Skip to main content
Dog Waste Management Pros logo
Dog Waste Management Pros logo

Cape May County · Cape May County

Dog Waste Removal in Ocean City, New Jersey

Ocean City's eight miles of oceanfront beach are open to dogs only from Oct. 1 through April 30, and the Boardwalk is off limits to them. Under section 11-4.9 of the city code, owners must pick up right away anywhere but their own property.

A black Labrador and a boxer sitting on either side of a Dog Waste Management Pros sign

Dog waste removal in Ocean City

Ocean City, from a dog owner's point of view.

Ocean City is a barrier island, with Atlantic beaches on its ocean side, bayside marshes and lagoons on the other, and the Great Egg Harbor Bay off its north end. The Census Bureau estimated 11,219 residents in July 2024, and the city's beach guide calls the oceanfront a year-round destination for walkers, runners, surfers and fishermen.

The city's 2019 master plan reexamination describes 30-foot-wide lots, where front-loaded garages use up curbside parking, along with duplexes and lagoon-front, bay-front and oceanfront lots. Off its owner's property a dog must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and public parks and playgrounds are closed to dogs.

Beach tags are required for anyone 12 or older from early June through Labor Day, lifeguards work from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September, and dogs are banned from every beach from May 1 through Sept. 30. On Oct. 1 the sand reopens to leashed dogs.

Sections of Ocean City

  • North End
  • The Gardens
  • Merion Park
  • Ocean Reef

Get your Ocean City quote

Get a quick quote for your Ocean City yard. Doug confirms your price, usually the same day or the next.

  • 5 on Google · 101 reviews
  • Serving Atlantic and Cape May Counties since 2025

Out and about

Where Ocean City dogs play.

Parks, trails and dog runs in and around town, from the town's and county's own pages.

  • Ocean City Dog Park

    45th Street and Haven Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226

    A fenced, off-leash park of 42,000 square feet with areas for dogs over 25 lbs, dogs under 25 lbs and a dog run, open 6 a.m. to dusk year-round. Entry takes a Paw Pass ($30 a year for Cape May County residents, $40 for others, $10 a week for visitors) plus a current dog license and rabies certificate. Pooper scooper bags are provided.

  • Ocean City beaches

    Leashed dogs only, from Oct. 1 through April 30, and owners must clean up. The north end from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to the terminal groin, the northernmost jetty, is closed to dogs from March 15 through Sept. 30.

  • Corson's Inlet State Park

    Bay Ave, County Hwy 619, Ocean City, NJ 08226

    A state park created in 1969 to protect one of the last undeveloped stretches of New Jersey oceanfront, with dunes and marine estuaries. Dogs are not allowed from April 1 through Sept. 15, and at other times must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The park has no trash cans, so carry your dog's waste out.

Good neighbors

Ocean City's pick-up rules.

  • Pick up right away (section 11-4.9)

    It is unlawful for a dog's owner or custodian to let the dog relieve itself on public or private property other than their own unless they immediately remove the waste and put it in a closed container or covered trash receptacle. The city's stormwater page links this section as its pet waste ordinance.

  • Fines (section 11-4.10)

    Violations of the dog control section bring a fine of at least $25 for a first offense in 12 months, at least $75 for a second and at least $150 for a third or later one. The city's 2025 stormwater plan names Code Compliance as the enforcing office.

  • Leash, parks and playgrounds (sections 11-4.3 and 11-4.4a)

    Off its owner's property a dog must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, held by someone able to control it. Dogs are not allowed in any publicly owned park or playground, leashed or not.

  • Beach season (section 11-4.4b)

    No dogs on the beach from May 1 through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through April 30 leashed dogs may use it, except that from March 15 through April 30 the code closes the stretch from the Longport Bridge to the terminal groin and the beach between 18th and 34th Streets.

  • Boardwalk (sections 11-4.4a and 11-7.2)

    No dogs on the Boardwalk or its platforms, pavilions, ramps and steps, even if carried or carted. Section 11-7.2 separately bars any animal from the oceanfront Boardwalk at any time.

