Bluffton's leash law, the fenced dog park rules at Oscar Frazier Park, where dogs may and may not go, and the county pet license every dog needs.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Rules come from the Town of Bluffton Code of Ordinances, Chapters 4 and 13. We list restaurant patios only where the restaurant itself says dogs are welcome.

Bluffton is a leash town. Dogs are welcome in town parks on a leash, run free only inside the fenced dog park at Oscar Frazier Park, and must carry a Beaufort County license and rabies tag.

Who to call

  • Loose, lost or dangerous dogs: Beaufort County Animal Services; Bluffton Police non-emergency 843-706-4550; 911 for an attack
  • Pet licenses and shelter: Beaufort County Animal Services, which also takes license fees online
  • Dog park and town parks: Town of Bluffton, 843-706-4500

The leash law

Town Code Sec. 4-33 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large anywhere except on property its owner owns or rents. Off that property, a dog must be “under the physical control of the owner or custodian by means of a leash or other physically attached similar restraining device.”

  • License: every pet over four months old needs a current Beaufort County annual or lifetime license and a rabies tag on its collar or harness (Sec. 4-28). New residents have 30 days to get one.
  • Storms: the code bars abandoning a pet during a named storm; see our hurricane prep guide for evacuating with pets.

The dog park at Oscar Frazier Park

The town’s fenced dog park is at Oscar Frazier Park, which also has the splash pad, playground and Field of Dreams at 7 Recreation Court. The rules, from Town Code Sec. 13-39:

  • Open sunrise to sunset.
  • Dogs must be licensed and current on vaccines. No puppies under four months and no females in heat.
  • No more than two dogs per person. Never leave a dog unattended.
  • Leash on when entering and leaving, and close and latch both gates.
  • Off leash only under strict voice control.
  • No food, no dog treats and no glass inside the park.
  • Children under 12 need a parent or guardian.
  • Owners clean up droppings and fill any holes their dog digs. Toys and chairs left behind are thrown out.
  • Professional trainers may not run their business there.

Town parks and trails

  • All town parks: pets must be under restraint at all times, and waste goes in the pet waste containers (Sec. 13-37). Parks are open sunrise to sunset.
  • Rotary Community Center: only service dogs inside; other pets may not be left unattended outside.
  • Old Town parks: Oyster Factory Park, Wright Family Park and DuBois Park all welcome leashed dogs under the general park rules; see our parks guide.
  • New River Linear Trail: leashed dogs under the same park rules; see our trails guide.
  • Not allowed: Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge bans dogs and all pets on its trails and beaches, the refuge says.

Patios and treats

  • The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room, 38 Calhoun St., has a doggy menu of dog treats.

Other Bluffton restaurants did not say on their own websites whether dogs are welcome on their patios when we checked. Ask before you sit down, and send us any restaurant that posts a dog-friendly policy through our contact page.

What this means for you

  • Leash your dog everywhere off your own property, except inside the fenced dog park.
  • Get the county license and rabies tag within 30 days of moving here.
  • Leave treats and food in the car at the dog park.

More: parks and trails, kids’ activities and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a leash law in Bluffton, SC?

Yes. Town Code Sec. 4-33 makes it unlawful to let a dog run at large anywhere but its owner’s property. Dogs must be under physical control on a leash or similar restraint.

Is there a dog park in Bluffton?

Yes, at Oscar Frazier Park. Town rules open it sunrise to sunset, require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated, allow no more than two dogs per person and ban food, dog treats and glass inside.

Are dogs allowed in Bluffton parks?

Yes, under restraint. Town park rules say pets must be under restraint at all times and pet waste must be picked up. Only service dogs may go inside the Rotary Community Center.

Can I take my dog to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge?

No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge, including trails and beaches, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Does my dog need a license in Beaufort County?

Yes. The code requires a current Beaufort County annual or lifetime license for any pet over four months old, plus a rabies tag worn on its collar or harness.