Emotional Support Animals on the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach mixes year-round residents, seasonal workers and visitors, and rental rules change with them. Learn how South Carolina's assistance animal law applies to your lease, where dogs can go on the sand, and how a clinical evaluation fits in.
Three Kinds of Grand Strand Housing
Whether fair housing rules clearly apply depends partly on how long you are staying.
Year-round leases
Apartments and homes rented as a residence follow state and federal fair housing law.
Seasonal work housing
Leases of several months used as your home are generally treated as residences.
Vacation stays
Short tourist rentals can be treated differently. Ask about the animal policy before you book.
Can Your Dog Be on the Beach Right Now?
The City of Myrtle Beach sets seasonal hours for dogs on the beach and boardwalk. Choose the details to check.
Based on the city's published rules. Other Grand Strand towns set their own dates, so check locally outside city limits.
Dogs may be on the beach before 10 a.m. in season, on a leash seven feet or shorter.
The City's Beach Rules for Dogs
These apply within the City of Myrtle Beach.
- Leash
- Seven feet or shorter, at all times
- Waste
- Pick up and dispose of it properly
- Beach, in season
- Before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- Boardwalk, in season
- 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Service dogs
- Excluded from the seasonal limits
Service Dog or Support Animal on the Strand
Trained service dog
Excluded from the city's seasonal beach limits. In stores, restaurants and hotels, staff may ask only whether the dog is required because of a disability and what task it performs.
Emotional support animal
Follows the same beach hours as any dog and has no public access right. Its protection is at home: a landlord must consider it as a reasonable accommodation.
Moving to the Grand Strand With an Animal
Many people relocate here for work or retirement. A few steps make the move smoother.
Support in Horry County
A clinical evaluation is separate from crisis care. These services are there when you need them.
Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any hour.
The state's community mental health center for Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties.
South Carolina Mobile Crisis, in person or by phone.
When a Grand Strand Landlord Says No
Get the reason in writing and keep every message. South Carolina's filing windows are short.
- 180 daysSC Human Affairs Commission
- 1 yearHUD
Plans for Grand Strand Residents
The Free Screening comes first. Prices below are live from our pricing system.
Myrtle Beach Questions
When can dogs be on the beach in Myrtle Beach?
In the City of Myrtle Beach, from May 1 through Labor Day, dogs may be on the beach only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. From the day after Labor Day through April 30, dogs are allowed at any time. Service dogs are excluded from these restrictions.
Does an emotional support animal get beach access like a service dog in Myrtle Beach?
No. The city's exception covers service dogs. An emotional support animal follows the same seasonal hours as any other dog.
What are the leash rules on Myrtle Beach beaches?
The city requires dogs to be on a leash seven feet or shorter at all times, and owners must pick up and dispose of waste.
Do fair housing rules apply to a seasonal rental in Myrtle Beach?
Year-round and long-term leases fall under the South Carolina Fair Housing Law and the federal Fair Housing Act. Short vacation stays can be treated differently, so ask about the animal policy before booking and check how fair housing rules apply to that rental.
Where can Horry County residents find mental health care?
The Waccamaw Center for Mental Health serves Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties. For a crisis, call or text 988, or reach South Carolina Mobile Crisis at 833-364-2274.
How long do I have to file a housing complaint in South Carolina?
A complaint must be filed with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission within 180 days of the most recent discriminatory act. HUD accepts complaints for up to one year.
More for South Carolina Renters
General information for Myrtle Beach-area residents, current as of September 2026, and not legal advice. Beach rules are summarized from the City of Myrtle Beach and can change; nearby towns set their own. Whether a letter is issued depends on the clinician, and approval rests with the housing provider.
Your Grand Strand Request Starts Here
A few minutes of screening shows whether an evaluation is right for you.
