Fire Island National Seashore - Pets on the Beach (U.S. National Park Service)

Watch for these signs. Closures may be implemented suddenly as new nests are located, or other conditions arise.

From mid-March through Labor Day, pets (excluding seeing eye dogs and other service-related animals) and kites are not permitted at the following Fire Island National Seashore locations:

On the ocean beach from the east boundary of Robert Moses State Park to the Village of Kismet (includes the beach in front of the Fire Island Lighthouse).
On the ocean beach between Oakleyville and Cherry Grove in the Sailors Haven area (which is part of the Sunken Forest Preserve).
From the western boundary of Smith Point County Park west to Long Cove (in front of the Fire Island Wilderness and just east of Watch Hill).
Additional areas as necessary due to actively nesting piping plovers:
- In late May 2008, the beach closure was expanded at Watch Hill to include the beach west to Davis Park (Ocean Ridge).
- In 2008, a portion of the beach in front of the community of Point O'Woods was closed to pets and kites and vehicles due to the hatching of a nest at that location.
- In 2007, piping plovers also nested at Barrett Beach, where closures were also implemented.

These closures are made to protect federally and state listed threatened and endangered species. Dates normally coincide with anticipated arrival and departure times for the threatened piping plover.

Pets are not permitted at any time on lifeguarded beaches (Watch Hill, Sailors Haven, Barrett Beach).

Pets are also not permitted in Robert Moses State Park or in Smith Point County Park.

Several Fire Island communities prohibit dogs and other pets on the beach. Please check before you plan your visit.

Plover nesting area sign in front of Lighthouse.

During the plover nesting season, the National Park Service closes portions of its beaches to pets and kites, and further restricts vehicle access to the beach.

The first piping plover of the season is usually observed on Fire Island by mid-March. Nesting and mating begins soon after the birds arrive, and the first egg of the season can be expected by late April. Fire Island National Seashore begins installation of fencing to protect suitable plover habitat around the beginning of April. As nests are established, exclosures are constructed to protect both the nests and the eggs. After chicks have fledged, or flown from the nest, symbolic fencing is left up to protect suitable habitat for threatened and rare plant species, the seabeach amaranth and the seabeach knotweed.

Woman walks her dog on the beach at edge of water.

Considerate, responsible pet owners help ensure a peaceful coexistence on the beach.

Where dogs are allowed, please remember:

Pets must always be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Always be considerate and pick up after your pet. Dispose of pet waste properly. (Don't bury dog feces in the sand on the beach.)