Seaside Heights was poised to make a huge mistake. Having your dog on the beach in the off-season is one thing. Seaside Heights considering allowing dogs on the boardwalk year-round was quite another.

There was a pilot program in the works that would have allowed pooches on the boards from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. the whole year. Yes, that would mean during the crowded summer season. I found this to be a ridiculous idea that can bring about problems so obvious I'm not going to even bother stating them.

If you just have to bring your dog along, why not drop down a little bit south and go to Island Beach State Park. Your pet can tag along with you on a 6-foot leash except for the lifeguarded portion of the beach. And that's during the summer!

Here's a rundown of some Jersey beaches that will allow your dog and what time of year they are welcome. Many of these are outside the summer months so have your dog enjoy these places while you can.

Avon-by-the-Sea
Dogs are on leashes are allowed on the beach from Oct. 1 through May 1.

Asbury Park dog beach
Asbury Park dog beach (Bud McCormick)
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Asbury Park
Dogs are okay on the beach and even the boardwalk but only from Sept. 15 through May 15. But did you know all summer long you can take your dog to the 8th Avenue Dog Beach? Dogs are even allowed to go off-leash on that stretch of beach from 6 p.m. until 8:30 a.m.

Barnegat Light
The beach allows dogs on leashes from Sept. 16 through April 14.

Beach Haven
Dogs on leashes are good to go from Sept. 16 through May 14. There is also a beach just for four-legged friends at the bay on Taylor Avenue.

Dog going for a swim
Getty Images
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Belmar 
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from Oct. 1 through April 30. And they can never use the boardwalk except to cross over to and from the beach.

Bradley Beach
Here you can bring your dog on the beach from Oct. 1 through May 15 and you can even allow your dog off its leash but only if it is well trained by voice control.

Brigantine Beach
Your dog can be on the north end of the beach all year long. As far as the rest of the beach here, dogs need to be on a 6-foot leash and are welcome from Oct. 1 through May 29.

Dogs are allowed on the beaches in Harvey Cedars now until May 30
Dogs are allowed on the beaches in Harvey Cedars now until May 30 (Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol)
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Harvey Cedars

Dogs properly leashed can enjoy the beach from Sept. 16 through May 29.

Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island Township beaches let your dog on a leash explore the beaches from Oct. 1 through April 30. This includes Beach Haven Crest, Beach Haven Gardens, Beach Haven Inlet, Beach Haven Park, Beach Haven Terrace, Brant Beach, Brighton Beach, Haven Beach, High Bar Harbour, Holgate, Loveladies, North Beach, North Beach Haven, Peahala Park, South Beach Haven, Spray Beach and the Dunes.

Mantoloking

Beaches here welcome leashed dogs from Sept. 15 through June 15. However, during the summer, dogs can walk the sands during slow beach hours from 6 p.m. through 10 a.m.

Ocean City

Dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach here from Oct. 31 through April 30.

A dog wades in the water of a dog-friendly beach
A dog wades in the water of a dog-friendly beach (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
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Sea Isle City
Dogs on 6-foot leashes can explore this beach from Oct. 31 through April 30.

Stone Harbor
Again, 6-foot leash is the rule here, and dogs are welcome on the north end between 80th and 82nd streets before 9:00 am and after 7 pm.

Sunset Beach at Cape May Point
Your leashed dog is accepted here from Sept. 15 through April 15.

Ventnor City
Dogs on leashes can be here from Oct. 1 through May 14 in the areas washed by the high tideline and with a strict window from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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From amusement rides to all the boardwalk food and lots of water fun, Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park have endured as a family friendly spot for all ages.

Along the way, the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Casino Pier have been struck with tragic disasters - such as fire, Superstorm Sandy and another fire. Both have proven their resiliency through rebuilding and expansion.

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