Why it matters here

Water surrounds Ocean City: the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Egg Harbor Bay, lagoons, tidal marshes such as the Shooting Island wetlands, and Corson's Inlet at the south end. The city's pet waste tip card explains that rain, melting snow and ice carry pet waste to storm drains that empty into the ocean and other waters. There it harms swimming, boating and fishing, and its nutrients feed algae that can rob the water of oxygen. In summer 2025, participants in the city's stormwater program labeled or replaced 90 storm drain labels between 24th and 33rd Streets.

Where we work

Atlantic County: we serve itBurlington CountyCamden CountyCape May County: we serve itCumberland CountyGloucester CountyOcean CountyAtlanticCape MayEgg Harbor Twp.LinwoodSomers PointOcean CityUpper TownshipCape May Court House
Where we scoopHome base and town pages

Dog Waste Management Pros on Google Maps

Loading the Google map...

Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Atlantic County

Also in Cape May County: Upper Township, Marmora, Sea Isle City, Woodbine, Dennis Township, Middle Township, Cape May Court House.

A little local history

Ocean City, then and now.

  1. 1879

    Four Methodist ministers, Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake and William Burrell, chose the island then called Peck's Beach for a Christian retreat and camp meeting. They met under a cedar tree that the city says still stands at 6th Street and Asbury Avenue.

  2. 1883

    The first bridge to the island was built, and the railroad soon followed.

  3. 1884

    The borough of Ocean City was formed from part of Upper Township. It became a city on March 25, 1897.

  4. 1929

    A 1927 fire destroyed a large part of the boardwalk. Work on the Music Pier began in 1928, and the concert hall was dedicated on July 4, 1929.

  5. 2006

    The Ocean City Dog Park at 45th Street and Haven Avenue officially opened in October 2006.

Local favorites

Ocean City's pet businesses.

Vets, groomers and shops that keep local dogs happy. We just handle the other end.

Around town

Things to do in Ocean City.

  • Ocean City Music Pier

    The city's concert hall at 840 E. Sixth Street stages comedy, musicals, nationally known acts and the Ocean City Pops, whose summer concert series runs from July through October.

  • Ocean City Municipal Golf Course

    A 12-hole, par 37 course at 2600 Bay Avenue designed by Leo Frazier, open from April 1 through Oct. 31.

  • Dog Days on the Boardwalk

    The city introduced Dog Day for Oct. 23, 2021, alongside the Humane Society of Ocean City's Howl-O-Ween Parade, letting leashed dogs onto the Boardwalk for set hours. The October event was listed again for Oct. 24, 2026.

Services in Ocean City

What we do in Ocean City.

Every service we offer is available in Ocean City. Not sure which you need? Get a quick quote and Doug will help.

Reviews

What New Jersey dog families say.

  • Carlos S.

    “Great company! Efficient, on time, and great service. I really like that they send a picture of my gate closed each time, I’ve had other services leave it open and my dogs got out! So it’s a simple way to add peace of mind that I appreciate.”

  • Thank you for trusting us with your yard!

    Devon O.

    “Efficient service. Poop no more”

  • Stefanie

    “As a first time client, I was very impressed with how smooth and quick the process was from requesting a quote to having the first visit done. The communication was excellent along with sending me a photo showing my gate being properly latched when leaving my property. I received the invoice following the visit and even that was a very easy process with payment and being able to tip the individual who completed the service. I highly recommend Dog Waste Management Pros to all of my fellow dog parents!!”

  • Lori D.

    “They were prompt, fast, and very efficient. Since we’re an older couple with 3 dogs, I’m So glad I found this company. I would highly recommend!”

    Lena L.

    “Super easy to sch. Love the service!!”

  • Lorraine O.

    “The guys showed up on time when they said they would so grateful did a fantastic job. I would highly recommend this team and service polite efficient and professional could not ask for more i will definitely be a long term client!!”

