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By Jupiter Tide Staff
JUPITER — Plenty of visitors are surprised to learn they can bring the dog to the beach in Jupiter. The Town Council adopted a policy allowing dogs on Jupiter's beach in 1989, and the Town now calls it one of the few remaining dog-friendly beaches in the state.
Here's what you need to know.
Where is the Jupiter dog beach?
Dogs are allowed on a 2.5-mile stretch of beach, from beach marker #26 at Marcinski Road north to beach marker #57 at the Carlin Park property line, according to the Town of Jupiter. That's roughly from Ocean Cay Park north to the south edge of Carlin Park.
The Town's beach FAQ puts it another way: dogs are allowed between dune walkovers 26 and 57, approximately between Ocean Cay Park and Carlin Park. Owners are asked not to go beyond those boundaries.
The Town publishes a map of beach crossovers that shows the numbered access points.
The rules
Dogs don't have to be on a leash once they're on the dog beach, but they must be under control, either leashed or close to their owner and obeying voice commands. Under the rules posted by the Town:
Leash up from the car to the beach. The Town also suggests keeping dogs leashed around small children.
Bring only well-behaved, well-socialized, non-aggressive dogs that respond to voice commands, and supervise them at all times.
Stay inside the boundaries of the dog-friendly area.
Pick up after your dog, on the sand and on walkways. The volunteer group Friends of Jupiter Beach stocks waste bags at every crossover along the dog beach, but bring your own just in case.
Tags and license must be worn visibly and securely on your dog's collar, and you must be able to show proof of a rabies vaccination.
No nuisances: habitual barking, whining or howling, or chasing people or vehicles, isn't allowed.
Be courteous. The beach is open to everyone, including people who'd rather not meet your dog.
The Town and Friends of Jupiter Beach also recommend shade and fresh water for your dog (don't let it drink seawater), watching for hot sand, jellyfish and sea lice, and rinsing your dog off afterward.
Parking and other beach rules
Parking is free at Town of Jupiter parks and along the shoulder of South A1A, according to the Town's beach FAQ. Fires aren't allowed on the beach, and nobody may stay on the beach overnight, from midnight to 6 a.m.
Water quality
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County tests beach water every other week, and the Loxahatchee River District tests weekly, according to the Town. If a swim advisory is posted, keep yourself and your dog out of the water. (Read our Oct. 27 story on the latest swim advisory.)
Before you go: what's closed now
Recent storms have taken a toll on the beach. The Jupiter Civic Center and its dune crossover, plus crossovers #45 through #50, are closed until further notice because of erosion, according to the Town's Park/Field Closings page. Those crossovers fall within the dog-friendly stretch (walkovers 26 to 57), so use another access point.
Check the National Weather Service and the beach warning flags before you go, especially after storms. Keep dogs out of rough surf, and learn what the beach warning flags mean.
Sources
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Jupiter Tide is a local news site covering Jupiter, Tequesta and Palm Beach Gardens: town news, public safety, schools, business and things to do. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram (@JupiterTideNews), and sign up for our free weekly newsletter: jupitertide.com/subscribe