Dog Friendly Information

Cape May County is a wonderful place to bring your best friend along with you! We've gathered some helpful information about places you can bring your dog with you around town. Please make sure to confirm with individual businesses and municipality websites prior to visiting as policys are always subject to change. 

 

Beach Information
 Cape May City

Dogs are permitted on Cape May City Beaches during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs shall be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker. The owner or caretaker shall carry a dog waste disposal device. Any owner or caretaker of a dog who permits such dog to leave animal waste on the Boardwalk, Promenade, beach without disposing of same shall be subject to penalties.


Higbee Beach Wildlife Management

Area Allows dogs from September 1 to April 30. Higbee is owned by the State of New Jersey and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Although you may see dogs year-round, it is not technically permitted. We would recommend reading NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife WMA Regulations for more information.


Cape May Point

Dogs are permitted from November 1 through March 14. Dogs must be leashed at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs must be accompanied by an owner over 12 years of age.


Sunset Beach

Allows dogs September 15 to April 15th


Lower Township

Leashed animals are permitted anytime of the day during the off-season. Animals are prohibited at the beach between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm in-season (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Dogs are to be leashed at all times when they are off of the premises of the possessor and it is mandatory that people clean up after their animals. Lower's beaches run along the Bay coast and are quite narrow compared to Cape May's. Follow directions to the Ferry terminal, then make a right rather than turn into the Ferry complex. The beach will be on your left as you drive north. Park where you can find a space and enjoy!


Cape May Point State Park

Dogs are prohibited at Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge in an effort to protect vulnerable chicks of the federally threatened Piping Plovers and Least Terns.

 

Dog Friendly RestaurAnts 

5 West Pub - You’ll enjoy fabulous food and cool cocktails in a casual pub atmosphere! Happy Hour Daily 3-6pm (All Day Sunday) Big Screen TV’s too! 

Beach Plum Farm - Discover the old and open spaces of Beach Plum Farm, our 62-acre working farm tucked away in West Cape May.

Bella Vida Garden Café - A charming family friendly neighborhood cafe with lots of home cooking. Soups, salads, fresh seafood & more.

The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall - Signature American fare – nostalgic, simple and fresh – featuring local seafood and produce in a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

Elaine’s - Get excited to dine in our restaurant, on the Porch, or in the newly expanded Phinney’s Pub, where our culinary staff works hard to deliver the freshest ingredients and finest cocktail options Cape May has to offer.

Fins Bar & Grille - Fins Bar and Grille on the Washington Street Mall serves lunch, dinner and cocktails daily.

Harbor View - The place to be if you like beautiful sunsets, great food and fun times. Arrive by car or arrive by boat and enjoy Cape May’s best view of the Harbor.

Harpoons on the Bay - “Paradise Found!” Situated directly on the Delaware Bay with sunsets to die for, at Harpoon Henry’s, you’ll have to agree you’ve found paradise!

Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille - Classic American fare with a nod to Cape May’s great seafood, more than 30 draft & bottled beers. All new for 2016 – a completely redesigned open-air dining room and oceanfront patio bar, with unparalleled panoramic views.

Oceanview Diner & Family Restaurant - A family owned and operated diner/family restaurant in beautiful Cape May. Oceanside setting, warm hospitality, and oversized portions. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Mario’s of Cape May - Mario’s Pizza and Italian Eatery is a family-run business and more than just a pizza place.

Saltwater Café - A unique twist on all the great standards you’d expect from a cafe, plus some delicious, exclusive recipes found only here …and a marina view which can’t be beat.

Tisha’s - Fine Italian, New-American and Seafood in a tradition of love and passion for food and people.

Uncle Bills’ Pancake House - Breakfast is served all day with over 15 different types of pancakes, waffles, french toast, fabulous omelets, farm fresh eggs and meats. Uncle Bill’s has pet friendly outside dining and an extensive lunch menu too!

