Willard Beach Off Leash Dog Area
Willard Beach is a dog-welcoming beach found in South Portland, Maine. The four-acre beach is known for its unique physical attributes, as it has both sand and pebbles blanketing its shores. From the beach, you can also take your pup on a short stroll on the Spring Point Shoreway Trail to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, looking over the entrance to the Portland Harbor. Parking for the beach can be found at 33 Willow Street, South Portland Maine.
The best part of Willard Beach is that it offers you the option of taking your pup off-leash, as long as they remain under your voice control at all times. If you are unable to maintain control of your dog, or if they show signs of aggressive behavior towards other dogs or persons on the beach, they will be asked to be put their back on their leash. While on the beach, you are also expected to clean up after your pet, so ensuring you've prepared yourself with doggy bags before heading to the beach is always a good idea.
There are also specific times when you must keep your dog on a leash while on the beach. These times include when traveling to and from the parking lot and when inside the lot with your pup, when walking past the Willard Beach Playground, and whenever walking on public walkways, including sidewalks and the Greenbelt Walkway.
Additionally, you are asked to be attentive to your environment at Willard Beach and kindly put your dog on leash if the beach is overcrowded, if there are other dogs being walked along the beach of trails (to prevent what could become an unpleasant interaction), or if you are passing by pedestrians in the park such as individuals having picnics or children playing. If caught not abiding by the regulations of the beach, you can receive a fine up to $500 dollars. If fined on multiple occasions, it can result in you and your pup being banned for the beach indefinitely.
Without a doubt, the welcoming nature of Southern Portland makes Willard Beach the perfect spot for you and your pooch to cool off!
