Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the perfect spot for your pooch.

With 3,200 acres, Pennsylvania’s only seashore offers a great experience for you, your family and your dog.

With all of the fun, though, there are some things you should know and prepare for before heading to Presque Isle with your dog.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times on leashes of no more than 6 feet.
• Dogs are not permitted at guarded beaches in the summer. Dogs can walk and be in the water at unguarded beaches.
• At guarded beaches, dogs are only allowed along the tree line.
• Harmful algal blooms can kill your dog. More information is below.
• Dog owners must properly clean up after their dogs.
• Ticks are prevalent at Presque Isle.
• Presque Isle is home to a variety of animals. Caution should be taken at all times.

Harmful algal blooms

The Erie County Department of Health regularly tests water from beaches for swimming safety.

Advisories are issued by the health department to help protect people and their pets from risks of contracting waterborne diseases from contaminated waters, including exposure to toxins found in harmful algal blooms.

The thresholds for dogs are lower than for humans because dogs tend to drink water when they swim.

The advisory map is updated regularly from late May to the end of October.

The Erie County Health Department site details more information about what harmful algal blooms look like and the damage they can do.

Locations

There are many locations along the shore for your dog to have fun.

Some popular shoreline spots include:

• Sunset Point (Kite Beach): Located west of Beach 10
• Between Sunset Point and Beach 9
• Between Barracks Beach and Beach 6
• East of Beach 10 to Gull Point
• Shoreline near North Pier Lighthouse to Beach 11

Other popular spots for dogs include:

• Any of the trails throughout the park
• Picnic areas
• Perry Monument area

For more information, call the Presque Isle State Park office at 814-833-7424.