Starting May 16, the Town will be able to process applications for any dog owners interested in obtaining a license to have their dog(s) on the beach in Orchid off-leash or on a leash extended more than 8 feet from sunrise to 9 a.m. or from 5 p.m. to sunset.
The license isn't required until June 1, but to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations, the new dog tags are being made available early.
Applications are available at Town Hall or can be requested via email. The applicant's signature must be notarized; all employees at Town Hall are notaries who are happy to be of assistance. Applications must include a veterinarian’s certificate of current rabies vaccination or a valid Indian River County animal license that has the expiration date of the vaccination, as well as the name and breed of the dog.
The initial $50 fee is payable by cash, check, or credit card. Licenses are issued for each individual dog and are not transferable. Therefore, a license must be obtained for each dog that will be off-leash. Licenses will be valid until September 30, 2023, after which they can be renewed.
Importantly: licenses are not necessary for dogs on the beach that are always kept on a leash not extended more than 8 feet.