On Martha’s Vineyard, we know that pets like vacations, too, and we know that it makes your vacation special when you can share it with your dog. The Vineyard has accommodations that welcome you and your pet and plenty of places to visit and things to do for your entire family … even the furry members. View our pet friendly rental accommodations!
TRANSPORTATION
All of our ferries welcome pets, as do the buses and taxis. However, the buses have a policy that if a passenger who is already on the bus objects to the animal (because of allergies or other reasons), the animal and owner are asked to take the next bus. If the animal and owner are already on the bus, they may remain and the objecting passenger is asked to take another bus.
R & R
Need a shady spot to stop and rest where you can find a cool bowl of water waiting for you dog! Try “Good Dog Goods” stores at any of their locations. Sit and relax at Mocha Mott’s with a cup of coffee and a muffin while your dog has some water. Also, most banks serve up dog biscuits at their drive-up windows.
And, of course, the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce in Vineyard Haven is pet-friendly. Browse their brochure rack and get answers to your questions about the Island while your dog enjoys a break. Or, perhaps you’re in search of some beach reading. Edgartown Books invites dogs to browse with their owners and then relax on their porch.
Outdoor Activities
There are common seating areas in each town where you can enjoy a carryout meal with your pet.
All Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation public properties welcome leashed dogs. The West Tisbury Farmer’s Market also permits dogs on leashes.
Most of the Land Bank properties also allow dogs but consult the Land Bank map for details about each location. Their Trade Wind Fields Preserve is a 71-acre area where many dog owners meet for playtime with their pets.
Leashed dogs are permitted in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, a 5,143-acre preserve located in the middle of the Island.
BEACHES
Sandcastle lists private homes with private beaches that dogs are allowed on, though some have rules for that use due to the fact that endangered species are nesting in the area.
Dukes County Beach Rules and Regulations:
January 1 – March 31: No restrictions;
April 1 – May 14: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation;
May 15 – August 30: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulations…AND ….Dogs and pets are prohibited on allbeaches between 9 am and 5 pm;
September 1 – September 15: Dogs and pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 am and 5 pm;
September 16 – December 31: No restrictions.
Dog and pet excrement must be picked up and disposed of properly. There is a $50 fine for violations.
Dog Food
Stores with dog food and accessories include Healthy Additions in Vineyard Haven and Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven, as well as markets and convenience stores. Dogs are welcome to do their own shopping at “Good Dog Goods”.
Boarding and Veterinary Care
- Animal Health Care Associates 508-693-6515
- Michelle Gerhard Jasny, West Tisbury 508-693-0370
- My Pet’s Vet, Vineyard Haven 508-693-4040
- Vineyard Veterinary Clinic, Edgartown 508-696-5897
- Mobile Veterinarian 508-696-5897