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A Beach Dog Owners Can Enjoy
07/28/08 - 03:01 PM
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A couple of years ago the issue of carrying dogs to the beach was a hot topic in Bay County.  At that time, it concerned Shell Island and how violators were ticketed by the state for bringing along their pet to the beach.

I received an email from an Alabama resident wanting to visit our beaches and she asked, ”Is there a pet-friendly beach close by?”  I have the answer and more in this News 13 Problem Solver report.
Ahhh… another trip to the beach… nothing like it.  The smell of the salt air… the soft white sand on your “paws” and the warm water of the gulf.  This is probably what “Bobo” is thinking as he and his family enjoy a fun, Friday afternoon visit to the only designated pet friendly beach in the area.  It is located right across from Pier Park in Panama City Beach west of the City Pier extending 300 feet.  The dog beach is less than a year old.
According to Panama City Beach City Manager Richard Jackson, “September ‘07 Bay Families With Dogs asked Panama City Beach officials to consider designating an area on the beach for what they call a ‘dog park’.  At that time, the city didn’t allow any dogs on the beach.”

Panama City Beach City Manager Richard Jackson says, information about the idea was gathered for city leaders to consider and in October 2007, the city council approved the dog beach.  Jackson says, “by November, the folks were out, putting up a cleaning station for the pet wastes I think it was open first of November.”  The beach is well marked with signs including rules for guests.
And now back to the star of this day at the beach… a golden retriever-lab mix named “Bobo” after Bobby Bowden.  After all, the family loves the Seminoles and owner Robin Henne says, “Bobo loves the beach.  We come out here two or three times a week. And he loves to swim and look for fish.  I think it is a wonderful thing for families and dog owners to be able to come out here and spend time together.”
 
And, so far, any problems with the pet friendly beach?  City Manager Jackson says, “quite frankly, I was a little skeptical myself it might not work out but I think it has worked real well.”  Jackson says the 300 foot beach seems adequate and there are no plans to extend it.  The beach does get busy with plenty of dogs on the weekend.  Rules say there should be no more than three dogs per person.
To learn more about Bay Families With Dogs, click
http://www.bayfwd.org/index.php

RULES FOR PCB DOG BEACH

1.    All dogs are to stay within the areas specified.  Always observe all of the rules and regulations posted on the beach.

2.    Make sure your dog is current on its shots and wears ID tags.  (Proof is to be provided to the City.)

3.    Do not bring female dogs that are in season.  Spayed/neutered dogs are recommended.

4.    All dogs are to be kept on-leash.

5.    Do not bring dogs younger than 4 months.  They will not have all the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safely with other animals.

6.    No more than three (3) dogs per person.

7.    No food in bowls or long-lasting chewies.

8.    Dogs and owners creating a problem must leave when requested.

9.    Dogs with a history of inflicting bite injury in public parks must wear a muzzle or will be prohibited.

10.    Owners must clean up after their dog(s).  All dog waste must be picked up and put in disposal stations.

11.    Use of the Dog Beach is at your own risk.  Owners are responsible and liable for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.

12.    Never leave your dog unattended.  Mischief can happen quickly.

13.    Dogs are allowed in the specified designated area only.

14.    If you bring children to the Dog Beach, they must be supervised closely.