  • Myra H.

    “The best compan ever. Does a great job. They are nice people”

    Pat V.

    “My experience with Dog Waste Pros was excellent! They were prompt and thorough. The Pro was friendly and loved my pooch! I definitely recommend!”

  • Jennifer B.

    “Quick and easy! I filled out a form on Facebook and quickly received a text and received a quote shortly after. They were able to schedule my yard for later the same day. Great service and great communication - they sent a picture of the locked gate at the end of service for peace of mind and the invoice was prompt and easy to pay from my phone.”

  • victoria c.

    “Set up my intial service yesterday and was here 9am the next day! Quick! Extremely friendly and did a wonderful job!! Lifesavers!! Highly recommend!”

    Chryl L.

    “Awesome job, really quick”

  • Kerry B.

    “I had my second visit today, and so far, I’m very pleased with this business. They’re hard workers and professional. They arrive with everything they need, and leave nothing behind when they’re gone. They stay very organized with reminders and immediate invoices, and have been prompt and courteous. Give them a shot!”

  • Jason A.

    “Efficient, and affordable, did a great job arrived on time would highly recommend 👍”

    Alicia B.

    “They were affordable and professional! They showed up on time and got the job done thoroughly and quickly. I'd highly recommend to anyone with a dog!”

  • Terri

    “These guys are the absolute best! They do a great job. We have two large dogs and need help keeping up with their mess. These guys show up on time, let you know when they are coming, and when they have finished. The yard is cleaned perfectly. Can't live without them. Five stars!”

  • Nicole H.

    “I recently used Dog Waste Management Pros for my backyard and was highly impressed. The team was punctual and extremely thorough. I strongly recommend them for reliable, professional service.”

    Carey H.

    “Great job! Much needed service. Thank you so much”

  • Diana G.

    “Thank goodness for Dog Waste Management Pros! It has been quite the juggling act between arctic temps, post-op restrictions & two gentle giants staying with me for the month. Once that snow started to melt it became obvious that I needed to call for help. The crew did an amazing job & I could not be more happy. Networking with local small businesses is always important to me, but man, what a win when they turn out to be stellar at the service they provide! Four paws & Five stars! 🐾🐾 + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

  • Kevin M.

    “Great experience for my first weekly pick up, took his tome to make sure everything was picked up , called before they got there and even took a picture of the gate door closed when finished id highly recommend them to everyone”

  • Melanie B.

    “Great communication, personable and did an awesome job! Will use again!”

    Matthew P.

    “Very easy to work with, they were quick, polite, and professional. Will definitely be continuing their service for the near future couldn’t be any happier with the service.”

  • Diana G.

    “Owning a dog sitting company + having post-op restrictions don’t mix very well. Now let’s pair that with some snow, ice & two Rottweiler guests for the last few weeks- my backyard felt like booby trap. ❄️ 🌨️ 💩 ⚠️ Thankfully Doug and the crew from Dog Waste Management came to the rescue! My yard is back to being safe to walk around in again (haha) & the gentle giants can resume ball play as normal. Will definitely be reaching out in the future and referring DWM to everyone!”

  • Gabriella O.

    “Great service, helps keep my yard very clean! They send a message to show my gate is locked after they leave every time for peace of mind and keeping my kids and dogs safe! Appreciate this service!”

    robyn p.

    “Fantastic service!!! Reasonable prices great communication. Highly recommend.”

  • Kimberly D.

    “This is really a great business. I really don’t have that much time to clean up after my 4 dogs. The woman who came to clean up was so very nice. She texted me when she was arriving and texted me when she was finished. I highly recommend them.”

  • Jennifer B.

    “My yard looks great!! I can walk around without fear of landing on a poop bomb. Highly recommend especially for those working a ton!”

    David C.

    “I was impressed with their responsiveness, attention to detail, and super friendly team. Look forward to their continued service.”

  • Jessica E.

