Dog-Friendly Moore County
hello!
Meet Monty and Miller, our two golden retrievers and the real tour guides in our house. Moore County is a wonderful place to have a dog: sandy trails that dry fast after rain, longleaf pine shade, and plenty of patios where a water bowl shows up before your menu does. Here are the spots we love, plus what I tell clients who are shopping for a home with their four-legged family in mind.
I'm Lex Fowler, a REALTOR® with The Foundry Group at Compass. Follow Monty and Miller's adventures at @montyandmiller.
Let them run
Off-Leash Dog Parks
Room for zoomies, and a good place to meet other dog people in town.
Our go-to. About 50 acres of off-leash woods, open space and a creek at 350 Commerce Avenue, open dawn to dusk year-round.
- Only partially fenced, so it's best for dogs with solid recall
- Leash up at the entrance, both coming and going
- Park in the cul-de-sac, not the shopping center lot next door
- Look for the Canine Cubby, a little free pantry for pet supplies
A fully fenced, members-only dog park supported by Moore Humane Society. It's a nice option if your dog is still working on recall or you'd like a more controlled group.
- Membership required; check Moore Humane Society for current details
- Read the posted rules before your first visit
Sniff walks
Favorite Leashed Walks
Keep leashes on and pick up after your pup at all of these.
Tip: Check for ticks after any wooded walk, and test the sand with your hand on summer afternoons. Sandhills sand gets hot fast, so early-morning and evening walks are kinder on paws.
Pull up a chair
Dog-Friendly Patios
These spots have welcomed well-behaved, leashed pups on their outdoor seating. Policies can change with the season or the crowd, so it's always worth a quick call ahead.
- Southern Pines Growler Company
- Seaboard Freight
- The Sly Fox
- The Bell Tree Tavern
- O'Donnell's Pub
- Betsy's Crepes
- Wolcott's
- Chapman's Food & Spirits
- Red's Corner
- The Ice Cream Parlor
- Pinehurst Brewing Company (biergarten with water bowls)
- Drum & Quill
- The Villager Deli
- Maxie's Grill & Tap Room
- Railhouse Brewery
- The Bakehouse and Café
- The Workshop Tavern
Mark your calendar
Dog Days & Giving Back
The Sandhills Dog Fair. A spring tradition at the Pinehurst Village Arboretum, usually in April, with dog vendors, contests, adoptable pets and raffles that benefit local rescues and shelters. Leashed, friendly pups welcome.
Adopt or foster locally. Moore Humane Society is a private, nonprofit, no-kill shelter that has been caring for Moore County animals since 1966.
Stock the Canine Cubby. Drop off food, treats or gently used supplies at the pet pantry at Martin Park.
Just in case
After-Hours Emergency Vet
Save this one in your phone before you need it.
910-246-0405 · 5091 US Hwy 1, Vass
Open weeknights 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., and 24 hours on weekends and select holidays. Call ahead so they can be ready when you arrive. During the day, start with your regular vet.
Buying with pets
Finding a Home Your Dog Will Love
When I tour homes with clients who have dogs, these are the things I'm quietly checking for them.
- Is there a fence, and is it tall and sound enough for your dog?
- If not, does the HOA allow one? Many communities limit fence style, height or placement.
- Sun, shade and drainage. Sandy soil drains well, but bare spots heat up.
- Sandspurs and fire ants are part of Sandhills life, so walk the yard before you fall for it.
- Floors that handle claws and muddy paws, like tile, LVP or sealed hardwood
- A mudroom, laundry room or garage entry for wipe-downs (exhibit A, above)
- Room for a crate where your dog can still see the family
- Stairs and older dogs: is there a main-floor bedroom?
- HOA pet rules, including limits on number or size of pets
- Sidewalks or quiet streets for daily walks
- Distance to Martin Park, a trail or your vet
- Golf communities: ask about rules for walking on cart paths
Tip: North Carolina requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats 4 months and older. If you're moving here, pack your pets' vet records with your important documents, not on the moving truck.
Dog owner FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
Is there an off-leash dog park in Southern Pines?
Yes. Martin Park at 350 Commerce Avenue is about 50 acres of off-leash woods and open space, open dawn to dusk. It's only partially fenced, so it works best for dogs with reliable recall.
Are dogs allowed at Weymouth Woods?
Yes, on a leash. Keep your pup on the trail and pick up after them.
Where's the closest emergency vet at night?
Small Animal Emergency Services in Vass, 910-246-0405. They're open overnight on weeknights and around the clock on weekends and select holidays.
Which breweries and restaurants are dog-friendly?
Plenty of local patios welcome leashed pups, including Southern Pines Growler Company, Seaboard Freight, Pinehurst Brewing Company and Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen. Policies can change, so call ahead.
Can I put up a fence in my HOA?
It depends on the community. Many HOAs have rules on fence style, height, color and placement, and some require approval first. If a fence is a must, I'll pull the HOA documents during your Due Diligence Period so you know before you commit.
Do you have a list of trainers, groomers and sitters?
I'm happy to share the people Monty and Miller trust. Just text me.
here for you!
Your agent in Moore County
Let's find a home your dog will love
Michigan was home first, but college brought me to the Carolinas and I never wanted to leave. When the military brought my husband, Max, and me to Southern Pines, what we thought was a temporary stop became the destination. Every move has taught me the house is only part of the decision. The neighborhood, the commute and the lifestyle matter just as much.
Before real estate, I spent eight years in public health and research, including time with the VA, where accuracy and deadlines were nonnegotiable. I bring that same discipline to every contract and closing, with The Foundry Group and Compass behind you.
Lex Fowler, REALTOR® · The Foundry Group at Compass · @lexfowler_realestate
Next up
Moving here on orders?
Commute tips, renting vs. buying and using your VA loan in Moore County.