Folly loves its furry friends, just make sure you follow the rules
by Matt Poust | Contributing Writer
As calendars flip to May, Folly Beach inches its way toward beach season. Storefronts bolster their staff for the great tourism flock, beach chairs and umbrellas stake claim like territorial flags, boats fill the waterways, and comically bad sunburns become commonplace. A beloved time of year for many. But maybe not for our furry four-legged friends who see it as the time of year they’re forced to tuck tail and ride the bench. The annual restriction that bars dogs from the beach during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. begins May 1. Added foot traffic, the arrival of turtle season, and sweltering heat amounting to less fun in the sun for Fido until Sept. 30.
The warning shots for this year’s set of restrictions sounded early as some proposed dog-related ordinance amendments got some residents’ hackles up.
Ultimately not adopted by city council during its April 14 meeting, these amendments, presented by Folly Beach Public Safety Chief Andrew Gilreath, aimed to set a standard leash length for dogs on the beach and strengthen proper pet waste disposal requirements.
While the disposal proposal—sparked by beach patrol and residents noticing an uptick in green sacks of biohazard material garnishing Folly’s protected dunes and access points—seemed amicable enough to most, it was the set leash length that raised the scruff of some dog owners.
As Gilreath explained to the council, however, it wasn’t a specified short leash length he was chasing, rather a set standard that would alter the language of the current ordinance, which vaguely states owners must have a leash that keeps their pet “under control.”
This ambiguous language makes it tough to enforce a law for beach patrol and leaves interpretation to the owner’s discretion. While the “in control” law may mean a five-foot from the hip stroll on the beach to some, it can spell a 30-foot lease of real estate for the Labrador bumrushing bystanders like a slobbering linebacker to others.
Even with this added jurisdictional hoopla hampering hounds during their struggle months, it’s important to remember that Folly is far from anti-canine. Quite the opposite, actually.
It’s still a dog’s world on the beachfront from dusk to dawn, and as long as they avoid the no-go zones at the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve and Folly Beach Pier, they can strut like a show dog, splash in the surf, and chase the sacred frisbee.
Those seeking some off-the-leash controlled chaos for their pooch can find it at The Bark Park off of East Erie Avenue – just walk toward the FB water tower if their instincts don’t lead the way first.
Rolling into the dog days of summer, it’s vital to remember to keep your dogs hydrated, off any sand-turned-stovetop, and away from seaweed and saltwater ingestion. If they didn’t pop a squat before beach time, those lovely green sacks can be found at most access points, along with trash cans for proper disposal of them.
If the heat gets too heavy, shade and sustenance can be found just a stroll away at a long list of pet-friendly spots on Folly.
All things considered, and doggone rules taken into account, the average beachgoer will find that Folly’s pet friendliness is in abundance. Just keep Sparky from acting like a landshark and going full-on Jaws on someone, and keep them off of turtle nests and from destroying some poor kid’s prized sandcastle, and everything should be peachy.
Places to Take your Pup (other than the beach)
• Folly Beach Bark Park: A fenced-in, off-leash city park, located on the east side of the island by the water tower (near East Erie or East Hudson). It features shade, seating, and water for dogs.
• Folly River Park: A shaded, waterfront park on Center Street, perfect for a leashed walk with marsh views.
• Folly Beach County Park (West End): A great spot to enjoy the beach, picnic areas, and scenic, quieter views of the inlet and sunset
Rules for Dogs on the Beach
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between May 1 and September 30. Outside of those dates and hours, dogs can be on the beach if they are on a leash and under control. (Oct 1-April 30): Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.)
• A leash is required at all times on the beach when dogs are allowed, and pets are never allowed on the Folly Beach Pier.
• Pet waste must be picked up and bags must be disposed off in trash.
• At the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the far east end, no pets are allowed due to sensitive nesting habitat. It is a beautiful place to view the Morris Island Lighthouse, but it is a wildlife preserve, so please leave pups at home for this one.
• City ordinances are enforced, with fines that can be significant for violations.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
• Catch 23 (rooftop patio)
• Center Street Coffee (outdoor seating)
• Chico Feo (anywhere)
• Coconut Joe’s (back patio and rooftop)
• Dead Low (back patio)
• Drop-In Deli (limited outdoor porch)
• Folly Crab Shack (outdoor seating)
• Jack of Cups (backyard and front patio)
• Loggerheads Beach Grill (back patio)
• LoLo’s (waterfront deck)
• Lost Dog Cafe (on front & side patio)
• LowLife (outdoor patio/open-air seating)
• Pinky’s (back patio, open-air seating)
• Planet Follywood (side and back patio)
• Revelry Brewing (anywhere)
• Rita’s Seaside Grille (outdoor seating area)
• Taco Boy (covered deck)
• Slice of Folly (limited outdoor seating)
• The Washout (outdoor, open-air seating)
• Woody’s Pizza (outdoor patio)
