Bringing Your Pet to Ocracoke Island

When you vacation on Ocracoke Island there is no reason to leave your four legged family member behind. Many of our vacation homes do allow you to bring your dog.

All of the beaches on Ocracoke belong to the National Park Service and so fall under the guideline of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Here are some guidelines and suggestions to keep in mind when bringing Fido to our island.

When searching for a pet friendly home read the description carefully If you are not sure of the pet policy for any home please call our office; we are happy to help.

• Always keep a watchful eye on your pet, whether at the beach or in the village of Ocracoke
• Please clean up after your pets and dispose of waste in appropriate containers
• Do not let your dog drink salt water. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Bring fresh water when you and Fido head for the beach or the sound waters.
• Bring flea and tick protection for your pet.
• Please keep your pet on a leash at all times. There is a lot of traffic in the summer!

Dogs’ paws can be easily burned on hot pavement and/or hot sand. If the sand is too hot for your feet then it is also too hot for Benji’s paws. Mornings or early evenings are the best times for a walk.

There is a kennel here on Ocracoke; Sandy Paws Bed and Biscuit Inn. Phone: 252.928.3093. They are located across from the Variety Store on Hwy 12 and offer doggie day care, unlimited access to your pet in a climate controlled atmosphere.

Speaking of pets, you may have noticed the many cats living on the island. It is thought that these cats came over here with the island ponies and were survivors of shipwrecks.

Many locals and business owners provide care for the cats by providing food and water and veterinary care when needed. The OcraCats organization is a non-profit organization which often assists and helps to keep the cats healthy. One important goal is to work aggressively to neuter and spay the feral colonies to control breeding. If you would like to make a donation you may send to:

Ocracats PO Box 993 Ocracoke, NC 27960

All proceeds are tax deductible