fire island dog info park paws

Fire Island National Seashore

Located in the state of New York

Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) is a United States National Seashore that protects a 26-mile (42 km) section of Fire Island, an approximately 30-mile (48 km) long barrier island separated from Long Island by the Great South Bay. The island is part of New York State's Suffolk County. There are 17 private communities within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore including Saltaire, Fire Island Pines, and Ocean Beach. Only two bridges lead to Fire Island and the national seashore and there are no public roads within the seashore itself. The Robert Moses Causeway leads to Robert Moses State Park on the western end of Fire Island while the William Floyd Parkway leads to the eastern end of the island. The seashore can also be accessed by private boat or by ferry from the communities of Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore on Long Island.

    • Pets are restricted March 15 through Labor Day on Fire Island National Seashore’s ocean beaches (Lighthouse, Sailors Haven, Watch Hill, Talisman, and Wilderness) and within the Fire Island Wilderness. During this time, your leashed pet can join you in some areas:
    • On Ferries and Water Taxis:
    • On the ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill or Davis Park on Fire Island
    • On the ferry from Sayville to Sailors Haven, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines and Water Island
    • On the ferry from Bay Shore to the western Fire Island communities
    • Between communities and park destinations via Fire Island Water Taxi.
    • Parking areas and along paved roads
    • Some campgrounds and picnic areas
    • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
    • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
    • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace
At National Park Service Facilities:
  • On park boardwalks
  • On bayside beaches at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sailors Haven, Talisman/Barrett Beach, and Watch Hill. Low tide is best, but not all bayside shorelines are suitable for a stroll.
  • On your boat in the park’s concession-operated marinas
  • In the concession-operated Watch Hill Campground, but they may not be left unattended. Please note that the Watch Hill campground will be closed while the Watch Hill marina is under construction.

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Out door areas unless otherwise noted are off limits
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme heat
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Dog life vest or flotation device is recommended
  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(631) 687-4750

Fire Island National Seashore Website

Fire Island National Seashore Camping

Fire Island National Seashore Hiking

Fire Island National Seashore Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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