“Paws in the water, nose in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold drink in my owner’s hand. Life is good today!” You know that song, right? Okay, we’ve taken a little artistic license to change it to a dog’s perspective, but you get the idea.
Your dog will be happy, happy, happy during your Topsail beach vacation—and you will be too. Why? Because all of our Topsail Island beaches and towns are pet-friendly and welcoming to your four-legged family members. This makes it so easy to plan not only a family-friendly vacation but also a dog-friendly vacation where no one gets left behind.
So what do you need to know to plan a pet-friendly Topsail vacation? It’s easy! Here’s how to do it.
1. Book the perfect pet-friendly Topsail rental.
You’ll first want to find the perfect pet-friendly rental for you and your dog. You’ll ask yourself a few questions.
Where do you want to be?
What amenities matter most to you and your dog?
How much room do you need for everyone to be comfortable?
Next, peruse your pet-friendly accommodation options and narrow the list to your favorites. Here at Access Realty, we have an excellent selection of pet-friendly Topsail vacation rentals to choose from.
Look at what we have to offer, and go ahead and “favorite” your top picks for easy reference. You can even refine your search to include exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to amenities, location, type of rental, and the number of guests. We make it really easy!
Finally, book the perfect rental for you and your family once you’ve chosen it. Your Topsail pet-friendly rental is yours; you can check that off your to-do list.
Are you looking for some pet-friendly rental recommendations? We can help. Look at these featured dog-friendly vacation rentals available at Access Realty.
Geaux Big (click to view) **Large Group Rental Friendly!**
This 8 bedroom oceanfront pet-friendly property on our program is perfect for a larger group rental option (after all…the name is “Geaux Big”!). You and your dog will live a life of luxury in this new construction home with tons of bells and whistles! Lounge comfortably on the covered back deck while taking in the expansive ocean views. Relax in the hot tub or take a dip in the private pool when you need a break from the ocean waves. Plan a family movie night in the private theater room after enjoying a homecooked meal in the well stocked kitchen. Located in North Topsail Beach, Geaux Big is the perfect spot for a group of friends or several family members to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation!
Sounds Right (click to view) **Fenced Yard!**
This pet-friendly property on our program is comfortable and spacious, offering breathtaking sunsets over the Intracoastal Waterway. You and your dog will love relaxing on the partially covered back deck while watching boats leisurely cruise by. Ideally situated in the quiet, family-friendly community of the Village of Stump Sound, it features beach access, a community pool, tennis courts, and a small craft launch. Additionally, the property boasts a fenced soundfront backyard, perfect for your pup.
Summer Winds 215-Manatease Me (click to view) **Large Dog Breeds Welcome!**
This multilevel five-bedroom, four and a half-bathroom townhome allows multiple dogs and welcomes large breeds! Summer Winds 215 offers three spacious floors, a private elevator, ocean views from two decks, and community pool and beach access. Located within walking distance to a park and local entertainment, this townhomes is the perfect spot to enjoy a fun beach vacation!
Sundance (click to view) **Oceanfront**
This spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is a really affordable oceanfront pet-friendly property! Sundance offers a large deck and a quiet location along with many other comforts of home making this oceanfront property a yearly vacation destination for many.
A Great Escape and Almost Heaven (click to view) **Large Group Rental Friendly!**
This side-by-side pet-friendly oceanfront duplex offers 8 bedrooms located on the quiet shores of North Topsail Beach. Sleeping up to 20 people, this home is ideal for large families or groups of friends. Just imagine sitting on the back deck listening to the ocean and having the convenience of walking to the beach on your semi-private beach access, which is really convenient when you are vacationing with your dog. We rent both sides separate or together to accommodate large groups.
2. Check out the pet-friendly things to do in Topsail.
Once your pet-friendly Topsail rental is booked, it’s time to start planning your vacation itinerary. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Will your dog be coming with you?
To help you with your planning, here are a few of the pet-friendly places on Topsail Island. From restaurants and cafes that allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas to doggy day spas and pet-friendly parks, you and your dog will feel at home here on Topsail Island.
We’ve also included local veterinary services near your vacation rental in case you need them.
North Topsail Beach
Beach Bum’s Grill & Bar – Offers outdoor seating, as well as live entertainment weekly!
Surf City
Camino Real Mexican Restaurant – Offers outdoor seating in the breezeway for guests who enjoy the outdoors!
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille – Bring your dog(s) upstairs from their oceanfront beach access to enjoy a meal on their spacious deck while watching the waves crash!
Michaelangelo’s Pizza & Subs – Provides shaded outdoor seating in their courtyard.
Sear’s Landing Grill and Boat Docks – Spending the day on a boat or kayak? Swing by for a bite to eat in their outdoor screened porch and use their docks!
