Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals on Hilton Head Island
Updated September 2026
By Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Beachside Getaway, sharing travel tips, top things to do, and the best places to stay to help guests make the most of their Hilton Head Island vacation.
We understand animal lovers like you want to travel with your pets. They’re family after all! But finding a way to do that isn’t always easy.
At Beachside Getaway, we’re changing that. Our collection of pet-friendly vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island offers homes with private pools, spacious living areas, ample outdoor space for your pet to play, and comfortable furnishings that invite utter relaxation at the end of each day.
Check out some of our featured pet-friendly properties below, as well as our local tips for traveling to Hilton Head with your dog, and get ready for an unforgettable trip.
In This Article
- Featured Pet-Friendly Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
- Leash Laws on Hilton Head
- Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
- Pet Resources on Hilton Head Island
- Save Money by Booking Direct
Featured Pet-Friendly Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
19 Dove Street
Fully remodeled in 2024, 19 Dove is a spacious six-bedroom, five-bath home in Hilton Head’s North Forest Beach neighborhood, just 400 feet from the beach and a short walk from Coligny Plaza. The open living area makes it easy for everyone to spend time together, with a large sectional, a 65-inch TV, and plenty of dining space. The well-equipped kitchen includes two refrigerators and two dishwashers, while two washers and dryers make laundry more manageable for larger groups.
Outside, guests can swim in the private pool, unwind in the spa, grill and dine on the pool deck, or relax in the screened lounge area. A separate poolside room with a twin-over-full bunk adds even more space, making this remodeled home a comfortable choice for extended families and group vacations.
Featured Amenities
- 6 Bedrooms/5 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 16
- Private Pool (heated for a fee)
- Fenced Yard
- Outdoor Shower
182 Beachwalk Villas
Located in the gated Shipyard Plantation community, 182 Beachwalk is a dog-friendly, two-bedroom townhouse just half a mile from the Shipyard Beach Club. Natural light fills the main living spaces, including a bright breakfast nook beneath an open atrium, a renovated galley kitchen, a separate dining area, and a step-down living room with a sleeper sofa, beverage refrigerator, and wall-mounted TV.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom features a king bed and private bathroom, while the second bedroom includes one queen bed, one full bed, and its own bathroom. Guests can also relax on the private patio, enjoy the community pool, or explore Shipyard’s scenic biking and walking paths.
Featured Amenities
- 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
- Gated Community Pool
- Access to Private Beach
- 24/7 Gate Security
18 Gannet Street
Completely remodeled and just 200 feet from the beach, this dog-friendly North Forest Beach home offers five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and plenty of space for families and groups. The main level features a fully updated kitchen, comfortable dining and living areas, an 85-inch smart TV, and a bright Carolina room. Three bedrooms are located on this floor, including a king primary suite with a private bathroom and direct deck access.
Downstairs, a bedroom with two queen beds and a bunk room with three twin-over-twin bunks provide flexible sleeping arrangements.
Outside, guests can enjoy a private pool, spacious pool deck, gas grill, and outdoor dining area. A third-floor crow’s nest with panoramic views, comfortable seating, and a PlayStation gives everyone another place to relax and spend time together.
Featured Amenities
- 5 Bedrooms/3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 16
- Private Pool
- Game Room with PlayStation
- 5 Parking Spaces
157 Mooring Buoy
A quick two-minute walk separates 157 Mooring Buoy from the beaches of Hilton Head Island. This three-bedroom, dog-friendly Palmetto Dunes home offers plenty of room to gather, including a comfortable great room, a separate den, and a light-filled Carolina room overlooking the lagoon. The home includes two king bedrooms, a bedroom with two twin beds, and a sleeper sofa for additional accommodations. Guests also receive two complimentary hours of tennis or pickleball each day and have easy access to Palmetto Dunes’ golf courses, 11-mile lagoon system, and miles of biking and walking paths.
Featured Amenities
- 3 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
- 4 Parking Spaces
- 400 Feet from Beach
- 2,120 Sq-Ft
Leash Laws on Hilton Head
Before you head to the beach for the day, make sure you understand Hilton Head Island’s beach rules for dogs.
When Are Dogs Allowed on the Beach in Hilton Head?
- Summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Dogs are allowed before 10 AM and after 5 PM
- Spring and fall (April 1–the Thursday before Memorial Day and the Tuesday after Labor Day–September 30): Dogs allowed, but must be leashed from 10 AM–5 PM.
- Winter (October 1–March 31): Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.
Whenever dogs are permitted but not specifically required to be leashed, they must remain on a leash or under positive voice control. This means staying close to their owner without chasing birds or disturbing others.
Other important rules and details:
- Leashes cannot exceed six feet
- Owners must immediately clean up after their pets
- Leashed service dogs are always permitted on Hilton Head Island beaches
- Dogs are restricted from certain areas near Fish Haul Creek
Failure to abide by these rules may result in a fine, so be sure to pay attention to posted details and check for the latest updates before you head out for the day.
Tips for Traveling with Your Pets
If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll work directly with the airline to ensure the necessary paperwork and steps are completed. There will likely be additional fees as well. Traveling by car to Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. If you are driving with your dog, take steps to keep them safe. Consider a car restraint or travel crate.
It’s a good idea to make sure vaccinations are up to date and that flea/tick/worm medications have been administered. Bring copies of your pet’s vaccination and health records, just in case, and, most importantly, make sure your dog is microchipped or has a secure collar.
For packing, bring your dog’s food (consistency is so important in a dog’s diet!) and pack a brush, leash, dog waste bags, and their favorite comfort items like a bed or toys.
Pet Resources on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island has a PetSmart, located near Port Royal in the shopping center (430 William Hilton Parkway, Unit 107). This has everything you need and more to keep your dog fed and ensure their needs are met while you’re visiting.
All About Pets HHI, located on Arrow Road, offers grooming and supplies for your furry friends. They also have daycare services, so if you’re planning a pet-free activity and don’t want to leave them alone all day, they can spend time with other pups in a safe and secure environment.
Emergency Vet in Hilton Head Island
In case of an emergency where your pet needs immediate medical attention, there are several options on Hilton Head:
- New River Vets: 600 Argent Blvd. Hardeeville, SC (20 minutes from Hilton Head) | 24/7 emergency care
- Plantation Animal Hospital: 105 Dillion Road, Suite B | Full-service veterinary medical facility
- Animal Care Clinic of Hilton Head: 46 Wildhorse Road | Standard vet services with x-ray and surgery capabilities
Hilton Head Dog Park
Want to take your dog off-leash and get out some energy? Visit the Hilton Head Island dog park located at Chaplin Park, 11 Castnet Drive. This is mid-island, close to Palmetto Dunes.
The park features a fenced-in yard divided into sections for small and large dogs, water fountains for dogs, and shaded benches so you can hang out and let them romp. It’s open dawn until dusk. The park is close to restrooms, walking trails, and the beach.
Save Money by Booking Direct
Did you know that third-party sites like Airbnb and Vrbo hike up the prices on vacation properties? That’s why coming directly to the property manager is the easiest way to keep money in your pocket when you travel. If you’re planning a visit to Hilton Head Island, make sure you check out our full inventory of homes and villas. You’ll find pet-friendly stays, oceanfront homes, and even some with coveted golf course views! Regardless of whether you’re looking for a cozy getaway for two or a large home for a multi-generational trip, we’ve got you covered. Browse our HHI vacation homes and find your dream property today!
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