City code 6‐5. This is allowed during certain times of the year and under certain restrictions. Dogs  are welcome to vacation in Virginia Beach all year long!  You just have to pay attention to some of the regional rules and regulations.

During the Off-Season Spring and Fall months (before 6:00pm the Friday before Memorial Day and after 6:00pm on Labor Day) dogs are invited to enjoy the public beaches and boardwalk area anytime.

During the “in-season” or Summer months, (6:00pm Friday before Memorial Day through 6:00pm on Labor Day), pets are not allowed on the main oceanfront beach from 1st to 42nd Street.

Virginia Beach City Code 6-5 essentially says the following…

During the “season,” which is defined as the time period from 6:00 p.m. on the Friday before Memorial Day through 6:00 p.m. Labor Day of each year, NO pets are allowed on the public beaches from Rudee Inlet on the south to 42nd Street on the north during the season. However, a dog may be permitted on beaches other than the beaches from Rudee Inlet on the south to 42nd Street on the north during the season between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. if leashed or under the control of the owner.

It is also unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit such animal to be on the boardwalk or the grassy area west of the boardwalk to the property lines during the “season”. However, a leashed dog, under the control of the owner, may be permitted on the boardwalk and the grassy area west of the boardwalk to the property lines during the season between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

These restrictions also cover any pet, other than a dog or cat, unless the animal is in an escape‐proof container. This includes, but is not limited to, any mammal, bird, or reptile. During this same “season” period, pets are not allowed on any other public sand beaches except before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.

***While on the beach, dogs must be leashed or under control of their owner or custodian***

It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to have the animal on Atlantic Avenue, or in the parks and connector streets between Atlantic Avenue and the boardwalk from Rudee Inlet to 42nd street, unless such animal is in an escape‐proof container. This provision shall not apply to leashed dogs.

It is unlawful to allow any pet to defecate on any public sand beach or litter the boardwalk or grassy area west of the boardwalk. In the event a pet defecates on the sand beach, the owner or custodian must remove the material defecated and dispose of it in an airtight container or wrapper and place same in a garbage receptacle. Additionally, during the times pets are permitted on the beaches, the owner or custodian must carry a container of sufficient size and adequate design to remove and dispose of all feces deposited by the animal.

This provision shall not apply to guide dogs, hearing or service dogs trained to accompany a person with a disability, or any dog or horse in the custody and control of a law enforcement officer while such officer is in the performance of his/her duties.

NOTE: If you have any questions please read the Virginia Beach City Code 6-5 directly

Dogs and Pets on the Beach : Basic Rules Cheatsheet