A storm develops when Emily Elizabeth and her dog Clifford visit her grandmother by the seashore, and it is up to Clifford to save a lighthouse, two puppies, two boats, and Grandma's home from danger.
Clifford, hoping to ease the burden of paying for his food, joins the circus in an attempt to win a lifetime supply of Tummy Yummies and soon becomes the star of the show, but his heart remains with Emily Elizabeth.
When a kitten finds its way to Emily Elizabeth's house, Clifford, the big red dog, learns the hard way that what is cute for a kitten is trouble when imitated by a giant dog.