Spring Lake in August

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

We rented a house for two weeks this summer in Spring Lake and looking forward to spending time back on the Jersey Shore as a nice respite from the heat of AZ.  Although we made sure to rent a pet-friendly house, we're not entirely convinced it would be the best idea to bring our now almost-5 month old mini-Labradoodle with us.  Are there many pet friendly restaurants in town? Are dogs ever allowed on the beach in Spring Lake or neighboring Bradley Beach? Also have to make sure that she can fit in an 18x11x11 travel kennel to have her join us in the cabin for the flight, which I just booked this evening and have to decide soon if we'll be taking her.  We'd also need to consider some doggie day care for a day or two if/when we go into the city. Any advice?  Any doodle groups in the vicinity?

[Kristina 'n Parker]

You will definitely enjoy your time in Spring Lake this summer with your pup. My office has a view of Spring Lake with its many wondering paths - it's like watching a dog show. At Gloria Nilson and many of the shops on Third Avenue you will find fresh water for the dogs outside front doors and we even have cookies for those looking for a treat. Everyone enjoys walking their dogs around Spring Lake and Lake Como on the North end of Spring Lake. Spring Lake has a dog beach on Pitney which is a fenced in area where dogs are welcome daily until 9am.  We are undergoing a beach replenishment right now – last week they were still working at the beach and the area was not set-up yet. 

Other local beaches such as Avon-By-The-Sea, Bradley Beach and Belmar do not allow dogs on the boardwalk or beach after April 30th. However Asbury Park allows dogs on their 8th Avenue Dog Beach from 6 pm to 8:30 am. Manasquan has an area at Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area but dogs must be on-leash everywhere in the park.

Additionally there are several areas in Wall Township where dogs are welcome.  Wall Townships is adjacent to Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake Heights and Belmar.  They have a fenced in dog park on Marconi Road and they have an area on Church Street where dogs are welcome adjacent to Orchard Park which has a trail called Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway which is the first segment of the 55-mile Capital to Coast multiuse trail that will span New Jersey from Trenton to the beach community of Manasquan.

You will not find many restaurants where you can bring your pup unless they have outdoor seating. There are several in-town that do have outdoor seating, but they are not fine dining experiences.  There are many options for dining locally and in adjoining towns not far from your vacation home where your pup can catch up on some rest.

There is so much to do in and around Spring Lake that you will never be far from your vacation home.  In August Spring Lake usually has a Shakespeare in the Park event at Divine Park, the park surrounding the lake in addition to events at the community theater.  Ocean Grove has many events around town and at their Great Auditorium.  Asbury Park has 1^st Saturday sidewalk sales.  Historic Allaire Village in Wall Township will have events. Long Branch will have outdoor entertainment at Pier Village and events at Monmouth Park Racetrack.  Red Bank will have many events in town and at their Count Basie Theater.  Belmar is improving their marina area – but there is currently an outdoor bar at the 9^th avenue pier.  And if you wanted to take a day long trip you can easily find a dog walker or a day care. I may even be available to watch your pup.  Send me a message.  

Enjoy your time in Spring Lake!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Kristina, what a wonderful, detailed reply! I spend many a summer's day in Bradley Beach or Belmar! And we're heading to the Count Basie Theatre tonight for BB King! Susan, you're going to have a blast and if you want to meet up or need help with your puppy, you can contact me too!

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks to BOTH of you!  Great info. and I really appreciate the replies. I'd better get back to the airlines soon and book Coby's ticket - they only take four pets on board and so far there are no reservations for any but I don't want to lose out…however, the dimensions for a carry-on are 18x11x11 and I want to be sure she'd fit comfortably.  She's a mini and currently weighs 12 lbs 4 oz. so I'm uncertain how much bigger she'll be by Aug but my son and DIL who just bought a home in W. Orange and have traveled here with their 18/20 lb King Chas. Cavalier haven't had issues with air travel. 

I also stopped off at the vet yesterday and was told to be sure to get her started on heart warm medication and take flea precautions because we'll be on the beach.  Are there issues there with such conditions? A woman who was checking out said to look into lavender oil as an alternative to a flea rx. 

We'll be there the end of Aug so sounds like there will be plenty to do/see - I do know the area and am anxious to get back, hoping the weather cooperates….and puppy behaves! It would be fun to meet up with other doodles, too.

[Kristina 'n Parker]

We have no experience with fleas or heart worm.  We do have mosquitos here and our local vet does recommend a strict heart worm schedule for our pup.

Lyme ticks are a big issue here - and I see so many deer this spring at dusk.  We find lyme ticks on Parker all the time - even in the winter and she had one 2 weeks ago crawling on her head.  I would make sure to use a flea and tick medication while visiting. 

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Where in Jersey do you live? We used to live in Marlboro and I remember ticks on my first dog, a lab. I didn't even think of that being an issue, though, down the shore in the summer. 

What is Parker - a golden doodle or ALD/ He's a cutie! I'm still working on housebreaking Coby. She's 75% of the way there if not more …but the times she isn't is so darn frustrating.  She turns 5 mos. old next week so I guess it's not terribly unusual,,,still I'd like to know she's more dependable before we take her as a guest with us this summer. I'd rather not have to confine her to the crate when we're in the house with her.  

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

After all this helpful information…..and much consideration of all factors….we ultimately decided against taking Coby and canceled her in cabin fare/tickets. I'm concerned with her long legs she just wouldn't be comfortable confined to the specifications of a carrier for that amount of time in flight. And after seeing the house in Spring Lake, which is absolutely lovely, it's a little too close to comfort to the RR tracks - I'd be afraid with all the comings and goings of people in the house during the two weeks btwn. the front door and back gate that she could all too easily slip out. In the interim I located a highly recommended and very gentle pet sitter/trainer nearby and believe over all this would be the best solution.  Thanks to all for your helpful information. 

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Janie, I tried looking for you but I cannot locate you on the site :-(

[Kim and Jaxson]

Great info....thank you. My little guy will be arriving next week, this info will come in handy and is greatly appreciated, after he is up to date with shots of course!