Pets

Summertime bayside stroll near Watch Hill Marina.

Pets are restricted March 15 through Labor Day on Fire Island National Seashore's ocean beaches and in the Fire Island Wilderness.

• Pets on the Beach

Where Can I Take My Dog?

During the summer when ocean beaches are closed to pets, your leashed pet can still join you in some areas:

• Pets are permitted:
• • On the ferry from Patchogue (Davis Park Ferry Company) to Watch Hill or Davis Park on Fire Island ($5.25 round trip dog fare in 2012);
  • On the ferry from Sayville (Sayville Ferry Service) to Sailors Haven, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines and Water Island ($4.50 round trip dog fare in 2012; $2.50 each way 12/24/12-3/10/13);
  • On the ferry from Bay Shore (Fire Island Ferries) to the western Fire Island communities ($7.50 round trip dog fare in 2012)
  • Between communities and park destinations via Fire Island Water Taxi (fares variable)
    
• On park boardwalks
  
• On bayside beaches at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sailors Haven, Talisman/Barrett Beach, and Watch Hill.
  Low tide is best, but not all bayside shorelines are suitable for a stroll.
  
• On your boat in the park's concession-operated Sailors Haven Marina or Watch Hill Marina.
  
• In the concession-operated Watch Hill Campground (but they may not be left unattended)
  

 

Pets must be kept under control on a leash no more than six feet in length. Keeping pets on the boardwalk helps protect them from ticks which may transmit Lyme disease to dogs and people.

While Fire Island National Seashore offers some areas where you and your pet may enjoy the park together responsibly, the National Park Service does not allow pets (excluding service animals) in buildings, on ocean beaches from March 15 through Labor Day, in picnic areas, or in areas closed for wildlife protection. Pets must be leashed at all times.

Service animals include any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing, mobility assistance dogs and seizure alert dogs.

Dogs and other domestic pets may be permitted to ride on ferries to Fire Island, at the discretion of the captain. A dog fare is charged.

During the summer, when piping plovers and colonial nesting birds are nesting, all stretches of federally-owned beach are closed to pets, and pets are not allowed in the wilderness area at that time. Your dog may walk with you on most boardwalks and foot trails. Pets are permitted to stay with you in the Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas and at the Watch Hill Campground. However, pets may not be tied to docks, boardwalks, structures or facilities, and may not be left unattended.

All pet excrement in public use areas or on the beach must be picked up and disposed of properly.

For the safety of your pet, the park's resources, and other visitors, your pet must be kept on leash and under control. Leashes must be six feet in length or less. With a leash, your pet is less likely to be exposed to ticks (which may transmit Lyme disease), poison ivy (oils can be transferred from your pet's fur to your skin, causing a rash), or other plants with thorns or burs. It also decreases the chance of a dangerous encounter with wildlife or other pets.

When you bring your pet to the park be aware of your surroundings. Respect the rights of others who may have a fear of your pet-even a friendly one. Remember to bring plenty of food and water, clean up after your pet, and never leave a pet tied up and unattended. Don't forget that the heat of summer and walking in the sand can be stressful for many dogs.

Rules and restrictions on pets vary in the Fire Island communities. If you plan to visit one of the 17 communities, Robert Moses State Park, or Smith Point County Park, please contact them directly for their current regulations regarding pets.