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Whether you're a vacationer or local resident, you may need help
caring for your pet on Cape Cod. The following list of resources has been compiled by
experienced Cape Codders, and will serve your dog's needs well.
First, however - the rules. Cape Cod, is basically very
pet-friendly, but there are two laws that should always be strictly
obeyed:
These rules apply in all Cape towns and in the National
Seashore. They are in effect year round. If you see others violating
these rules, understand that in doing so they risk incurring the wrath of both
residents and authorities. Ignorance is not an excuse. Please obey the law
and make life more pleasant for everyone.
A word of caution: beware of ticks. They carry Lyme
disease, and they are abundant on Cape Cod, especially in wooded areas. When
you return home, check your pet and check yourself.
Beaches
On the ocean side, pets are allowed between the protected ends
of Nauset
Light and Marconi Beaches.
On the bay side, Rock Harbor Beach, west of Orleans is fun,
especially at low tide.
Hatch's Harbor at Race Point Light is accessible by 4-wheel
drive vehicle only.
Bike Trails
Bicycle trails are available in Brewster, Eastham, and
Provincetown, but tend to be crowded in summer.
Head of the Meadow bicycle trail in Truro is accessible year
round.
Boarding and Grooming
Nauset Kennels, Eastham, 508-255-0081, has been
in business since 1972. They accommodate overnight guests and help with
unfavorable skunk encounters.
Food and Supplies
Lodging
Massachusetts Marine Lodge Cottages, Dennis Port, 508-398-2963
or 888-398-2963 (toll free): pet-friendly lodging in a nice groups of
cottages. Call for details.
National Seashore
Ask a ranger or consult the
Cape
Cod National Seashore Web site. Be aware that the rules may change
with the season, and they are NOT always the same as town rules.
Provincetown
Provincetown is probably the most pet-friendly town on the
Cape. Don't hesitate to bring your dog with you on your stroll down
Commercial Street. Animals will not be welcomed in most stores, however.
 One
place pets are always welcome is Paws & Whiskers at 256
Commercial Street. Say "Hi" to Mackenzie, the resident Border
Collie, get a free drink for your pup, buy him a treat, and then go next door
to Ben & Jerry's for a treat for yourself.
Training
The Bristol County Dog Training Club is in New
Bedford, but it's worth the trip from the Cape. Call Kris, 508-992-3528
Veterinarian/Animal Hospital
Eastham Veterinarian Hospital, 508-255-0149, is
about 1/2 mile north of the Orleans rotary on the left. Someone is
ALWAYS on duty.
Walking Trails
White Cedar Swamp Trail is at the Marconi area in
Wellfleet. Access may be limited in summer months.
Beech Forest Trail is in Provincetown on the road to Race
Point Beach. Access may be limited in summer months.
Wiley Park is located in Eastham, off of Herring Brook
Road. The beach is off-limits in summer months, but trails are open year
round.
Fire roads in the National Seashore are accessible year round.
Fresh Pond Dog Park, 1.3 miles south of Exit 9 on Route 134,
features wooded trails and a large enclosed area where dogs can run free.
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