Dog owners will be the first to tell you just how much their fur-babies are practically members of the family. Despite warmer temperatures, you’ll find that there are several dog breeds that find the Florida climate appealing. Dog owners are always on the lookout for fun and pet-friendly outings, and the Sunshine State has options.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
When you need accommodations, we recommend using your Florida Farm Bureau Federation member benefit for a preferred rate at certain hotels. Choice Hotels, for example, offers members a discount at participating hotels and operates more than 3,500 pet-friendly hotels across the United States, including throughout Florida.
Dog Parks
If you aren’t looking to make a whole trip out of it, we’ve compiled a list of pet-specific parks to take advantage of, found all over our state.
Amelia Earhart Bark Park
401 E 65th St., Hialeah
Visitors to the Miami-area will find an abundance of activities for their pups to do at this 515-acre park just outside the city. The park has separate areas for different weights as wells as a ton of facilities including dog obstacle courses, dog water fountains, shaded areas, and dog owner seating
Logan Gate Dog Park
7374 Monterey Blvd., Tampa
Conventionally located for most folks in Tampa, the Logan Gate Dog Park keeps your dog safe with two separate off the leash areas to play. There’s no need to worry about the hotter days of summer as the park has plenty of water fountains available for you and your dog. Not to mention wash stations to cool off your four-legged friends.
Barber Dog Park
3701 Gatlin Ave., Orlando
One of Central Florida’s most popular dog parks is the Barber Dog Park in Orlando. The park features two large off-leash areas where small and large breeds can play separately and safely. If you need to burn off some energy from a particularly rambunctious dog, a few rounds on the agility equipment should do the trick.
Brohard Paw Park
1850 Harbor Drive S., Venice
Thinking of combining a dog park day and beach day all in one? There’s no need to look no further than Brohard Paw Park. It’s the only pet-friendly beach in all of Sarasota County making it a favorite spot among canine loving locals.
Pet-Friendly State Parks
What about a trip that’s a bit longer? Here are a few state parks that don’t mind if your fur baby tags along. Nearly all domestic pets are permitted in designated areas in day-use state parks in Florida, except for Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The Florida State Parks system provides helpful information for visitors of the park.
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Those with a dog up to it will find quite the adventure on the trail here. The trail has the distinction of being the westernmost state-rail trail running through historic Milton and offers lots for you and your pup to see along its more than nine miles.
Falling Waters State Park
Home to the state’s highest waterfall at over 100-feet, the park offers a much different experience than you’d expect from Florida. Your pet is welcomed, as long as they are leashed and well-behaved, throughout the park, so you can enjoy hiking, camping, swimming and much more with your furry family member.
At Farm Bureau Insurance, we take care of what matters most—including your pet. Contact a local agent near you to find out more about Pet Injury Protection, which can cover Fido’s injuries and more if there’s an auto accident.