Petition to Permit Properly Contained Dogs on the  Ventnor Boardwalk 

We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and supporters, respectfully request that the rules governing dogs on the boardwalk be amended to permit dogs that are fully contained in a carrier, pet stroller, bicycle basket, or bicycle-pulled carrier or trailer, provided that the dog does not physically walk on or touch the boardwalk surface.

Proposed Exception

The exception would apply only to dogs that remain completely contained and secured in one of the following:

A hand-carried pet carrier;
A pet stroller;
A secured bicycle basket or bicycle-mounted pet carrier; or
A secured carrier or trailer pulled by a bicycle.
The dog would not be permitted to walk, stand, or otherwise place its paws on the boardwalk at any time.

Safety and Control

The dog must remain secured and under the owner’s control at all times. Carriers and strollers must be appropriate for the size of the dog and safely constructed so that the animal cannot escape or come into contact with pedestrians.

The purpose of this proposal is not to permit dogs to roam or walk on the boardwalk. Rather, it creates a narrow exception for dogs that are completely contained and transported by their owners.

A Reasonable and Limited Accommodation

A dog walking on the boardwalk and a dog that is completely contained in a carrier or stroller are substantially different circumstances. A contained dog does not walk on the boardwalk surface, does not have access to public areas for relieving itself, and can be kept under the direct control of its owner.

Permitting properly contained dogs would allow responsible dog owners to travel along and enjoy the boardwalk with their pets while preserving the existing prohibition against dogs physically walking on the boardwalk.

Benefit to Tourism and Local Businesses

Allowing responsible visitors to bring their dogs onto the boardwalk in a fully contained carrier or stroller would also make the community more welcoming to pet-owning tourists and visitors. Many people consider pet-friendly policies when choosing where to vacation, visit, dine, shop, and stay. A reasonable exception for dogs that remain completely contained could encourage more pet-owning visitors to spend time in our community while supporting local restaurants, shops, accommodations, and other businesses. This limited policy would enhance the visitor experience without allowing dogs to walk on the boardwalk or creating the sanitation and safety concerns associated with dogs roaming freely.

Requested Action

We respectfully ask the governing authority to amend the current boardwalk regulations to permit dogs that are completely contained in a hand-held carrier, pet stroller, bicycle-mounted carrier, or bicycle-pulled carrier or trailer, provided that the dog does not physically walk on or touch the boardwalk surface and the owner complies with all applicable safety and sanitation requirements.

We believe this is a reasonable, responsible, and limited modification that accommodates pet owners while protecting the cleanliness, safety, and enjoyment of the boardwalk for everyone.

We respectfully request your support for this change.