Can Dogs Go to the Beach at Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Dogs may use Fort Ord Dunes State Park’s north–south recreation trail on leash, but not the beach or spur trails. Here’s the exact boundary, current closures, and what...
Read the storyFROM THE CALIFORNIA COAST
Stories about surf, dogs, coastal towns, rescue culture and the places that keep pulling us back to the water.
30 stories and counting.
ALL STORIES
Every Salt Hound Journal entry, newest first. Browse the full archive or follow a thread through the coast.
Viewing: Monterey Bay
Dogs may use Fort Ord Dunes State Park’s north–south recreation trail on leash, but not the beach or spur trails. Here’s the exact boundary, current closures, and what...
Read the story
POMDR’s current foster needs, support and senior-dog home preparation—verified October 28, 2026 for Monterey Bay volunteers.
Read the story
Dogs are not allowed at Marina State Beach, even while this week’s shark advisory draws attention. Here are the current rule and nearby leashed alternatives.
Read the story
Central Coast rain can bring fast-growing wild mushrooms. Here is the immediate, veterinarian-guided response if your dog may have eaten one—and how to lower the risk on damp...
Read the story
Thunderstorms are only a small possibility on the southern Central Coast this week, but noise-sensitive dogs benefit from a plan made before the first rumble. Here is what...
Read the story
Rain is forecast for Monterey Bay Tuesday through Thursday. Here’s when to keep your dog out of the water and where to check current advisories.
Read the story
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue has two Central Coast adoption events today. Here’s how to use a first meeting without rushing a lifelong match.
Read the story
Near-critical fire weather will affect higher Central Coast elevations through Saturday. Here is how dog owners can plan walks, check smoke and prepare to leave safely.
Read the story
Sea lions are disrupting Sandholdt Road in Moss Landing. Here’s why visitors—especially those traveling with dogs—should avoid adding to the congestion and give wildlife room.
Read the story
Leashed dogs are allowed only on the southern section of Monterey State Beach. Here is the official Roberts-lot boundary and what to check before visiting.
Read the story
Dog walkers can still use the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail through Sand City, but the signed detour, open-ended timeline and Fort Ord dog boundaries matter.
Read the story
If a wave sweeps your dog into the ocean, do not go in after them. Call 911, alert trained responders, keep visual contact and know what veterinary follow-up...
Read the story
Recent sea-lion admissions around Monterey Bay make one beach rule essential: leash your dog, stay at least 150 feet away and call trained responders instead of approaching.
Read the story
Dense coastal fog can hide traffic, trail edges and the way home. Here is how to decide whether to take, shorten, reroute or postpone a dog walk.
Read the story
California permits pet dogs on some outdoor restaurant patios, but the business still decides. Here’s what the law requires and how to decide whether the setting is right...
Read the story
No air conditioning? Build a cooler room for your dog, know when a fan is not enough and make a safe backup plan before heat becomes an emergency.
Read the story
Dogs may be off leash on Carmel Beach only when they meet Carmel’s full voice-control standard. Here is the 25-foot, recall and leash rule to know before you...
Read the story
Carmel’s Poodle Day posted a timely beach warning. Here’s how leptospirosis exposure happens, what to avoid and when to call your veterinarian.
Read the story
A Coastal Flood Advisory is not automatically a beach closure. Here’s how to decide whether today’s dog walk needs a higher, drier route.
Read the story
California requires dogs over four months old to have a current rabies vaccine. Here’s how the timing, dog license and lower-cost options fit together.
Read the story
If your dog finds or mouths a bat in California, create distance, avoid touching the bat, and call the professionals who can assess the exposure.
Read the story
California’s El Niño emergency is a preparedness move—not an evacuation order. Here is the calm, practical plan Monterey Bay dog households can make now.
Read the story
There is no single safe temperature for every dog. Use the weather, route, surface and your dog’s individual risk to decide when to move, shorten or skip a...
Read the story
A Small Craft Advisory is not automatically a beach closure. Here’s how to decide when boating, paddling or walking the coast with your dog should wait.
Read the story