Florida a vacation paradise for dogs, too
By Tamara Lush
Associated Press January 5, 2013 at 1:00 am
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130105/LIFESTYLE/301050314#ixzz2H7UGePW2
Sun and sandy beaches make Florida a welcome place for dogs. (Chris O’Meara / Associated Press)
Fort De Soto Park, Fla.
Picture this: You're sitting on a white sand beach, warm sun on your skin. Coconut-scented sunscreen wafts through the air. A splashing noise comes from the blue Gulf of Mexico. It's your dog, happily retrieving his favorite ball from the water.
This could be your vacation, with a bit of planning.
With miles of sandy beaches, endless winter sunshine and a laid-back vibe, there's no reason to leave your four-legged friend behind when you vacation in Florida. From lodging that offers special pet beds, to beaches with off-leash play, to theme parks with nearby kennels, many places around the state accommodate visitors with pets. Many Florida state parks also permit leashed dogs.
Lodging with your dog can be as rustic as a campground or as ritzy as, well, the Ritz Carlton. In places like Key West or Sanibel Island — where all beaches are open to leashed dogs — unique and funky pet-friendly accommodations are easy to find in various price ranges.
Most counties have their own tourism boards and many have specific pages on their websites about pet-friendly activities, restaurants and hotels.
Jeannette Scott, a fashion blogger from Orlando, took her shih tzu-Yorkie mix named Bella on a three-day trip in June. Together, they drove three hours to Fort Myers, boarded a ferry to Key West, stayed at a Sheraton that offered a doggie bed for Bella, and posed for photos in front of a frozen yogurt stand that carried Yoghund, a froyo for doggies.
"She thought it was really fun to get away and go on adventure instead of staying at home," Scott said.
If your dog might enjoy the same, here are some dog-friendly destinations around Florida, along with lodging advice and general tips for traveling here with pets.
Water and sunscreen are essential for dogs. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s in many Florida locations during the winter, dogs (and people) can easily become dehydrated.
Take shady breaks, put ice cubes in the water dish and let dogs sprawl on cool tiles. Never leave your dog in a car in Florida, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can rise to 120 degrees and kill animals quickly.
Heartworm is endemic to Florida. Plan to visit a vet before your trip to get a heartworm test and pills to prevent infection.
Picture this: You're sitting on a white sand beach, warm sun on your skin. Coconut-scented sunscreen wafts through the air. A splashing noise comes from the blue Gulf of Mexico. It's your dog, happily retrieving his favorite ball from the water.
This could be your vacation, with a bit of planning.
With miles of sandy beaches, endless winter sunshine and a laid-back vibe, there's no reason to leave your four-legged friend behind when you vacation in Florida. From lodging that offers special pet beds, to beaches with off-leash play, to theme parks with nearby kennels, many places around the state accommodate visitors with pets. Many Florida state parks also permit leashed dogs.
Lodging with your dog can be as rustic as a campground or as ritzy as, well, the Ritz Carlton. In places like Key West or Sanibel Island — where all beaches are open to leashed dogs — unique and funky pet-friendly accommodations are easy to find in various price ranges.
Most counties have their own tourism boards and many have specific pages on their websites about pet-friendly activities, restaurants and hotels.
Jeannette Scott, a fashion blogger from Orlando, took her shih tzu-Yorkie mix named Bella on a three-day trip in June. Together, they drove three hours to Fort Myers, boarded a ferry to Key West, stayed at a Sheraton that offered a doggie bed for Bella, and posed for photos in front of a frozen yogurt stand that carried Yoghund, a froyo for doggies.
"She thought it was really fun to get away and go on adventure instead of staying at home," Scott said.
If your dog might enjoy the same, here are some dog-friendly destinations around Florida, along with lodging advice and general tips for traveling here with pets.
Water and sunscreen are essential for dogs. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s in many Florida locations during the winter, dogs (and people) can easily become dehydrated.
Take shady breaks, put ice cubes in the water dish and let dogs sprawl on cool tiles. Never leave your dog in a car in Florida, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can rise to 120 degrees and kill animals quickly.
Heartworm is endemic to Florida. Plan to visit a vet before your trip to get a heartworm test and pills to prevent infection.
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Reservation Central Sanibel and Captiva Islands offers pet friendly Sanibel Island and Captiva Island homes, condos, cottages and hotels. Call our local office at 1-800-290-6920 or visit the links below for more information on your next Pet Friendly Sanibel Island or Captiva Island Vacation!