Spoiled to the Bone Pet Grooming Salon
Surf City Pawville Doggy Daycare & Spa
Surf City Bark Park – Features two tree-shaded play areas, one for smaller sized dogs and one for larger sized dogs. Tunnels, stairs, ramps, and plenty of space to run around – your dogs will love their time spent here!
Topsail Beach
Beach Shop and Grill – Outdoor lounge seating available for your furry friends to join you as you order To-Go!
Quarter Moon Books & Gifts – A quaint, family-friendly shop filled with charming treasures and offers wine, beer, and coffee. Sit in the outdoor lounge space with your dog and occasionally listen to live music from local artists!
Topsail Beach Town Center and Park
Topsail Island Veterinary Services
3. Read up on Topsail’s dog-friendly beaches.
While all of Topsail Island’s beaches are pet-friendly, it’s always good to read up on what you need to know about dogs on the beach for each Topsail town. A common rule of thumb throughout the Topsail beaches is to keep your dog leashed and clean up after your pet. Also, all dogs must display a current rabies vaccination tag and an identification tag. But depending on where you’re staying, it’s always best to read the pet-friendly rules, regulations, and ordinances for that respective town and its beaches.
Dogs on the Beach in North Topsail Beach
Dogs must always be on a leash and under the owner’s control. While being walked or exercised off the premises or property of the owner or custodian, the dog must be restrained by a leash connected to a collar or harness, sufficient to secure the dog from breaking loose. The leash is at most 25 feet long (retractable).
The owner must ensure that all excrement is immediately removed and placed in the proper receptacle. Please do not leave animals locked in unattended vehicles with no provisions or climate control, as it harms their health.
Cruel and inhumane treatment of animals will result in the responsible party being charged with applicable violations. The fine for leash law violations and failure to pick up dog waste is $100. Please make the beach enjoyable for everyone—both people and pets.
Dogs on the Beach in Surf City
Dogs are permitted on the beach, provided they are on a leash no longer than 10 feet. You must clean up after your pet, and complimentary bags are provided at beach accesses.
Dogs on the Beach in Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach is the only beach that allows dogs to be off a leash during the off-season. Dogs must be on a leash 20 feet or less from May 15th through September 30th. At other times dogs must be under the voice command of a responsible person but do not have to be on a leash. Pet owners must always pick up after their pets. These regulations apply to the entire town, including the beach.
4. Remember these dog-friendly beach tips.
The beach is a new and unfamiliar environment for your pup, so be sure to follow these tips when taking your dog to the beach. You want your furry, four-legged family member to have the best beach vacation possible!
Protect those paw pads.
The sand, sidewalks and parking lots can get extremely hot so be mindful of your dog’s paws and avoid hot surfaces whenever possible or apply a protective product to help protect those vulnerable paw pads from the heat.
Provide shade.
Everyone needs a break from the sun and dogs are no exception. Dogs get overheated too! Large shade umbrellas or even shade tents are worthwhile to bring with you to give both yourself and your dog a break from the natural elements. Not only do they provide a shady spot to escape to, but they also give added protection from the wind and blowing sand.
Bring fresh water.
Plenty of fresh water is a must-have for all beach goers. Dogs can get dehydrated pretty easily so fresh water is essential. Consider bringing a lightweight, collapsible bowl in your beach bag for ease and convenience. A good supply of fresh water is the best way to prevent your dog from lapping up too much salt water, which can be harmful.
Apply doggy sunscreen.
You may not think about this one, but dogs have sensitive areas that need protection from the sun. Choose a product specifically made for pets, particularly ones that do not contain zinc oxide. You can consult your vet for recommendations on suitable dog-friendly sunscreens. Dogs with pink noses and skin, light-colored coats, and shortly-shaved coats are especially vulnerable to sunburn.
Bring extra leashes.
As mentioned previously in this post, be sure you’re complying with the local pet ordinances by bringing the appropriate type and length leash. Bring extras just in case you need them and to use in different locations, situations, and as backup in case one breaks. Always make sure your dog has a collar with ID, too, just in case.
Pack a doggy beach bag.
Just like you pack your own beach bag, you may want to consider bringing one for your dog. Bring a few toys that float, a frisbee, or whatever beach-friendly favorites your pup may like. You’ll also want to bring a towel to help wipe away sand from your pet’s eyes and muzzle area. Of course you’ll want to bring pooper scooper bags to clean up after your pet while you’re on the beach. You may also want to pack some pet shampoo for easy clean-up after your day at the beach. A quick rinse and shampoo can prevent skin irritation from a day in the sun, sand and salt. A few special treats are also a nice addition to your doggy beach bag. You never know when you’ll need them!
We hope you find these pet-friendly tips useful on your next Topsail Island vacation!
Are you ready to start planning your next dog-friendly Topsail beach vacation? Start right here by perusing Access Realty’s Pet-Friendly Topsail vacation rentals. Let us know how we can help!
