About Hatteras | Services & Information: Pet Regulations

Hatteras Island Pet Regulations

Midgett Realty is pleased to offer more than 100 pet friendly houses. Whether you're playing catch, swimming in the ocean, or running along the shore, the beach can be fun and rewarding for both pets and their owners. To ensure that EVERY member of your family enjoys the best of Hatteras Island, please be mindful of the following:

On Hatteras Island, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less. Park Rangers will pick up loose pets, and hold them for a certain time period awaiting the owner to pick them up and pay the fine, or they may just issue a ticket or a fine and stay on hand while you put a leash on the pet. These laws are strictly enforced. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are permitted to remain with their owners at all times.

To ensure the continued enjoyment of our beaches, neighborhoods and homes, pet fecal matter must be picked up and disposed of by placing in a plastic container or bag. Please be mindful of neighbors' peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their vacation home too. Some people have instilled fears of pets (and unfortunately children are often not afraid of your pet, when they perhaps should be cautious).

We at Midgett Realty prefer that at no time should a pet be left alone at the vacation rental home. If it is an emergency and you must leave them please place them in a crate-like container made for a pet, or restrained in a secured pen, which may be provided by the owner on the ground level.

Helpful Hints for taking care of your pet at the beach

The sand can get VERY hot in the summer months, and your canine companion can burn his/her footpads...it's better to walk early in the morning or just before sunset when the sand is cool.
Take twice as much water as they may drink normally
Check for ticks at least once a day.
We suggest you remove them from the sun from noon to four o'clock on a sunny day.
Rinse with a hose at the end of each day in which pet has been immersed in ocean or sound waters. Listen and look for excessive scratching and/or skin irritations.