Town to Beach-Going Dogs: Take a Walk

The dog days of summer will be here before we know it, and that means the days of dogs at the beach are coming to a close.

There's just one more week to bring your furry friends (and horses) to town beaches. After March 31, dogs won't be allowed back onto town beaches until Oct. 1. [Dates may vary from town to town.]

For dog owners looking to make the most of the next week, the website Bring Fido may be your next best friend. 

"Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido," the site says. "And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in Connecticut where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand."

Fairfield stakes claim to two of the top three — Jennings Beach (No. 1) and Penfield Beach (No. 3). Compo Beach in Westport comes in at No. 2, while Amtrak Beach in Niantic and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison round out the top five, at 4 and 5, respectively.

Connecticut's coastal towns encourage dog owners to follow local leash laws and clean up after their dogs.