During peak beach season, between the months of April and September, no pets are allowed on the Wrightsville Beach oceanfront. Also, pets are not allowed at any of the hotels located on the Wrightsville Beach island unless those pets are service animals for handicapped individuals.
After September, leashed pets are allowed on the beach, but they are still prohibited from staying at the hotels.
Although these pet rules have been in place for a long time in Wrightsville Beach, the Board of Alderman of Wrightsville Beach voted to strictly enforce these rules in 2009. Pet owners violating the rules should no longer expect a first-time warning. Instead, you may be fined up to $250 for the first offense. Town officials have commented that reoccurring problems and resident complaints required that the town take more stringent response. The town park ranger and beach patrol enforce the pet rules.
If you are renting a beach home for your vacation in Wrightsville Beach, be sure to ask for the rental company's pet policy. Even if your pet is allowed, you should be aware that any problems incurred by your pet (such as property damage or the presence of fleas) will affect your deposit refund for most rentals. If you ignore the specific pet policies of your rental company, the company may immediately dismiss you from the property.
Since your pet may not be able to accompany you on the beach, in the local hotels or in your vacation rental, you may want to consider arranging their own pet hotel. Local kennels in Wilmington, North Carolina, inland from Wrightsville Beach, provide care for pets while their owners are away for a stay at the beach. Some local pet kennels include: Azalea Coast Animal Care, MeadowSweet, Port City Animal Hospital and Sylvia's Pet Care Center.