Dog Friendly Activities

7 Mile Brewery - We make great beer as interesting as the people who drink it.

Cape May Cycle Cruises - “Cape May Cycle Cruises is the first and only pontoon pedal boat in South Jersey! An active way to experience the beautiful Cape May Harbor from the water with family and friends.”

Cape May Point State Park - An ideal location for birding, picnics, and nature walks

Cape May Promenade - Cape May’s promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, taking you on a scenic walk or run past Cape May’s beaches.

Cape May Whale Watcher  - The 110 foot Cape May Whale Watcher has been dolphin and whale watching in the Cape May, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Atlantic City and the rest of the New Jersey Shore area since 1993.

Cape May Winery - Quality wines, exceptional service, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes everyone feel a part of our family after the first sip!

Cold Spring & Middle Township Bike Paths - Combined, Cold Spring Bike Path (2.7 miles) and Middle Township Bike Path (8.9 miles) will take you from Historic Cold Spring Village all the way to the Cape May County Park and Zoo.

Cold Spring Brewery - Good beers for a great cause! New Jersey’s first non-profit brewery. Supports Historic Cold Spring Village an open-air living history museum.

Jessie Creek Winery - A boutique winery tucked away by the bay in Cape May Court House. Here you can experience the intimate side of wine production and get a feel for hands-on vineyard cultivation.

Nauti Spirits Distillery - Artisan spirits, handcrafted from ingredients harvested from area farms. The facility features a tour, Tasting Room and Bottle Shop. Innovative cocktails, using fresh ingredients, created onsite, daily.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum - Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is a non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport inside historic Hangar #1.

Slack Tide Brewing Company - Slack Tide Brewing Company has a simple philosophy: create diverse and high-quality beer made with all-natural ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

Sunset Beach & the SS Atlantus - Miniature golf, shopping, a grille (open in season), and the wrecked SS Atlantus—an experimental concrete ship (yes, concrete!) that ran aground during a storm in 1926.

Willow Creek Winery - The only Napa-style winery located on Cape May Island. Pet-friendly patio.

 

Dog Etiquette and City Ordinances

• First, keep your dog on a leash that is no more than 6’ long.

• Your dog may not ride in the back of a pick-up truck, as this violates state laws governing cruelty to animals.

• You must clean up after your dog! Droppings must be disposed of in a sanitary manner (scooper, paper towel and plastic baggie are the tools for this task). Failure to do so could result in a $100 fine for each violation.

• Dogs are permitted on Cape May City beaches and promenade only during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker.

• By city ordinance, dogs are not permitted on the Washington Street Mall under any circumstances, whether or not controlled by a leash. There are signs to this effect posted at mall entrances. Although people break this rule, we would urge you to follow it so that you aren't subject to any penalties.

• Some stores in Cape May are pet-friendly, but not all, so please ask the shopkeeper before entering.

 

Emergency Veterinary Care 

Cape Veterinary Hospital - Hours: Monday – Friday 8AM-8PM – Saturday 8AM-2PM  Cape Veterinary Hospital - Hours: Monday – Friday 8AM-8PM – Saturday 8AM-2PM Located: 305 Swainton-Goshen Road Cape May, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-465-9326

Ocean View Veterinary Hospital - 24-hour emergency veterinary services and extended care hours during the evening and on weekends. Located: 2033 Route 9 North Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-486-5025

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - A 24-hour emergency animal hospital in Linwood, New Jersey, about 45 minutes from Cape May. No appointment needed. Located: 535 Maple Ave Linwood, NJ 08221 Telephone: 609-926-5300

Parkway Veterinary Hospital – Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30AM – 7PM Friday 8:30AM – 5:30PM Saturday 8:30AM – 3PM Sunday: CLOSED Located: 1173 Route 9 South Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-465-5590

 

