Are Dogs Allowed on Venice Beach? What You Need to Know!

Venice Beach, known for its laid-back atmosphere and nautical theme, is also a hotspot for those seeking an inspiring vacation. It’s no wonder—this picturesque seaside community provides a multitude of sights and activities. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or exploring nearby attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do in Venice Beach. With that being said, it’s also a great idea to follow local regulations while visiting this scenic destination.

But can you take your dog to the beach?

Can You Take Dogs to Venice Beach?

Unfortunately, you cannot take your dog on the actual beach; however, you can take them on the boardwalk. They must be leashed and cannot roam freely along the boardwalk for their safety and the safety of others. Dogs are welcome between the hours of 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Are There Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Venice Beach?

There are a handful of dog-friendly beaches in the Los Angeles area. If you and your dog want to play in the waves and soak up the sun, check out one of these two places:

• Rosie’s Dog Beach: While not an “official” dog beach, Rosie’s has dedicated Dog Zone hours from 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily in an off-leash area. This is a fantastic place to play on the sand and in the water.
• Huntington Dog Beach: This is another great choice if you want a beach day with your dog. If your dog adheres to proper doggy etiquette, they will have an incredible time!

Things to Consider When Preparing Your Dog for a Day at the Beach

If you plan on taking your dog to the beach this season, it’s important to prepare them ahead of time so they aren’t worried or uncomfortable when they get there. There are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to make sure your pup has an enjoyable day at the beach.

Be Aware of the Weather Conditions Before You Go

Be sure to check the weather before you head to the beach. Be aware of the potential for rain, strong winds, or unexpected snow for the day. If this happens, you want to be able to quickly put your pup in a safe place, make sure it’s hydrated, and have access to some snacks. It also helps to find a few emergency spots just in case you weren’t able to make it home immediately.

Plan Activities Before You Leave

If you’re heading to the beach with your dog, it’s a good idea to plan activities before you leave. This ensures that you and your dog have something to do when you’re out and about. Some great activities that you can engage in before heading to the beach include walking your dog, a game of fetch or frisbee, a swim in the lake, a hike in the nearby mountains, or a trip to the dog park. Anything that will keep your dog busy and out of the sand will help keep them less anxious and less likely to get sand in their eyes.

Bring Plenty of Water/Snacks for Your Dog

Be sure to bring enough water for your dog. It helps if you can also bring a small bowl or cup to save on water. Depending on how long you plan on staying out at the beach, you may want to bring one or two liters. It’s best to feed your dog before heading out to the beach, but you also want to bring a few snacks as well. This will help keep the dog’s energy levels up while it burns off those calories.

Consider a Plan B Activity

If you only plan on taking your dog to the beach, you may be missing out on so many other opportunities to get your dog excited about summer. Be sure to always have a Plan B, just in case of last-minute weather changes (rain, high tides, etc.), unexpected issues at the beach, and other factors that you can’t predict. Look for local dog-friendly events to attend, like a dog race or dog park cleanup day. You can also try taking your dog to a farmer’s market or to a pet supply store to spend time with other dogs.

Activities to Do With Your Dog at the Beach

Having your dog at the beach can be a hugely fun experience for both of you. Here are some activities to do with your dog at the beach.

Hiking

Hiking is a great activity to do with your dog at the beach. Depending on the terrain of the beach that you’ve chosen to visit, you can choose a path that suits both your ability and your dog’s capacity to navigate different terrains.

Also, be sure to have a good idea of just how much activity your dog can take for the day, including how long and how far it can walk comfortably. If you do choose to hike, you should be careful to monitor your dog’s panting. If your dog begins panting heavily, it may be a sign that the terrain is too difficult for them to navigate. In such a case, you may want to consider ending the hike early. Additionally, be sure not to hike too close to high tide, as you and your dog could get caught up in it.

Fetching

If you and your dog are avid fans of fetch, the beach is the perfect place to indulge in the game. However, the beach is a different playing field than a regular park or backyard, so you’ll want to find the right toys to use while you’re out.

Specifically, you’ll want to find a stick that floats—you can buy toy float sticks for your dog on Amazon. While playing fetch on the beach, you should be mindful of the tide. If you’re playing very close to the water, be sure to keep an eye on when the tides change. And if you’re playing with a ball, you should be careful not to toss it too close to the water, where the dog may get caught up in a tide and be swept away.

Playing in Shallow Areas

If your dog loves splashing around and getting their paws wet, you can take them to the shallows near the shore. While you and your pup are in the shallows, you should monitor the dog’s pawing and splashing, making sure that they don’t accidentally dig a hole in the sand or stir up any items that may be harmful to their health.

You should also be sure to monitor your dog for signs of cold-water shock. If your dog shows signs of being cold (i.e., uncontrollable shivering, curling into a ball, etc.), you may want to take them out of the water and get them warm as soon as possible. Additionally, while you’re in the shallow area, you should be careful of any items on the ocean floor that may cut your feet or your dog’s paws. Consider wearing scuba shoes and getting shoes for your pup–which are super adorable.

Tug of War

If your dog loves playing tug of war, you can bring a rope to the beach and engage in the game while you’re there. While you’re playing, be mindful of your dog’s teeth and gums. Try not to drag your dog through the water by its teeth, as this can cause serious gum damage.

You should also monitor your dog for signs of overexertion. If your dog is breathing heavily or panting heavily, you should end the game—remember that the water will cause your pup to tire more easily.

Wrapping Things Up

Summer is the perfect time to take your dog to the beach, but unfortunately, Venice Beach is a no-go. However, you are more than welcome to walk your dog on the Venice Beach Boardwalk during the summer months between the designated times.

If you are really craving a beach day with your dog, check out Rosie’s Dog Beach and Huntington Dog Beach. If you’re planning on taking your dog to the beach, make sure you bring water, snacks, poop bags, a leash, and some dog-friendly sunscreen.

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