Pet Paradise: Ocean County’s Top Dog Parks & Places to Go with Pets

As a pet owner, it's important to move to an area that allows dogs and accommodates their needs. Fortunately, Ocean County is one of the most dog-friendly places to live in New Jersey!

On an average day, you and your dog can enjoy fun in the sun at one of the local dog beaches, run safely at a dog park, or dine on a pet-friendly patio. There are also numerous vet clinics, pet stores, and dog-friendly hotels that make your life as an owner easier than ever.

At the end of the day, we understand that your dog is a beloved member of your family, and you want to make sure they have the best home possible. Here's all the dog-friendly fun you can look forward to when living in Ocean County, brought to you by our friends at The Robert Dekanski Team, the #1 real estate team in New Jersey:

Best Dog Parks in Ocean County

Ocean County has three designated dog parks where dogs can roam off-leash. For all three, securing a county dog park permit is mandatory. The $5 per-year permits are available via mail order or in person at designated administration facilities. All dogs must also satisfy the rules and regulations regarding vaccinations and neutering.

Ocean County Park Off-Leash Dog Run

Located in the town of Lakewood, Ocean County Park is a public green space that was once the elaborate vacation estate of John D. Rockefeller. The grounds include a chain of small lakes and duck ponds, evergreen trees, playgrounds, and a disc golf course. Golf course homes also dot the surrounding area.

Dogs are welcome in the park, provided they remain leashed and no permit is needed. Permits are required to visit the Ocean County Park Off Leash Dog Run in the park's northwest corner. This dedicated pup park comprises one play area for small dogs and another for larger breeds.

The terrain is a mix of sand and grass with picnic benches for owners. No water is available at this dog park for dogs or humans, and toys aren't allowed inside the fenced area.

Robert J. Miller Airpark Off-Leash Dog Area

Providing the setting for the annual Ocean County Fair, the Robert J. Miller Airpark in the town of Bayville is an expansive area with open playing fields and cross-country skiing in winter.

The Ocean County Off Leash Dog Area is a huge fenced section of the park with tons of grass expanses and sandy and wooded areas for dogs to socialize and run off some energy. In addition to the main dog park, there is a separate zone designated for smaller dogs.

The park provides water stations for dogs and has several picnic benches where owners can keep an eye on their dogs. It's also located right next to the Ocean County Airport, so it doubles as an excellent spot for watching planes.

All dog owners must register their pets and show the volunteer staff their park permits.

Freedom Fields County Park

Situated in Little Egg Harbor Township, Freedom Fields County Park has dense woodlands, picnic areas, and a large sports complex.

For those with the requisite county-issued permit, dogs may run off-leash in the fenced dog park. This area was constructed around the park's natural trees, with plenty of leaves and foliage to sniff around. Benches are sprinkled throughout for dog owners, and the park is divided into two sections for large and small breeds.

Dogs are also allowed on the park's walking trails but must always remain on a leash. The 2.3-mile Freedom Field Blue Trail is one of the most popular. This well-marked loop weaves through the forest and provides a lovely opportunity to spot resident birds.

This trail is especially well-suited for dogs and young children, but remember, it is prone to muddy conditions after rain. It's generally uncrowded and takes around an hour to complete.

Things to Do With Your Dog: Special Events & Dog Beaches in Ocean County

Beyond the dog parks, there are many more fun things to do with a dog in Ocean County.

For starters, Island Beach State Park—one of the best beaches in Ocean County—is dog-friendly. Dogs must remain leashed; however, they're allowed on the beaches and eight park trails all year, with the exception of the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail and the lifeguard-stationed swimming zones.

Further inland, Double Trouble State Park also welcomes leashed dogs. Walking trails traverse the park's cranberry bogs, pine forests, and quaint historic village. The borough of Beach Haven allows dogs on the sand during the beach's off-season, which runs from September 16th to May 14th. The designated dog beach is nestled against the small bay found on Taylor Avenue.

Formerly known as Yappy Hour, Paws in the Park is an annual dog festival with contests and fundraising activities held at Robert J. Miller Air Park. This makes for the paw-perfect day out for dogs and their owners and lets you get acquainted with the community.

After a run around Ocean County Park, staff at Icarus Brewing will happily give four-legged visitors a warm welcome — and their own water bowls. The microbrewery has a spacious dog-friendly beer garden, perfect for sampling its hand-crafted lagers, ales, and sours.

