Travelers who love the ocean as much as they love their dogs often look to Myrtle Beach for an easy, sand-and-surf getaway. Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort markets itself as a pet friendly option in the heart of the Grand Strand, but the actual rules can feel confusing if you only skim booking pages or third-party listings. This guide breaks down the current pet policy in clear terms, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive with your four-legged travel companion.
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Is Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort Pet Friendly?
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is officially pet friendly for dogs, according to Westgate’s own FAQs and dog friendly policy. The resort highlights itself as dog friendly with conditions and fees that mirror the wider Westgate Resorts dog policy across the brand. In practice, that means well behaved dogs are welcome in designated guest rooms and villas, but cats and other animals are not allowed unless they qualify as service animals.
Westgate’s corporate dog policy allows pet dogs at most of its resorts, and the Myrtle Beach oceanfront property follows that standard approach. Guests can book directly through Westgate and indicate they are traveling with a dog, or they may see the pet friendly designation on travel portals and tourism sites that list the resort as allowing dogs. While some third party sites have historically listed slightly different details, the governing rules are those set by Westgate itself and confirmed in the resort’s own FAQ and terms.
On the ground, travelers describe Westgate Myrtle Beach as a convenient option for guests who want to stay steps from the sand without leaving their dog behind. Reviews on major travel platforms often mention that staff are used to seeing dogs on site and that check in with pets is relatively straightforward, provided you have disclosed your dog in advance and are prepared to pay the required fees and deposit at the front desk.
If you are comparing options, it is worth noting that not all Myrtle Beach oceanfront hotels allow pets at all, and those that do sometimes limit dogs to off season dates or specific room types. Westgate Myrtle Beach’s policy applies year round but comes with clear limits on how many dogs can stay in each unit, how much they can weigh, and where they can go on the property.
Dog Limits, Weight Rules and Breed Restrictions
The core of Westgate Myrtle Beach’s pet policy is built around three elements: number of dogs, total weight, and restricted breeds. As of mid 2026, Westgate allows up to two dogs per unit at its resorts under its dog friendly policy. The official guidelines specify that a dog must not exceed 60 pounds, or in the case of two dogs, they must not exceed 60 pounds in combined total weight. This same standard appears in Westgate’s general dog friendly terms and is referenced in pet policy language associated with the resort.
In practical terms, that means a single 55 pound Labrador mix would meet the weight requirement, but a single 75 pound German Shepherd would not. If you are traveling with two dogs, a pair of 25 pound French Bulldogs with a combined weight of 50 pounds would be within the limit, but two medium sized 40 pound cattle dogs would be over the combined 60 pound threshold. If your dogs are close to the line, Westgate staff may rely on self reported weight unless a dog appears significantly larger than claimed, at which point they can apply management discretion.
Height and length restrictions also apply in Westgate’s dog friendly policy, although they are less frequently discussed by guests. Dogs are generally required to be no longer than about 36 inches and no taller than 36 inches. This primarily affects very large breeds such as Great Danes, which could fail both the size and weight limits even if they are lean. The combination of weight, height, and length rules is designed to keep pets manageable inside elevators, hallways, and smaller guest rooms.
Breed restrictions are another important part of Westgate’s policy. The company lists a number of breeds that are not permitted on property, including but not limited to Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Great Danes, Shar Peis, and Presa Canarios. This list is not necessarily exhaustive, and management reserves the right to deny any dog that appears aggressive or that falls into a similar high risk category. For example, an American Bulldog mix that resembles a banned breed might draw extra scrutiny. Even if your dog is not a restricted breed, any pet that shows aggression, such as lunging at other guests in the lobby, can be asked to leave.
Fees, Deposits and What They Actually Cover
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort charges two separate amounts for dogs: a mandatory, non refundable cleaning fee and a refundable damage deposit. According to Westgate’s official FAQ for the resort, guests with dogs pay a flat 150 dollar non refundable cleaning fee per reservation at check in when the dog is properly reported, plus a 150 dollar refundable pet deposit that is returned if there is no damage to the unit. These figures are in line with Westgate’s broader dog friendly policy, which sets a 150 dollar cleaning fee at its resorts.
The non refundable cleaning fee is intended to cover additional housekeeping required after a pet stay. This can include deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and bedding, running extra vacuum passes to remove dog hair, and using specialized cleaning products to neutralize any lingering odors. For example, if you stay three nights with a 40 pound beagle mix, you will still pay the same 150 dollar cleaning fee as someone staying a full week; the fee is tied to the reservation, not to the number of nights or the number of dogs, provided you do not exceed the limit.
The refundable deposit is treated differently. At check out, housekeeping and maintenance teams assess the room for any damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. If they find scratched doors, chewed furniture legs, stained carpets from accidents that were not properly cleaned, or lingering strong odors that require additional remediation, the resort can use some or all of the 150 dollar deposit to cover those costs. If everything looks normal, the deposit is released back to the guest, typically following the standard timeline associated with your payment method.
