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Visiting Florida with your dog by car.
Prior to your trip, there are a few things to consider. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines. Make sure your dog is secure in the car and plan some stops several times as your dog may need to stretch and go potty. While driving, don’t let your dog stick their heads out. All kinds of debris, dust or flies can get into their eyes causing eye infection or eye issues.
Now that you have made it to your Florida destination, here are a few more suggestions to make it a great memory, no matter if you are just visiting or made the move to live in Florida.
As it is pretty much always warm/hot in Florida, never leave your dog in the car! Not even for 5 min just to pick something up. Rolling down the window, will let the warm air in and it is heating up too. I do not let my dog share a bowl of water with other dogs, especially if I don’t know them. Not knowing if the other dog is up to date on their vaccine, or who else was drinking out of that bowl before. I don’t share my drink with people I don’t know either. So, the best thing to do is bring your own water and bowl for walks or to go to any park or Beach.
Dog Beach and Dog Parks
There is only one official Dog Beach in the area, where dogs can be off leash, the Brohard Paw Park and Beach and is easily accessible. It is located at 1600 S. Harbor Drive, Venice, Florida. As mentioned above, it is just south of the Venice Fishing Pier and the famous Sharky’s restaurant. So, if you follow your GPS to Sharky’s, just keep going a bit further south on the road and you will see signs for the Brohard Dog beach on the right.
Dogs are not allowed on any of the public beaches, but there are a few private beaches that may allow dogs, and they need to be leashed.
While on the beach with your dog, make sure there is no rip current when your dog is running into the Gulf of Mexico.
The sand can be hot, so if you plan for a walk on the beach stay close to the water line. When you get home, rinse your dog thoroughly and make sure all the salt and sand is off.
There are plenty of Dog Parks or places that allow dogs in the area. I will mention just a few to get you started.
Sarasota:
Payne Park (941-263-6386)
Dog Park at Arlington Park (941-263-6732)
Sarasota Boat Tours (941-799-1863)
Potter Park (941-861-5000)
Bay Street Park (941-861-5000)
Oscar Scherer State Park (941-483-5956)
Venice:
Brohard Paw Park (941-861-5000)
Woodmere Paw Park (941-861-500)
North Port:
The Canine Club (941-429-7275)
Englewood:
Dearborn Street at Old Englewood (941-474-5511)
Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Paw Park (941-681-3760)
Rotonda West:
Broadmoor Park (941-697-6788)
Port Charlotte:
Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park (941-627-1074)
Punta Gorda:
Fisherman’s Village (941-639-8721)
Hounds on Henry Nature Park (941-575-5050)
Restaurants that allow Dogs
After a day at the Beach or the Park you probably like to grab a bite to eat. Well, what about your furry friend? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places that allow you to bring your dog. There are a lot of places with outdoor seating. The list would be too long, but you can find the dog friendly restaurants at www.bringfido.com.
Dogs and Wildlife
Florida has amazing wildlife. From Manatee to Dolphin, Alligators, Fish, Turtles, Bobcats, wild Hogs, lots of species of Birds, Snakes, Racoons, Rabbits and more. We all love them, but every wild animal that is considered a predator is a risk to your dog. Even a non-predatory wild animal can lash out towards you and your dog either out of fear or to protect its young. Just be vigilant of your surroundings.
Boarding and Veterinary
No matter if you visit Florida for Vacation or live here fulltime, there might be times you cannot take your dog with you. There might be a friend or good neighbor to take care of your pet while gone. The question is, what do you do if they cannot help you when you need to leave town without your beloved dog.
There are plenty of places that offer daycare and overnight stays for your dog. The ‘vacation spot’ for your dog when you cannot take your pet with you.
You will find here below a list with boarding places and some Veterinary in the area. Most of the vets are also offering to board your pet.
Sarasota:
Fetch Pet Care (941-257-1970)
Sarasota Animal Hospital (941-371-5951)
Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate (941-922-0756)
Ashton Animal Clinic & The Pet Resort (941-927-2700)
Beneva Animal Hospital (941-923-2731)
Animal House Doggie Bed & Breakfast (941-378-3393)
Bayside Pet Resort (941-351-0730)
Venice:
Bark Stars LLC (941-800-4051)
Island Hospital of Venice (941-484-9908)
Veterinary Café of Venice (941-488-4247)
A Pet’s Frien Animal Hospital (941-493-6240)
Green Cove Kennel (941-412-9408)
Englewood:
Critter Cottage (941-475-5402)
Dog training & Transportation by Harry Kalajian (941-447-8234)
Englewood Animal Health Center (941-474-8881)
Lemon Bay Animal Hospital (941-474-7711)
Port Charlotte:
Dog Bed & Breakfast (941-268-4920)
Camp Bow Wow (941-875-9410)
Veterinary Emergency Clinic (941-255-5222)
Loving Paws Animal Hospital (941-766-8555)
North Port:
Heron Creek Animal Hospital (941-423-3503)
JJ’s Dog Yard Daycare & Boarding (941-228-7358)
Punta Gorda:
Bratty Paws Dog Plex (941-833-3358) This facility also offers great training, 20,000 sqft under air.
Peace River Veterinary Clinic (941-205-5400)
Dr Ally’s Animal Clinic of Punta Gorda (941-639-9600)
Punta Gorda Pet Sitting (941-204-4466)
Pleasant Run (941-575-4022)
All American Pet Resort (941-267-4744)
