Tybee Island council to consider free dog beach pilot program

by Steven Glover

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island leaders will consider a pilot program Thursday that could allow dogs on part of the beach this winter.

Dogs are currently banned on Tybee’s beaches, with exceptions for service animals. The proposed off-season program would temporarily suspend enforcement of that prohibition for permitted dogs in a designated area.

According to the City Council agenda, the pilot now would allow dogs from the pier to Inlet Avenue, from dawn to dusk, beginning Nov. 15 through February 2027. Registration would be required at no charge.

Under the proposal, dogs would have to remain on a leash and under their handler’s control. The rules would limit each handler to one dog and require handlers to carry waste bags, keep dogs out of dunes and vegetated habitat, and prevent them from approaching wildlife. Owners would also have to self-certify their dogs’ rabies vaccination.

The agenda states that if beach renourishment begins, the program would be suspended in the affected area.

City officials say the pilot would help them evaluate issues including compliance, waste, wildlife interactions, public safety and costs before considering any future policy change. If the pilot expires, the existing prohibition would again be enforced.

The City Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Tybee Island Public Safety Building, 78 Van Horne Ave.