Guests should be aware that Westgate also imposes a separate penalty if a dog is discovered in a room that was not reported at check in. Under the company’s dog friendly terms, that unauthorized pet fee is an additional 150 dollars on top of the regular cleaning charge. In real terms, a guest who attempts to sneak in a 20 pound spaniel and is later found to have the dog in the room could see their total pet related charges double. It is both cheaper and simpler to declare your dog at check in and sign the required pet addendum.
Where Dogs Are Allowed On Property
Within the resort, dogs at Westgate Myrtle Beach must follow a clear set of movement rules. Westgate’s dog policy states that dogs must be supervised or crated at all times when inside the room and must be leashed and under control whenever they are outside the unit. Housekeeping will not service a room where an unattended, uncrated dog is present, which means that if you leave your 45 pound border collie loose in the room while you head to the boardwalk, you may return to find that the room has not been cleaned and towels have not been replaced.
Dogs are generally restricted from specific public areas such as pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, indoor restaurants and bars, spas, and children’s play zones. At an oceanfront resort like Westgate Myrtle Beach, that typically means you can walk your dog through designated routes, such as outdoor walkways and certain lobby entrances, but you cannot sit with your dog at the edge of the main pool deck or bring them into the fitness room. If the resort has a small dog relief area or pet walk, it is usually located on the perimeter of the property rather than in the central amenity areas.
In practice, many guests staying at Westgate Myrtle Beach use the sidewalks in front of the resort and nearby grassy strips for quick walks, then head to off site dog parks or pet friendly green spaces for longer exercise sessions. Travelers posting recent reviews often note that while the resort is technically pet friendly, the on site grass is limited and may not be ideal for large dogs that need extended playtime. Planning for at least one dedicated outing each day to a nearby park can make a big difference, especially for energetic breeds like herding dogs or retrievers.
It is also important to understand that being dog friendly does not mean dogs are allowed on every part of the beach at all times. Myrtle Beach and neighboring municipalities set their own rules for dogs on the sand, often limiting daytime access during peak summer months. For example, city regulations may restrict dogs from being on the beach between certain morning and evening hours from May through Labor Day, while allowing them early in the morning or later at night. Before you assume you can step from the resort directly onto the sand with your dog at midday in July, check the current city rules for the stretch of beach in front of Westgate.
Service Animals vs. Pets and Emotional Support Animals
Westgate Resorts distinguishes clearly between service animals and pet dogs under its policies. Dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guide dogs for guests who are blind or mobility assistance dogs, are treated as service animals under applicable law. These animals are not subject to the same weight, breed, or number limits that apply to pets, and they are generally allowed access to more areas of the property, including spaces where pet dogs are not permitted.
Emotional support animals, by contrast, are not treated as service animals under Westgate’s stated policies or under current law. Westgate’s terms explain that emotional support animals are only permitted on resort property to the extent they qualify under the dog friendly policy. That means an emotional support dog is handled as a pet: it must meet the 60 pound combined weight limit, remain within allowed breeds, comply with leash and supervision rules, and incur the standard cleaning fee and deposit. An emotional support cat would not be accepted, since cats are generally not allowed as pets at Westgate Myrtle Beach.
For travelers, this distinction has real world consequences. A guest who arrives with a 65 pound emotional support German Shepherd will likely run into issues, because the dog exceeds the 60 pound pet weight limit and is also a restricted breed. The same guest arriving with a 20 pound emotional support Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, however, could have the dog accepted under the pet policy, provided they pay the applicable fees. If you rely on a service animal, it is still a good idea to contact the resort ahead of time so staff can note your reservation and ensure a smooth check in.
Regardless of status, any dog that behaves aggressively can be removed from the property. Westgate notes that any dog, including one that is not on the restricted list, may be asked to leave if it shows aggression. In a practical sense, that could mean a dog that repeatedly growls and snaps in crowded elevators or lunges toward other guests in narrow hallways. Guests are responsible for keeping their dogs under control at all times, including ensuring that children do not tease or mishandle them in common areas.
Realistic Trip Scenarios and Planning Tips
Understanding the rules is one thing; seeing how they play out in real life is another. Consider a family of four from Charlotte planning a five night stay at Westgate Myrtle Beach in early June with their two small dogs, a 12 pound Shih Tzu and a 15 pound miniature poodle. They book a one bedroom oceanfront villa directly through Westgate, call ahead to confirm that both dogs are within the combined 60 pound limit, and note the pets on their reservation. At check in, they are charged the 150 dollar non refundable cleaning fee plus the 150 dollar refundable deposit. Because their dogs are crated whenever the family leaves the room and they promptly clean up any outdoor accidents, their full deposit is returned after check out.
Contrast that with a couple driving down from Ohio with a single 65 pound mixed breed dog that looks like a Pit Bull mix. They book through a third party site that loosely mentions “pet friendly rooms” without detailing the current rules. When they arrive at Westgate Myrtle Beach and attempt to check in, the front desk reviews the pet policy, notes that the dog appears over the 60 pound limit and may fall into a restricted breed category, and ultimately declines to allow the dog to stay. With peak summer occupancy and limited flexibility, the couple now has to scramble to find an alternative pet friendly hotel further inland or board the dog locally, turning an otherwise simple road trip into a stressful start to their vacation.
