Image: Freedigitalphotos.net
Imagine a place where your best four-legged friend can play in sand and sun, without a leash and not worry about being cited for it. This pet paradise is Huntington Dog Beach in the city of Huntington Beach. Unfortunately, Dog Beach is facing bankruptcy and may not be able to provide visitors all its services.
Dog Beach is used by an estimated 2 million visitors annually and is the only pet friendly beach in Orange County where pets and their owners can roam free in the sand, which allows pets to play fetch and meet other canine companions. Dog beach provides nationally recognized dog-friendly sand and free doggie bags to its visitors. In addition, they provide unique events, such as the Surf Dog Contest in September.
The beach is run by the Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach, non-profit organization that relies solely on private donations. Sadly, donations have severely dropped and now Dog Beach faces bankruptcy. To run Dog Beach, it costs about $10,000 to run monthly, which goes to pay for doggie bags, fliers, office and printing expenses, insurance, and maintenance, among other costs.
If Dog Beach were to become bankrupt, the stretch of sand would be turned over to the city of Huntington Beach. Although the city is aware of the situation and there has not been any talk of shutting down Dog Beach, city budget constraints may keep Dog Beach from providing pets and owners the same benefits they know today.
The Preservation Society is hoping that word gets out, donor memberships increase, and possibly secure corporate sponsors to keep Dog Beach fully operational and maintained as intended. To learn more about Dog Beach or to donate and help, visit dogbeach.org. There are also some small ways to help, such as donating a car, using your Ralph’s or Food 4 Less Rewards cards, shopping online, buying from the Dog Beach shop, or just by volunteering!
