News Release

Updated Ordinance Keeps Dogs Leash Free on Hilton Head Island Beaches

October 6, 2022

Under an updated ordinance the Hilton Head Island Town Council passed on Tuesday, dogs will still be able to frolic on island beaches without a leash at designated times.

With the exception to let the dogs run freely along the shore, the ordinance aligns with an animal control ordinance Beaufort County adopted in April.  It keeps in place what is already on the books pertaining to dogs running off-leash on Hilton Head Island beaches.

“We know people love to bring their dogs to the beach and let them run loose, play in the ocean, and catch objects tossed to them – all while being under voice command. We wanted to make sure they still had the freedom to do that,” said Mayor John McCann.

Beaufort County updated its ordinance to match one the State of South Carolina recently adopted. Under the  county’s ordinance, pet owners are required to always have their animals on a leash when outdoors, whether on their private property or elsewhere.  

The Town’s ordinance, which goes into effect immediately, follows all other rules and regulations set forth in the county’s ordinance.

Here are the times when dogs are allowed on the beach:

• October thru March
  Anytime
  On Leash or Under Voice Control
   
• April thru Thursday Before Memorial Day
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Leash
  5 p.m. to 10 a.m. On Leash or Under Voice Control
   
• Friday before Memorial Day thru Labor Day
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not Allowed on the Beach
  5 p.m. to 10 a.m. On Leash or Under Voice Control
   
• Tuesday after Labor Day thru September
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Leash
  5 p.m. to 10 a.m. On Leash or Under Voice Control

For more information, visit the Town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/animals.