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Dog Rules and Regulations
Dogs and Beaches
Good Harbor Beach
Dog Prohibited: April 1st – September 30th
In addition, unleashed dogs shall be allowed on Good Harbor beach from October 1st to March 31st annually, only on even-numbered days. Please note that the previous date of April 30th has been changed in accordance with a recently adopted City ordinance as well as state and federal laws protecting nesting areas for piping plovers.
Wingaersheek Beach
Dog Prohibited: May 1st – September 30th
In addition, unleashed dogs shall be allowed on Wingaersheek Beach from October 1st to April 30th annually, only on odd-numbered days.
Plum Cove Beach and Cressy Beach
Dog Prohibited: May 1st – September 30th
Unleashed dogs shall be allowed on Plum Cove Beach and Cressy Beach in the off season from October 1st to April 30th annually.
Crab Beach
Dog Allowed: All Year
Dogs are allowed on "Crab Beach" off-leash at all times subject to the conditions contained in GCO Sec. 4-16a.
All Other Public Beaches
Dog Prohibited: May 1st – September 30th
Dogs shall be prohibited from public beaches from May 1st to September 30th annually. Dogs shall be allowed on public beaches from October 1st to April 30th annually and shall be under the control of the owner or keeper.
Fines
$300 per violation. Fines for violations will be double in season for beaches and other off-leash areas as determined. (GCO Ch. 4, Sec. 4-16a)
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Dog licenses run from April 30th to April 30th of the following year. A $10.00 late fee will go into effect on May 1st. Any dog not licensed for the previous year will need to pay for a previous year’s license fee as well as a late fee of $10.00 in addition to paying for the current year's license fee. Purchase of a previous year's dog license in a new calendar year does not satisfy your requirement to license your dog for the new calendar year, and you will still be required to purchase a dog tag for the new calendar year when they become available for sale. (GCO Ch. 4, Sec. 4-22(b))
Dogs must always remain under the control of their owner or keeper.
Dog Regulations
Recent changes to the Gloucester Code of Ordinances regarding dogs are listed below:
- 2/26/2019: Dogs allowed on public beaches at certain times (PDF)
- 4/10/2018: Dogs allowed on Crab Beach (PDF)
- 2/14/2017: Dogs allowed on Cressy Beach on consecutive days in the off season (PDF)
- 12/13/2016: Dogs running at large prohibited; dogs allowed on public beaches at certain times; Off-leash dog areas; Redemption of impounded dogs; Pound, dog officer (amended 2/26/2019) (PDF)
- 12/13/2016: Dogs digging holes at the beach; fines (PDF)
- 10/25/2016: Dog park; weight restrictions (PDF)
- 7/12/2016: Dogs prohibited from city-owned flower beds; fines (PDF)
- 1/12/2016: Dogs allowed on Plum Cove Beach on consecutive days in the off season (PDF)