Every dog on Sullivan’s Island needs a written permit and metal badge from the Town Clerk, and that applies to weekend visitors just as much as to full-time residents. A Sullivan’s Island dog permit costs $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents, runs through December 31 of the year it is issued, and requires a current rabies vaccination certificate and a driver’s license at the time of application.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required
Who Needs One
The town code makes it unlawful for any person, resident or visitor, to keep or allow a dog within town limits without a permit and badge from the Town Clerk. The rule reaches public streets, private property, and the beach.2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required If you are renting a house for a week and bringing a dog, you need the permit before you walk out the door with the animal.
Every permit expires on December 31, whatever month you buy it in. The town does not prorate the fee, so a license bought in November costs the same as one bought in January. Renewals open January 1.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses
What You Bring and What It Costs
Two documents are required: a copy of your valid driver’s license showing your current address, and an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian. The town will not accept a rabies certificate within two weeks of expiring, so check the dates before you go.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses The certificate must show the vaccination was administered within the year preceding your application.2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required
Fees per dog, per year:
- Residents: $25
- Non-residents: $50
- AKC Canine Good Citizenship discount: $2 off the annual fee, when the current certificate is presented with the application
Both the fee schedule and the AKC discount appear on the town’s licensing page and in the municipal code.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required
Where and How to Apply
Town Hall at 2056 Middle Street takes applications in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also mail the application, but a $10 handling fee applies, and mailed applications must be notarized. In-person applicants skip the notary step.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses3Town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Town of Sullivan’s Island Dog License Application
Town Hall accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards, though service charges may apply to card payments.1Town of Sullivan’s Island. Dog Licenses Once staff verify the rabies certificate and process payment, you receive a numbered metal badge stamped “Dog Permit” with the year of issue.2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required
Wearing the Badge
The badge must be fastened to your dog’s collar any time the dog is on the island, whether that’s a street, a beach path, private property, or the beach itself.2Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.17 – Dog Permits and Badges Required Where a leash is required, the maximum length is ten feet.4Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.18 – Offenses by Dogs or Owners
The Permit Does Not Override Beach Hours
Holding a valid permit does not mean your dog can be on the beach at any hour. Sullivan’s Island runs two separate schedules.
May 1 Through September 30
Dogs can be off-leash from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, dogs are banned from the beach, beach paths, and adjacent waters entirely. From 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM, dogs are allowed back on the beach but must be on a leash of ten feet or less.4Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.18 – Offenses by Dogs or Owners The midday ban has no leash exception.
October 1 Through April 30
Off-season, dogs can run off-leash from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM. From noon until 5:00 AM the following morning, dogs are welcome on the beach on a leash of ten feet or less. There is no midday ban.4Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina Code of Ordinances. Sullivan’s Island Code 90.18 – Offenses by Dogs or Owners
Service Animals
A trained service animal under the ADA still needs the Sullivan’s Island permit and a current rabies vaccination. The ADA does not exempt service animals from local licensing or vaccination rules that apply to all dogs.5U.S. Department of Justice. Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA
What the town cannot do is require you to register the dog specifically as a service animal or ask for proof of training, certification, or a doctor’s note. Staff may ask only two questions: whether the animal is required because of a disability, and what task it has been trained to perform.5U.S. Department of Justice. Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA For local licensing, the standard permit and badge are what you need.