Dogs on the Beach

Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Hueneme beach, but there are several dog friendly beaches nearby!

Ventura County

Ventura County beaches are important habitat to a variety of shorebirds. We share the county’s beautiful beaches with wildlife that depend upon it for their survival. Many are also part of the California State Parks which, in general do not permit dogs on the beach, whether on leash or not. Dogs are permitted on leash within campgrounds and picnic areas that are within state parks.

Ventura County Beaches

LEASHED OK:

• Thornehill Broome Beach

• Silver Strand Beach

• Channel Islands Harbor Beach

• Marina Cove Beach

• Marina Park

• Promenade Park

• Solimar Beach

• Faria Beach County Park

• Rincon Parkway North

• Hobson County Park

• Oil Piers Beach

• Mussel Shoals Beach

• La Conchita Beach

• 'ololkoy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park)

NO PETS:

• Point Mugu State Park

• Sycamore Cove Beach

• Ormond Beach

• Port Hueneme Beach (Sand)

• Mandalay State Beach

• McGrath State Beach

• San Buenaventura State Beach

• Emma Wood State Beach

• Hollywood Beach (dogs on leash OK from sunrise to 9AM and 5PM to sunset)

Sharing the Shore

Our beaches are a thin ribbon of habitat that shorebirds need to rest and feed during their long distance migrations. As our population increases, places crucial for shorebird survival are decreasing. You as a dog owner can help.

Throughout the year, many different shorebirds can be found on the beaches of Ventura County. The little birds that run up and down in groups frantically digging for sand crabs on our beaches are sanderlings. They migrate to Ventura county beaches from the Arctic where they nest and breed. Whimbrel, long-billed curlew, marbled godwit, red knots, and black-necked stilts are also seen, mostly as they migrate between nesting and wintering grounds.

Western snowy plovers and California least terns, by contrast, breed locally on certain beaches in Ventura County. Both are federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to disturb them (even unintentionally as dogs often do). Snowy plovers nest at McGrath State Beach, Mandalay State Beach, Hollywood Beach, and Ormond Beach. Least terns nest ad McGrath, Hollywood and Ormond. Both nest on dry sand above the surf line from March through August. The nests are depressions in the sand. Both birds and their eggs are well camouflaged and easily stepped on. We also find American avocets nesting on our beaches.

Nesting birds see you and your dog as predators. Dogs, especially off-leash dogs, can kill or disturb nesting plovers, terns or avocets and their chicks. Simple rope barricades are put up at most of these beaches in early March to protect the nesting areas from disturbance. Signs including some made by students in the Share the Shore Art Project are hung on the ropes to help identify the area.

Of course, dogs can’t read; so it is up to you to keep your dog off the beach!

We can be aware and share the shore with four simple actions:

• Walk around birds instead of through flocks

• Keep pets on a leash so they do not chase birds

• Respect closed areas set aside for endangered or nesting species

• Stay away from birds that look sick or injured or are unable to get away from humans.

“Paws-itive Beach Tips”

• Bring fresh water and provide shade for your dog to avoid heat stroke on hot days. Drinking sea water can make your dog sick.

• Rinse off salt water that irritates your dog’s skin and paws. Remove tar with cooking oil, not solvents. Sunblock can prevent sunburn on noses and pink skin.

• Very hot sand and asphalt can burn paw pads.

• Bring treats for training.

• Bring biodegradable bags with you to pick up your dog’s “deposits”. Leaving feces or bags on the beach is illegal litter and will pollute the ocean.

• Keeping your dog on a leash and under your control at all times is good for your dog as well as the birds! It helps prevent your dog from getting in fights with other dogs. Not all dogs are well trained! It helps keep them away from “stuff” that might make them sick.

• Training your dog to “go” at home so you can keep the beach cleaner and reduce the environmental and financial costs of plastic bags.

• Bring your cell phone in case of emergency and call 911 so your call will get to the right dispatch for that beach.

Helpful Information

• California State Parks

• Ventura Audubon Society

• If you find an injured bird, call the Ojai Raptor Center: 805-649-6884

• If you see an injured seabird, call Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network: 805-681-1080

• If you see an injured mammal, call the Marine Mammal Center: 805-567-1505

Sources

• Ventura Audubon Society

• Oxnard Public Works: Parks FAQ

• Visit Ventura