Are Dogs Allowed at Monterey State Beach? It Depends Where You Enter
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.
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Salt Hound Journal
Stories about surf, dogs, coastal towns, rescue culture and the places that keep pulling us back to the water.
54 stories and counting.
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Journal Archive
Every Salt Hound Journal entry, newest first. Browse the full archive or follow a thread through the coast.
October 2026
Can You Still Walk Your Dog on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail During the Sand City Detour?
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.
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Is a Supervised Dog Social Right for Your Dog?
A supervised social can be safer than an open dog park, but it is intended for dogs who already enjoy unfamiliar dogs—not for testing fear or repairing social...
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Can You Bring Your Dog to Pfeiffer Big Sur When It Reopens?
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park reopens October 16, but most trails remain off-limits to dogs. Here is where a leashed dog may actually go.
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What Should You Do If a Wave Sweeps Your Dog Into the Ocean?
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...
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Finds a Sea Lion?
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.
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Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog in Dense Fog?
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.
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Are Dogs Allowed on Restaurant Patios in California?
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...
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Should You Walk Your Dog During a Spare the Air Alert?
A Spare the Air Alert changes the dog-walk plan. Learn when to shorten, reschedule or skip exercise—and which breathing signs need a veterinarian.
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No Air Conditioning? How to Keep Your Dog Cool at Home
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.
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Should Your Current Dog Meet a Shelter Dog Before Adoption?
Bringing home a second dog? A shelter meet-and-greet can reveal useful information—but it cannot predict every moment at home. Here is how to use the meeting well and...
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Are Dogs Allowed Off Leash at Carmel Beach?
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...
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Where Can You Find Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in Monterey County?
Monterey County dog owners have several lower-cost spay/neuter paths. Here’s how to compare SPCA mobile clinics, the Salinas clinic and South County voucher programs.
Read the storySeptember 2026
Can Dogs Get Leptospirosis at the Beach?
Carmel’s Poodle Day posted a timely beach warning. Here’s how leptospirosis exposure happens, what to avoid and when to call your veterinarian.
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Can You Walk Your Dog During a Coastal Flood Advisory?
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.
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Is a Rabies Vaccine Required for Dogs in California?
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.
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Finds a Bat in California?
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.
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California Declared an El Niño Emergency. What Should Dog Owners Do Now?
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.
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How to Verify a Dog Rescue in California
Before you adopt, foster, donate or surrender a dog, use this practical checklist to verify a California rescue’s identity, records, paperwork and accountability.
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When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog in California?
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...
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When Should You Cancel a Coastal Outing With Your Dog?
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.
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How Far Should You Stay From a Whale in California?
A humpback’s unusual journey into the Bay–Delta offers a clear California wildlife rule: stay 100 yards from whales, keep their path open and report concerns to trained responders.
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Your Dog Does Not Have to Be a Dog-Park Dog
Not every dog needs dog-park play. Learn how to recognize comfortable social interaction, respect stress signals and choose better options for newly adopted and older dogs.
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How to Shelter in Place With Your Dog
After a Moss Landing shelter-in-place alert, here is the practical plan every dog household should know: get indoors, choose the right room, keep critical supplies ready and follow...
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