Wine enthusiasts — and their dogs — can make a beeline for Working Dog Winery. Tastings are available, and patrons are even encouraged to bring a light picnic to enjoy on the dog-friendly lawn.

If a situation arises where an Ocean County resident or visitor needs to place their pet in a doggy daycare, this dog-friendly community has a great option. Purr 'n Pooch offers a daycare where dogs enjoy human companionship and playtime with other pups. Spa treatments, massages, reiki, and swimming lessons are all available.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Ocean County

Exploring Ocean County's many dog-friendly attractions sure works up an appetite. Fortunately, the Jersey Shore region is teeming with restaurants where dogs' needs are catered to.

• Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern – one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Ocean County, this Seaside Park eatery is also a top spot for local seafood. Crab, clams, lobster, and oysters are served fresh alongside the featured catch of the day, while beers rotate seasonally. The restaurant is known for its special doggie desserts, and dogs are often treated to scraps from adoring waitstaff.
• Lava Java House – serving specialty hot drinks, including the signature hot chocolate and espresso blend, this mainstay in the town of Lavallete has been on the scene since 2015. Dogs are welcome to join their humans on the terrace.
• Stone Fire Grill – this restaurant in the town of Beachwood specializes in comfort fare, including steaks, burgers, and gourmet mac 'n' cheese. Dogs are heartily welcomed, and the restaurant is incredibly kid-friendly.
• Confections of a RockStar – swing by this bakery in the nearby Monmouth County, where the counter is piled high with creative baked goods, including cookies and local favorite cannoli. Best of all, the place prepares cupcakes, especially for dogs!

Dog-Friendly Shopping in Ocean County

Is there anything more fun than hitting the shops with your dog at your side? Fortunately, this lovely community has several dog-friendly retail shops where well-behaved dogs can tag along.

Bay Village in Beach Haven is one of the best places to shop with a pup in tow in Ocean County. This vibrant little complex comprises clothing, jewelry, confectionery stores, and many eateries. Most outlets allow dogs inside, where they'll receive a scratch behind the ears and plenty of compliments.

Doggy Bay is right around the block on Taylor Avenue, providing a bonus opportunity to cool down and share a post-shopping swim or paddle with your dog.

What could be cuter than picking out new toys and treats together? Pet stores in Ocean County include Buddy's Pet Stop, where special attention is paid to the quality of the pet food.

Meanwhile, Hot Sand Glass Studio in the town of Asbury Park welcomes dogs for glass-blowing lessons and even hosts dog parties from time to time. The shop also sells Hot Paws kits that enable pet lovers to make an impression of their furry friend's paw from the comfort of their home.

Pet-Friendly Lodging

Those passing through or hosting out-of-town visitors will be pleased to hear Ocean County has an assortment of pet-friendly accommodations.

Casa del Mar is a boutique motel and coffee house in Point Pleasant Beach with several dog-friendly rooms. Light and airy rooms are stocked with a Keurig Coffee Bar and outfitted with artwork by local artists. Pups are subject to a one-time fee of $75 per stay.

The Grenville Hotel & Restaurant in the town of Bay Head has cozy rooms and suites in a Victorian gingerbread residence. Some rooms face the ocean, and the top-rated restaurant hosts regular events. One dog of any size is welcome for an additional fee of $25 per stay, while two dogs of any size cost an extra $35 per stay. Well-behaved dogs may even be left unattended in the rooms.

Situated in the city of Ship Bottom, Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel accepts pets and is convenient to several dog-friendly eateries. Pet stays are billed at $49 per pet per night or $75 per pet for stays exceeding two nights. The beachfront hotel has spacious rooms and suites appointed with plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay, plus access to a private beach.

Set on the southern shores of Long Beach Island, the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club provides dog-friendly lodging during the spring and fall. The property features a pool, a private beach, and an authentic Florida Keys-style Tiki Hut. Only the queen rooms on the first floor are dog-friendly, costing $40 per dog per night. There's a limit of three dogs per room.

Ocean County is a Bone-a-fide Place for Dogs (and People)

This strip of the Jersey Shore offers an abundance of pet-friendly activities, restaurants, stores, and accommodations that make it easy to avoid leaving dogs home alone for long periods. On the rare occasion that it's unavoidable, this supportive, pet-loving community has several trusted doggy daycare centers and pet-sitters on hand to lavish pups with the love and attention they deserve. Moving to a new town with pets can be challenging, but Ocean County's dog-friendly amenities make it easy.