Cape May Dog Friendly Parks and Trails
  • Cape May Dog Park - Located on Lafayette Street near the corner of Broad, the dog park has a gazebo, toys, and a water source for when the dogs get thirsty during play. The park is double gated for easier entry and introduction. It's open daily from dawn to dusk. Passes are required to use the park. They're available at City Hall & Swain’s Hardware Store. Please call the city Clerk's office at 609-884-9525.
  • Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek – Please keep your dog leashed on the trails. Located: 801 Wilson Street Cape May, NJ 08204 Telephone: 609-861-0600
  • Historic Cold Spring Village - Historic Cold Spring Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun.”- The Sperlak Gallery & Sculpture Gardens - Where a Field meets the Forest and Marsh on the Crow Creek!- Higbee Loop Trail – Dogs are welcome, must be on a leash through the trail.
  • Some trails in Cape May do not allow dogs. Please refer to alltrails.com for nearby trails that do not allow dogs. Please stay safe and aware. 

 

Specialty Pet Shops & Groomers in Cape May
  • The Wagging Tail - We do more than just food. Treats for dogs and cats, flea and tick medications, grooming tools, shampoo and conditioner, food bowls, litter pans, cat trees, dog pens, leashes, collars, harnesses, sweaters, toys and more; you’ll find it under our roof.o Located: 337 U.S. 9 Cape May, NJ 08204 - Telephone: 609-886-5999  Email: waggingtailcapemay@gmail.com - Hours: Monday – Saturday 10AM – 5M & Sunday 11AM – 4:30PM
  • Collar and Bone Cape May - New to Cape May in Washington Square Mall! An ice cream palor specifically made for dogs. Complete with dog themed sundaes and flavors your dog will love! Located: 421 Washington Street Cape May, NJ 08204 Email: collarandbonecm.com
  • Furry Fur Ends – Now offering curbside pickup & free local delivery! Offers self service dog wash as well. Selling pet food and goods. o Located: 709 U.S. 9 South Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210o Telephone: 609-778-2819o Email: rose@furryfurends.como Hours: Monday – Tuesday 11AM – 6PM Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday – Saturday 11AM – 6PM Sunday: 11AM – 4PM
  • Smeltzer & Sons Hardware – Pet Supply – Selling food for all pets! Dogs, Cats, Birds, even farm animals! You’re covered with Smeltzer & Sons. o Located: 1139 U.S. 9 Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210o Telephone: 609-465-4500o Hours: Monday – Saturday 8AM – 5PM Sunday: CLOSED
  • Dog Days of Cape May – Supplying Cape May with adorable pet toys and apparel. Along with pet related décor and accessories!o Located: 315 Ocean Steet Unit#17 Cape May, NJ 08204 (Washington Commons)o Telephone: 609-898-0001o Hours: Monday – Sunday 10AM – 5PM
  • Muddy Paws – Self Service Dog Wash & Boutique! Also offers drop & go bath and grooming! Offering a wide range of products that will be sure to please any dog lover and their beloved pooches!o Located: 3704 Bayshore Road, Suite 6F North Cape May, NJ 08204o Telephone: 609-551-2555o Hours: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday – Saturday 11AM – 6PM Sunday 11AM – 5PM
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

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COMING TO TOWN? WE KNOW THE SCOOP OF WHAT'S GOING ON.

COMING TO TOWN? WE KNOW THE SCOOP OF WHAT'S GOING ON.

We’ve got some awesome events coming up.  From Farmers Markets to Restaurant Week, Jazz Festival to Parades. Book your stay around these wonderful events  in one of our vacation rentals.

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ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? SEE OUR MOST RECENT SOLDS.

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? SEE OUR MOST RECENT SOLDS.

We are one of the top selling agency's in our area. Find out what's been selling in your area! We'd love to be your company of choice when considering your next move.

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CAPE MAY IS PET FRIENDLY!

CAPE MAY IS PET FRIENDLY!

Check out our pet friendly Vacation Rentals. Dont forget to ask your agent about pet friendly dining & activities around town so you're prepared for a barking good time during your stay!

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