certain policies and laws. Owners and pets must at all times follow the dog rules here. Dogs get to enjoy both on and off-leash at beaches in Virginia. 

Virginia beaches ensure that pets enjoy most of their visits. From the Bay to the ocean, there are many dog-friendly activities to indulge in. The city also features various pet-friendly hiking trails, dog parks, and others. However, visitors must check in with local beaches beforehand. Many of them allow furry friends only during the off-season. There are many lodgings and restaurants nearby that allow dogs. 

Virginia Beach Dog Rules, Virginia

• During summer, furry friends are not allowed on the beach from 10:00 am till 06:00 pm. Their roaming area is restricted to the Northern end of Frolic and Sandbridge area on the Southern end of Virginia Beach.
• Virginia Beach prohibited dogs on the boardwalk from 06:00 am to 07:00 pm during summer.
• Pets are always welcome on the boardwalk and beach during fall, winter, and spring. 
• Pets must always be on a leash on the beach and boardwalk. However, dogs enjoy freely on the beach during winter, fall, and spring. 
• During summer, dogs are prohibited from entering the Resort area’s sandy beach and water. 
• Pet owners are responsible for ensuring they clean up their dog waste.
• Owners must supervise dogs with proper recalling and voice commands when pets are off-leash. 
• As per the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, service animals are free from all restrictions and prohibitions. 

Virginia Beach Dog Licensing, Virginia

The City of Virginia lays down licensing and vaccination requirements for pets. Dogs over 4 months must be registered via the City Treasurer’s Office. For licensing, an up-to-date certificate for rabies vaccination is mandatory. Chargeable registration options for one, two, and three are available. Service dogs are licensed free of cost. 

Online registration for furry friends is also available. Dogs must wear their license badge with collar tag at all times. Tethering dogs for more than one hour per day is considered illegal. If a pet’s physical well-being is threatened by rabies vaccination. Then, a licensed veterinarian’s certificate exempts them from the same. 

How to reach Virginia Beach, Virginia

• By Air: Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and Reagan Washington (DCA) are the closest airports to Virginia Beach. From ORF, a line 020 bus is available for the beach. It takes around one hour (approx) to reach. 
• By Train: Passengers bound towards Virginia Beach take trains from nearby railway stations like Norfolk (NFK) and Newport News (NPN). 
• By Bus/ Motor Coach: Greyhound Bus Service provides a bus service to Virginia Beach and its nearby areas.
• By Water: Virginia Beach is well-connected by different waterways. Navigators reach the beach easily via the Atlantic Ocean or other Intracoastal waterways. 

About Dog-Friendly Virginia Beach – Virginia

Virginia Beach is a beautiful coastal city. It lies at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. This bustling and vibrant place is a popular summer destination.

The city has family-friendly beaches spread over miles. Thousands of visitors visit the waterfront and boardwalk annually. There’s a secluded beach called “Sandbridge” at the southern end. Various outdoor and adventurous pursuits are available here. 

The beach city offers much more than just a beautiful oceanfront and boardwalk. This place is renowned for its local dining experience, nearby attractions, and maritime history. Virginia Beach City also features unique districts.

Art and entertainment here provide unforgettable experiences for everyone. Visitors even enjoy fishing in the nearby False Cape State Park & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

• Parking: 4th Street Municipal Lot and 31st Street Public Parking Garage
• Nearby Visiting Places: Norfolk Botanical Garden and First Landing State Park
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant and CP Shuckers Cafe & Raw Bar
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Virginia Beach and Best Western Plus Holiday Sands Inn & Suites
• Dog Boarding: The Ruff House Stay & Play at Bayside and K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel Virginia Beach
• Rental Providers: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty and Action Property Management
• Events: Jackalope Fest, Mural Festival, Neptune Festival, Sand Soccer, Point Break, Summer Fireworks, etc
• Things to do: Swimming, fishing, surfing, flying kites, building sand castles, jogging, exercising, hiking, kayaking, etc 
• Amenities: Public restrooms, showers, changing stations, renowned oceanfront resort area, etc 
• Beach Hours: Virginia Beach is accessible 24/7

Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia

Virginia Beach features a beautiful 28-foot-wide boardwalk. It spreads over an area of three miles. Starting from Second Street, this boardwalk goes up to 40th Street. This glorious place is perfect for running, strolling, riding, and biking.

Visitors even catch glimpses of reeling anglers, wave-catching surfers, and children playing on the sand. There is a fully accessible “Grommet Island Park” playground on 40th Street. 

Nighttime entertainment with live music is available during the summer months. The boardwalk features a plethora of restaurants with outdoor seating. Visitors enjoy the cool sea breeze while eating fresh seafood. There are character statues for famous people, including King Neptune. This makes Street 31 a perfectly picturesque destination. 

Virginia Beach Rules and Regulations, Virginia

• Virginia Beach prohibits bringing and using any kind of glass containers or vessels.
• Consumption of marijuana, alcohol, and illegal drugs is prohibited on the beach.
• Visitors are barred from littering the beach or lighting any kind of grills and fires. 
• Overnight sleeping in Virginia Beach is prohibited by law. 
• Motorized and electric vehicles are prohibited on the beach. Exceptions are made for people with disabilities or by a permit for special events. Riding horses on dunes and beaches also requires a permit.
• Activities like throwing aerial objects, playing with balls, landing or launching personal watercraft, unauthorized surfing, and fishing are prohibited from 01st May till 31st September. 
• Visitors must always keep their bathing suits on. In Virginia Beach, changing clothes in public and any form of indecent exposure are strictly prohibited by law.

Conclusion

Virginia Beach is a renowned dog-friendly place in VA. It’s a popular destination among visitors all around the year. The beach lays down simple and easy dog rules for visitors to follow. Our furry friends enjoy strolling on both sand and boardwalk. There are many outdoor options to explore, like hiking and kayaking. This place is close to various shopping, dining, and entertainment hotspots.