• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013

    Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »

Pets on the Beach

Woman with large dog strolling on beach during the early fall.
After Labor Day, you can enjoy a stroll on Fire Island National Seashore beaches with your well-mannered dog. Between March 15 and Labor Day, pets are restricted on federally-owned ocean beaches.

Pets must always be leashed, and are not permitted at Robert Moses State Park, parts of Smith Point County Park, or on some Fire Island community beaches. 
 
No Dogs Sign at beach

From March 15 through Labor Day, pets (excluding service animals) are not permitted on Fire Island National Seashore ocean beaches.

This closure is made to protect federally and state listed threatened and endangered species.

Pets are also not permitted in Robert Moses State Park or parts of Smith Point County Park. Several Fire Island communities prohibit dogs and other pets on the beach. Please check before you plan your visit with your dog.

 
Plover nesting area sign in front of Lighthouse.

During the plover nesting season, the National Park Service closes its ocean beaches to pets and kites, and further restricts vehicle access to the beach.

The first piping plover of the season is usually observed on Fire Island by mid-March. Nesting and mating begins soon after the birds arrive, and the first egg of the season can be expected by late April. Fire Island National Seashore begins installation of fencing to protect suitable plover habitat around the beginning of April. As nests are established, exclosures are constructed to protect both the nests and the eggs. After chicks have fledged, or flown from the nest, symbolic fencing is left up to protect suitable habitat for threatened and rare plant species, the seabeach amaranth and the seabeach knotweed.
 
Man walking leashed dog on bayside beach.

Considerate, responsible pet owners help ensure a peaceful coexistence in the park.

Where dogs are allowed, please remember:

  • Pets must always be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Always be considerate and pick up after your pet. Dispose of pet waste properly. (Don't bury dog feces in the sand on the beach.)

Where Can I Take My Pet?

  • Threatened and Endangered Species Threatened and Endangered Species

    Fire Island Nationalal Seashore provides important habitat for several T & E species. Read More

  • Piping Plovers Piping Plovers

    nest on Fire Island's beaches. Read More

  • Enjoy Each Season Enjoy Each Season

    Most people visit Fire Island during the summer, but each season has its own allure. Read More

  • Where Can I Take My Dog? Where Can I Take My Dog?

    Always keep your pet leashed for its protection. Read More

Did You Know?

Three hard-bound books and portraits from the late 1800s are lined up on a dark table.

The Floyd family left to the National Park Service more than 3,000 books from their family's personal library. A number of books were written by descendants of William Floyd, who lived in the house at "Old Mastic." More...