What pet owners should know before making the move.
Moving to Myrtle Beach with a pet can make coastal life even more enjoyable. Morning walks near the water, afternoons at the dog park and patios that welcome four-legged guests make it easier to include pets in everyday plans.
Living here with a pet is still different from vacationing here with one. Beach access changes during the summer, community rules vary and the coastal heat may affect when your normal walks happen. Knowing what to expect before the move can help everyone settle into Grand Strand life more comfortably.
Start With the Home, Not the Beach
A property may look perfect until you consider how it will work for your pet each day. Before purchasing a home or signing a lease, review any rules involving the number, size or type of animals allowed. Condominium buildings, homeowners associations and rental communities may each have their own policies.
Think beyond the written rules, too. One household may need a fenced backyard, while another may prioritize sidewalks, an elevator or easy access to a relief area. Cat owners may be more interested in quiet interior spaces, secure windows and a screened porch where their pets can safely enjoy the coastal air.
Learn the Local Beach Rules
The general rule along the Grand Strand is straightforward: dogs are welcome on many beaches, but their hours are limited during the busier summer season.
In Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. North Myrtle Beach restricts dogs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 15 through Labor Day. Outside those seasonal hours, leashed dogs are generally welcome, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
Myrtle Beach State Park follows the same 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. summer restriction. Huntington Beach State Park welcomes leashed dogs year-round in designated outdoor areas, including the southern portion of the beach.
Because the rules depend on the municipality or park you are visiting, check the current guidelines before heading out.
Bring Your Dog Along for Dinner
The Myrtle Beach area has plenty of restaurant patios, but a few local businesses take the pet-friendly experience a step further.
TIDAL CREEK BREWHOUSE
Tidal Creek Brewhouse in The Market Common is one of the area’s best-known gathering places for dog owners. Its outdoor beer garden offers plenty of room to spread out, while the enclosed K-9 Korral gives dogs a place to play off leash among agility features and toys. Dogs should remain leashed around the main brewhouse and beer-garden areas.
The relaxed setting makes it easy to stop by for morning coffee, weekend brunch, dinner or a locally brewed beer without leaving your dog at home.
THE SNEAKY BEAGLE
The Sneaky Beagle in Carolina Forest fully embraces its canine theme. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area, and the restaurant even offers a separate dog menu alongside its selection of tacos, sandwiches, sushi, craft beer and cocktails.
It has the feel of a casual neighborhood hangout, making it an easy choice for lunch or dinner after a walk around Carolina Forest.
CROOKED HAMMOCK BREWERY
Crooked Hammock Brewery at Barefoot Landing feels more like a backyard gathering than a traditional restaurant. Its outdoor area features hammocks, lawn games, casual seating and plenty of room to enjoy the atmosphere with a dog beside you. Pets are welcome in the backyard area.
It works particularly well when you want an outing rather than just a meal, especially for groups that plan to stay awhile.
KING STREET GRILLE
King Street Grille offers a large pet-friendly patio in The Market Common, complete with televisions for watching games. Its broad sports-bar menu makes it a practical stop for groups with different tastes, and the surrounding district provides plenty of sidewalks for a walk before or after dinner.
Restaurant pet policies can change because of weather, staffing or local requirements, so calling ahead is always a good idea when visiting somewhere new.
Put the Pet Events on Your Calendar
The Grand Strand’s pet community has several events that give dogs and their owners a reason to get out together.
MYRTLE PAWS
Held at Grand Park, Myrtle Paws brings together vendors, music, entertainment, pet photos and a canine costume contest. The event also begins with the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound walk around the lake, with raffle proceeds supporting the Grand Strand Humane Society.
LEASHES AND BEACHES
North Myrtle Beach’s Leashes and Beaches K9 Skills Competition features activities such as agility courses, scent-based challenges and speed competitions. The 2026 event marked its third year at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex.
WET NOSE WEDNESDAYS
During baseball season, Wednesday home games at Pelicans Ballpark welcome dogs in designated seating areas. Dog-ticket proceeds benefit local charities and organizations that work with animals, turning a night at the ballpark into an easy pet-friendly outing.
Dates and event details can change each year, so check the organizers’ current calendars before making plans.
Handle the Practical Details Before Moving Day
Transfer your pet’s vaccination and medical records before relocating, and identify both a regular veterinarian and an after-hours emergency option.
Animal Emergency Hospital of the Strand is located on Beaver Run Boulevard and provides overnight emergency care during the week, continuous weekend coverage and 24-hour service on major holidays.
Pet planning should also be part of your household’s hurricane preparations. Ready.gov recommends creating an emergency plan and keeping food, water, medications, medical records, identification and travel supplies together in an accessible pet kit.
Update microchip and identification-tag information as soon as your telephone number or address changes. On moving day, keep pets secured in a quiet room, carrier or trusted caretaker’s home while exterior doors are repeatedly opening.
Give Your Pet Time to Settle In
A new home brings unfamiliar sounds, smells and routines. Dogs may benefit from short walks around the new neighborhood before being introduced to crowded beaches or dog parks. Cats may adjust more comfortably in one quiet room before gradually exploring the rest of the house.
Try to maintain familiar feeding, medication and bedtime schedules during the transition. The beach will still be there once your pet understands that the new house is home.
Find a Home That Works for the Whole Household
A pet-friendly move is about more than finding a property that permits animals. The right home should support the way you and your pet live every day.
The agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Coastal Real Estate can help you explore homes and communities throughout the Grand Strand while considering details such as fenced yards, sidewalks, condominium access and proximity to parks. Our team can also help you obtain current community documents so applicable pet policies can be reviewed before you make a final decision.
The right coastal home should work for everyone moving in—whether they need a home office, an easy trip to the beach or a safe place to chase a tennis ball.
Editor’s note: Beach regulations, restaurant policies, park rules and event schedules may change. Confirm current information directly with the appropriate municipality, park or business before visiting.