    “Dog Waste Management Pros employees are excellent! The staff keeps the customer informed with exceptional communication before, during, and after the cleanup. Very punctual and precise! Thank you for doing what us pet owners don’t want to do!”

  • Dolores M.

    “So thorough and professional! So glad I chose them! Highly recommend and they’re prices beat every one else”

    William H.

    “Always on time, always professional, and does such an excellent job! Would recommend always and everyone is so accommodating.”

  • Jared S.

    “Reliable, thorough, and worth every penny! I can’t recommend Dog Waste Management Pros enough! They are always on time, incredibly thorough, and leave my yard spotless. It’s such a relief to have a clean yard for my dogs to run around in without having to worry about the mess. Great communication and friendly service. 5 stars all the way!"”

  • Alisa E.

    “Anthony was So nice to my dogs he spent some time with them and they loved him! And he did a great job!”

    Brandon B.

    “Very professional, on time and absolutely did an amazing job! I’m satisfied and will be using again.”

  • Stephanie L.

    “Doug and the rest of the crew were awesome. I made 1 call and they actually answered. The gave me a price (very reasonable) and were out to take care of my property in a few days. They did an excellent job and were very friendly. I highly recommend!”

  • Adam B.

    “Gave my dogs treats. Great communication. Punctual. Very reasonable. And did a thorough cleaning!”

    Rana S.

    “I highly recommend, Dog Waste Management! My only regret is not finding them sooner!”

  • Robin A.

    “We had our first clean up with Dog Waste Management Pros and it was the easiest process from the online quote, to scheduling, paying, and the first visit. They did a great job and even sent me a picture that my gate was closed when they were done. I love that I can setup Auto pay online and don't have to worry about scheduling and paying. Can't wait to continue using their services.”

  • Tracey L.

    “Very professional, friendly and great communicators.”

    Angelina R.

    “Great communication, Great Service !!”

  • Samantha W.

    “They did an amazing job cleaning our yard. We have three dogs and it definitely builds up if we don’t stay on top of it. They were easy to contact, we were able to schedule within a week, and communicated what time they would be here day of as well as when they were done. Highly recommend!”

Frequently asked

Ocean City questions, answered.

Do I have to pick up after my dog in Ocean City?

Yes, section 11-4.9 of the city code requires you to remove your dog's waste immediately from any property that is not yours. Put it in a closed container or covered trash can. Fines start at $25 for a first offense and rise to at least $150 by a third.

When can my dog go on the beach in Ocean City?

Leashed dogs may use Ocean City's beaches from Oct. 1 through April 30, as long as owners clean up. Dogs are banned from every beach from May 1 through Sept. 30. Spring closures also start March 15 at the north end by the Longport bridge and, under the city code, between 18th and 34th Streets.

Can I bring my dog on the Ocean City Boardwalk?

No, city code bans dogs from the Boardwalk and its ramps, steps, platforms and pavilions at any time, even if they are carried. The city has made an exception for its October Dog Days event, when leashed dogs may walk the Boardwalk for set hours.

Where can my dog run off leash in Ocean City?

At the Ocean City Dog Park at 45th Street and Haven Avenue, which is fenced and open from 6 a.m. to dusk year-round. Entry requires a Paw Pass, a current dog license and a rabies certificate.

Why does dog waste matter on a barrier island?

Rain, melting snow and ice carry it to storm drains that empty into the ocean and other waters, the city's tip card explains. It warns that pet waste carries microorganisms that can cause bacterial diseases and parasitic infections, plus nutrients that feed algae.

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Egg Harbor Township and serve Atlantic County and nearby Cape May County towns, including Somers Point, Linwood, Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City and Cape May Court House. Get a quick quote with your ZIP code to check your street.

Do you scoop in the winter?

Yes. Our crew works through the shore's winter weather too.

Still have questions?

Call (609) 356-8999

We're ready when you are

Ready for a cleaner yard, Ocean City?

Get a quick quote in about a minute, or call or text (609) 356-8999.

Get a quick quote

Step 1 of 6

How many dogs are in your family?