Credit to: Delaware Today, Shannon Marvel McNaught
Fall is for the dogs at the Delaware beaches.
The rules relax come September, allowing man's best friend to accompany their owners on the sand and in the surf once again.
Here's what to know about dogs in each Delaware beach town, but keep in mind: There is a statewide law requiring dogs be leashed at all times, except on their owner's property or on private property with permission. Otherwise, service (not emotional support) dogs are generally exempt from these rules.
Bethany Beach
In Bethany Beach, dogs are prohibited on the beach and boardwalk from May 15 to Sept. 30. They're permitted all day in the off-season from October 1st through May 14th.
Delaware State Parks
Whether dogs are allowed on state park beaches is complicated.
By Delaware law, dogs are not allowed on state park swimming beaches between May 1 and Sept. 30. That includes the south side beach at the Indian River Inlet and the Tower Road/New Road beach in Delaware Seashore State Park, the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the southernmost beach at Fenwick Island State Park.
Dewey Beach
From the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the Sunday following Labor Day (Sept. 7 this year), dogs are permitted on Dewey Beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. only. In the off-season, they're allowed on the beach all day.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach does not allow dogs on the beach or boardwalk in the summertime, from May 1 to Sept. 30. They're welcome in both places in the off-season.
Lewes
From May 1 to Sept. 30 in Lewes, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. After that, dogs are welcome on the sand all day.