It’s a sunny day in the Mother City and your dog is staring at you with puppy eyes begging for you to grab that leash for a walk. You’re bored of the daily trip around the block and your pooch can only mark his territory so many times... Why not take the leash and head off to the beach? You (and your dog) can take a long walk on the soft sand and cool off with a refreshing swim.

But wait– not so fast! Some beaches around the Cape have no-dogs-allowed policies. Don’t drive all the way to a golden shore, just to turnaround, disappointed. Don’t even consider taking your doggy to Clifton 2nd, 3rd or 4th, Maiden’s Cove, Silwerstroom, Broken Road, Fish Hoek, St James Tidal Pool, Blue Waters, Bikini beach and Gordon’s Bay beaches. They’re unfortunately reserved for two-legged friends only.

Pick one of the beaches listed in this blog and follow the rules to enjoy a relaxing day with your beloved four-legged friend.

 

The best dog-friendly beaches in Cape Town

 

Beaches where dogs are allowed and can run freely:

 

  • Clifton 1st
  • Sunset in Sea Point
  • Froggy Pond
  • The middle section of Hout Bay Beach
  • Long Beach, Kommetjie
  • Long Beach, Simon’s Town
  • Noordhoek Beach

 

Beaches where dogs are allowed, but need to wear leashes:

 

  • Graaff’s Tidal Pool
  • Capricorn
  • Nine Miles
  • Danger
  • Milton
  • Milton tidal pool

 

Beaches where dogs are allowed before 9AM and after 6PM:

 

  • Big Bay
  • Blaauwberg
  • Camps Bay
  • Clifton 4th
  • Llandudno
  • Melkbosstrand
  • Milnerton, at the lighthouse
  • Milnerton Lagoon
  • Saunders Rock, both the tidal pool and the beach
  • Three Anchor Bay
  • Sunrise
  • Mnandi

 

You now know where you and your dog can soak up some sun this summer, but do you know the etiquette for bringing your dog to the beach? You can’t just leave your doggy’s doo out there for another human to step in – yuk! Take a poop scoop and plastic bag with you to pick up the mess.

If your dog doesn’t mix well with others – keep them on a leash as you can’t always predict their behaviour. It’s in their nature to sniff around and to explore their surroundings. They could interfere with other dogs and people, destroy a child’s sand castle, or help themselves to someone else’s picnic.

Unfortunately, due to their curious nature, they might fall into a sandpit and break a leg or eat someone’s leftover snacks. Make sure that they are covered with dotsure.co.za pet insurance for those unexpected emergencies.

 

 

Enjoy your beach day and be safe!