Dog Friendly.

Always welcome, never an afterthought.

Cape Cod is one of the most dog-friendly destinations on the East Coast — and our cottages are built around that. All three properties welcome dogs year-round, with fully fenced private backyards, doggy doors in some units, and everything your pup needs to feel right at home. Small fee applies.

Dog relaxing on Cape Cod beach — Soaking up the Cape 🐾

Where to Stay

Three cottages. All dog-friendly. Always.

Our cottages in West Yarmouth and Dennis Port each have fully fenced private backyards so your dog can roam freely. Some units have doggy doors leading directly to the yard — smaller dogs can come and go as they please without supervision.

🐾 All 3 cottages dog-friendly 🚪 Doggy doors in some units 🏡 Private fenced backyards ☀️ Available year-round 💳 Small fee applies

Dog by fire pit at night — S’mores optional, dog mandatory

Things to Do with Your Dog

The Cape has plenty for the whole crew.

Happy dog on Cape Cod — Post-swim happiness

Hiking & Rail Trail — The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a short drive from the cottage and a favorite for leashed dog walks. 26 miles of paved trail through the heart of the Cape — shaded, flat, and endlessly enjoyable for dogs and humans alike.

Lighthouses & National Seashore — Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the grounds at Nauset Light Beach, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. One of the most photographed spots on the Cape, and a great walk year-round.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Pull up a patio chair. Your dog is invited.

Several Cape Cod restaurants welcome well-behaved dogs, especially on outdoor patios in season. Here are a few worth knowing:

🐱

The Black Cat Tavern

Besides the name, one of Cape Cod’s most popular spots for doggy diners. Dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly back patio (seasonal) and are served a bowl of water on arrival. Great raw bar, New England chowder, and craft beer.

🦞

Spanky’s Clam Shack & Baxter’s Boathouse

Both welcome dogs when the outdoor patio is open. Classic Cape seafood in a casual waterfront setting.

🍺

Cape Cod Beer & Cape Cod Winery

Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis is dog-friendly. Prefer wine? Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth is also a great option.

Day Trip: Provincetown

The most dog-friendly town on the Cape. By far.

If you can only make one day trip from the cottage, make it Provincetown — and bring your dog. P-town is genuinely one of the most dog-welcoming communities in New England. Dogs are accepted in most shops and many restaurants, including indoors. You’ll see them everywhere: in boutiques, on restaurant patios, at the art galleries, trotting down Commercial Street like they own the place — because here, they kind of do.

The town is extremely walkable, easy to spend a full day in, and just a short drive from our cottages. Add it to your itinerary — your dog will thank you. See our full Provincetown day trip guide →

Getting there from the cottage

🚗 ~1 hour drive from Shore Thing (Dennis Port) · ~1h 10min from Sun of a Beach (West Yarmouth)

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Know the rules before you go.

Dog at Cape Cod beach shoreline — Low tide, good boy energy

During the summer months, the general rule is No Dogs on the Beach in most Cape Cod towns. In the off-season, the rules relax significantly — and the beaches are gloriously uncrowded. Always check whether a beach is town-owned, National Seashore, or State Park, as the rules differ by authority.

🏖️ Yarmouth Beaches

Dogs not permitted on Seagull Beach and Grey’s Beach from April 1 through Labor Day. On all other Yarmouth beaches, no dogs from May 15 through Labor Day. Yarmouth beach regulations →

🏖️ Dennis Beaches

No dogs on Dennis public beaches or parking areas from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fines up to $300. Dennis beach regulations →

🌊 Cape Cod National Seashore

Leashed dogs are generally allowed year-round, except in lifeguard-protected areas during summer and during shorebird nesting closures. Includes: Coast Guard Beach (Eastham), Nauset Light & Marconi (Wellfleet), Head of the Meadow (Truro), Herring Cove & Race Point (Provincetown). NPS dog rules →

🏛️ MA State Parks

No dogs at Scusset Beach State Reservation. Dogs allowed at South Cape Beach in Mashpee from mid-September through April only. Full beach dog guide →

Doggy Daycare & Boarding

Want a full day at the beach? We’ve got you covered.

If you want to spend a whole day at a beach that doesn’t allow dogs, or just give your pup some well-earned play time with other dogs, Howl-a-Day Inn is located close to the cottage and comes highly recommended.

🐾 Howl-a-Day Inn

Daycare, overnight boarding, and training. Daycare open Monday–Saturday. Boarding available 7 days a week by reservation.

howladayinncapecod.com →