Another common scenario involves guests trying to avoid fees by not declaring their dog. Imagine a solo traveler with a 25 pound terrier booking a standard room and choosing not to mention the dog at check in. Housekeeping later reports a dog present in the room after hearing barking while the guest is at the pool. Under Westgate’s terms, the front desk then adds both the 150 dollar non refundable cleaning fee and the separate 150 dollar unauthorized pet penalty, effectively doubling the cost and potentially souring the guest’s impression of the resort. A straightforward conversation at arrival would have avoided both tension and extra charges.
To minimize surprises, travelers bringing dogs to Westgate Myrtle Beach should confirm the latest pet policy directly with the resort shortly before their stay, especially if they booked months in advance or through a third party. Policies can be updated, and clarifying details such as whether all room types remain pet friendly, how many pet friendly units are available during your dates, and whether any seasonal restrictions apply will help you decide if the resort is still the right fit for your trip.
The Takeaway
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is a genuinely pet friendly option for travelers who want to bring their dogs to the beach, but it is not a free for all. The resort follows Westgate’s broader dog friendly policy, which centers on a two dog limit, a combined 60 pound weight cap, and a list of restricted breeds. Guests pay a 150 dollar non refundable cleaning fee per reservation along with a 150 dollar refundable deposit, and they are fully responsible for any damage or disturbances caused by their pets.
If your dogs are small to medium sized, non restricted breeds, and you are comfortable paying the pet related charges, Westgate Myrtle Beach can work well as a convenient base near the sand and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The key to a smooth stay is transparency at booking and check in, close attention to leash and supervision rules, and realistic expectations about on site relief areas and access to public spaces. For many dog owners, the tradeoff of fees and rules is worth it in exchange for waking up to an ocean view without having left a beloved pet at home.
Because policies and local regulations can evolve, particularly around issues like dog access to the beach and public spaces, it is wise to verify details directly with Westgate Myrtle Beach just before you travel. A quick call or email to the resort can confirm current fees, limits, and any recent changes. With that information in hand, you can plan a dog friendly Myrtle Beach getaway that suits both your travel style and your pet’s needs.
FAQ
Q1. Is Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort currently pet friendly?
Yes. As of mid 2026, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort accepts dogs under its pet friendly policy, subject to the brand’s standard limits on number of dogs, weight, and breed, along with required fees and a refundable deposit.
Q2. How many dogs can I bring to Westgate Myrtle Beach, and what is the weight limit?
Westgate’s dog policy allows up to two dogs per unit, with a maximum combined weight of 60 pounds. A single dog must not exceed 60 pounds, and two dogs together must stay at or under that total.
Q3. What pet related fees should I expect to pay at Westgate Myrtle Beach?
Guests with dogs pay a mandatory, non refundable 150 dollar cleaning fee per reservation and a 150 dollar refundable pet deposit. The deposit is returned if there is no damage or excessive cleaning needed beyond normal standards.
Q4. Are there breed restrictions for dogs at Westgate Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Westgate follows a restricted breed list that typically includes Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Great Danes, Shar Peis, Presa Canarios, and similar breeds. Any dog, regardless of breed, may also be removed if it shows aggression.
Q5. Can I bring a cat or other pet to Westgate Myrtle Beach?
Generally no. Westgate’s current dog friendly policy covers dogs only, and the Myrtle Beach resort does not market itself as accepting cats or other animals as pets. Qualified service animals are treated separately from pets under applicable law.
Q6. Do service animals and emotional support animals follow the same rules as pet dogs?
No. Trained service animals for guests with disabilities are not subject to pet weight, breed, or number limits and are allowed broader access. Emotional support animals are treated as pets, so an emotional support dog must meet the standard pet rules, and emotional support cats are not accepted as pets.
Q7. What happens if I do not report my dog at check in?
If a dog is found in a room that was not reported at check in, Westgate’s policy allows the resort to charge the standard 150 dollar cleaning fee plus an additional penalty, often another 150 dollars, for an unauthorized pet. You may also face removal of the dog or, in serious cases, cancellation of your stay.
Q8. Are dogs allowed in all areas of the resort and on the beach?
No. Dogs must remain leashed and are typically restricted from pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, indoor restaurants, and similar amenities. While the resort is oceanfront, city rules govern when and where dogs are allowed on the beach, and these rules often limit daytime beach access during peak season.
Q9. Can I leave my dog alone in the room at Westgate Myrtle Beach?
You may leave your dog in the room only if it is properly supervised or safely crated, and you accept responsibility for any noise or damage. Housekeeping will not enter or service a room if an uncrated dog is left unattended, which can affect how often your room is cleaned and linens are changed.
Q10. How can I make sure I have the most up to date pet policy before my trip?
The most reliable way is to contact Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort directly shortly before your arrival. Ask the front desk or reservations team to confirm current dog limits, fees, breed rules, and any seasonal or room type restrictions so you can adjust your plans if anything has changed.