San Diego has many dog beaches for pooches and their pet parents to spend an hour or a day having fun in the sun. At least four of the beaches are off-leash, which means you can frolic in the waves with your pooch. That’s a win-win in my book. (That happens to be my dog, Scout, frolicking in the waves in this photo.)

Before you head out, read 5 Things You Need for a Trip to the Beach with Your Dog to ensure that you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time.

Dog Beach – West Point Loma Blvd., Ocean Beach (map)

Dog Beach, located in the seaside community of Ocean Beach, is the most popular dog beach on our list and for good reason. According to originaldogbeachsandiego.com, “On any given day, dogs run freely in the ocean, surfers surf the break and people and dogs co-exist peacefully. As such, the Dog Beach Committee honors its legacy as a melting pot for people and dogs, all sizes, shapes, colors, creeds and breeds.”

Dog Beach was officially adopted in 1972 by the Ocean Beach Town Council to protect it as a community asset. It is maintained by a group of volunteer beach and dog lovers called the Dog Beach Committee that works closely with the San Diego City Parks and Recreation department, city council offices, Ocean Beach community groups, and business partners. Dog Beach is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fun Fact: Ocean Beach was featured in Endless Summer II, a famous surf movie.

North Beach Dog Run – 100 Ocean Blvd., Coronado (map)

This 24-hour off-leash dog run is located at the northern end of the beach next to the U.S. Naval Station entrance. You must keep your dog on a leash until you reach the beach, but once you reach the shore, feel free to let your pooch go for a nice long run and some splashing in the waves.

Chester, a patron of the beach, commented on dogster.com, “I absolutely loved this beach when I was in the San Diego area. It’s not huge but very beautiful and clean. A poop bag dispenser can be found right next to the side of the road where you can easily park your car. Even though this place gets somewhat crowded on weekends, we’ve never had a problem as all the dogs were quite well-behaved. So my conclusion is: A great and beautiful beach where every pup can run around in their birthday suit.”

Del Mar Dog Beach – Camino del Mar, Del Mar (map)

Open from Labor Day to June 14, this dog park is located at Via De La Valle and Highway 101 near the mouth of the San Diego river, and is off-leash.

Tira W. wrote on yelp.com, “This is my pup’s favorite place in San Diego, and a great place to go for a walk at twilight. Most of the dog owners are very responsible, making for a great atmosphere to bring your dogs and kids. The big dogs play in the surf, while littler dogs like mine hang out in the tide pools exploring seaweed and fish. Be sure to check the tide charts as high tide does tend to limit your experience and walk. I’ve never had any trouble finding parking along the road, but it’s all paid parking so bring some money and watch your time. I’ve seen parking police handing out tickets in the evening.”

Del Mar Dog Beach is a favorite among residents and travelers alike. It boasts nearly five stars on Yelp!

Fiesta Island – Fire Island Rd, Mission Bay (map)

This mostly off-leash dog park is located in Mission Bay Park and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Dogs are allowed in all areas except for the youth campground and Least Tern nesting sites.

“Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. There are lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters lets the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip,” states dogster.com. “There is a designated off leash location on the backside of the Island as Sea World will be on your left, fenced in front with signs. It is mostly private with endless shores for dogs to run. Bring water for your dogs. There are Porta-Potties located around the Island, which is 5.2 miles around.”

Kiba comments on dogster.com, “Fiesta Island is one of the biggest leash-free fenced places for dogs. There is tons to explore – large flat grassy area on top, surrounded by road and then the beach below. Sometimes there are even horses to sniff. There are trash cans and even poop bags available – the only thing is there are no human restrooms (port-o-pot outside the dog area), no benches or fountains. For dogs that love to run, explore or get dirty – it’s great!”

PHOTO: Sonya Simpkins

1. 11th Annual Wilenchik Memorial Doggie Dash 5K Run/3K Walk – Schertz, Texas, Saturday, May 19

This annual dog-friendly run/walk in Pickrell Park allows pet parents and their pooches to raise money for Homes for Pets/Schertz Humane Society. According to mysanantonio.com, “The first Doggie Dash was started several years ago with the help of late Schertz Councilman Tony Wilenchik and his wife, Valerie. Wilenchik, a big pet lover, died in September 2009 from cancer. This is the first year the Doggie Dash will be named in Wilenchik’s honor.” Pet parents can run the 5K for $25 or the 3K for $20 and dogs get to run for free. All pooches must be kept on a leash.

2. Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue 5K – Louisville, Colo., Sunday, May 20

Banfield Pet Hospital is the title sponsor for this year’s fifth annual 5K run benefiting the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue. Pet parents will receive giveaways from companies such as Good Belly and Trail Dog Treats post-race. The run will be held at the Community Park in Louisville. Photographs of the event will be available from Dan Rieber, who for the past four years has donated proceeds from the sale of his photographs to the rescue. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for children; there is no charge for dogs.

3. Hair of the Dog 5K – Robbinsville, N.J., Sunday, May 20

This event debuted four years ago and is a little different from your usual dog run. It is held at the Silver Decoy Winery, and each registered runner receives a free wineglass and their first wine tasting free of charge. All registered dogs will receive a poop bag and prizes, and pet parents will receive a goody bag. No need to register dogs prior to race day. If you’re running with your dog, you can register him at the registration table on the day of the event. This will automatically enter your dog in a raffle. There is no need to register dogs and there is a one dog per person maximum. Proceeds benefit the pets of the Tri-State Weimaraner Rescue and Res-Q-Pets Animal Rescue.

PHOTO: lululemon athletica

“As a result of feedback, United will now accept previously restricted breeds of dogs traveling in a non-plastic, reinforced crate,” the company said in a statement.

When United’s merge with Continental Airlines became official in early March, the airline adopted Continental’s PetSafe policy that banned Pit Bulls as well as the American Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa (or Tosa Ken) and Ca de Bou – all frequent victims of breed-specific legislation (BSL).

Like the Continental policy, United’s initially referred to these dogs as “dangerous,” but the company quickly removed that label after receiving complaints.

More than 45,600 people signed a Change.org petition asking United to remove the ban. The campaign was started by Jessie Huart, the dog mom of Slaw, a senior Pit Bull mix, after Continental Airlines refused to fly her dog last December.

Although United dropped the ban, these nine breeds must be transported in reinforced crates that meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) Container Requirement #82 as follows, according to the United Airlines website:

“The container or crate must be constructed of wood, metal, synthetic materials, weld mesh or wire mesh. Additional design principles regarding frame, sides, floor, roof and doors also apply. No portion of the crate may be plastic. The crate door must be made of heavy wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and should have a secure means of fastening that cannot be opened accidentally.”

Pit Bulls are not allowed on Delta Airlines or American Airlines, but for the reason they’re considered brachycephalic (short-snouted). Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and other snub-nosed breeds are also banned because they may experience breathing difficulties during flights.

Huart is pleased with United Airlines’ decision to drop its breed embargo.

“I am thrilled that United listened to their customers,” she said in a press release. “This change is a victory for responsible dog owners everywhere at a time when many are facing breed discrimination.”

PHOTO: Lasse Fuss

According to the event website, “SUP for a Pup was started in 2009 by Kaenon Polarized Sports Marketing Director, Chris Wyman, an active dog and animal advocate. With help from his friends at Kaenon Polarized and others in the stand up paddle and surf industries, Wyman’s vision of a dog charity event in tune with the local surf culture came to life.”

The inaugural event was such a huge success that they were able to raise over $7,000 for AWFA and find forever homes for 20 dogs.

Admission for the event is free and a portion of the proceeds benefits AWFA. Be sure to check out some pawesome samples sales from Kaenon, OluKai, Hinano Tahiti, Riviera Paddlesurf, QuickBlade, Clean Bottle, VMG Sail Shades and more.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and happy pet parents can enter a raffle, enjoy great music and entertainment and even adopt a new friend! Food and drinks are available from Wahoo’s Fish Taco.

Plus, anyone who adopts a pooch from the event will receive a gift bag and discounts on future purchases through June.

If you shop online at Kaenon.com, you can save 25 percent on your order and donate 25 percent of the proceeds to A Wish for Animals by entering the promotional code SUPFORAPUP at checkout.

The event will held in the back parking lot at the Kaenon Polarized headquarters located at 864 West 16th Street in Newport Beach. For more information be sure to visit their website.