The Dog-Friendly Days of Summer
What's as loved as the beautiful scenery here? Dogs! Sarasota and the Suncoast love dogs and these days, more and more condos now allow pets of any size. Did you know that the Vue even has a dog park on the roof of the parking structure?! I can help you find the perfect dog-friendly community to call home. Keep reading to learn about wonderful places to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your four-legged friends.
A WALK IN THE PARK! (On a leash)
Safety First:
No matter where you are, be careful when taking your dog out on paved walkways. The Florida sun can make it hot enough to burn their paws. Press your hand on the pavement and if you can hold it there for a minute without getting burned, your pet should be okay too. Make sure they are hydrated and don’t let them overheat. Cool-downs and breaks are good for you both. NEVER leave your dog in a car.
Downtown Sarasota:
A walk with a spectacular view can be found at downtown Sarasota's Bayfront Park. This is a fairly crowded area so if your dog is not well socialized or uncomfortable around strangers, this may not be the place for them. However, Bayfront Park is a 32-acre peninsula with incredible views of Sarasota Bay, the Ringling Causeway and the downtown area. Paved sidewalks run the perimeter of the grassy, tree-lined park that has a kids’ playground area too. Leashed dogs are even welcome to go with their humans to O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and relax while enjoying a tropical break at the picnic tables in the soft sand at water's edge, beneath the palm trees. The restaurant even provides water bowls for your pet! Remember to bring - and use - your own waste pick-up bags.
South Sarasota:
In Sarasota, just south of Proctor Road on Beneva Road, there is Red Bug Slough (pronounced “sloo”). Surprisingly, this 72-acre preserve is right in the heart of a rather busy residential area of Sarasota. Aside from the occasional school field trips, you’ll find relatively quiet unpaved hiking trails that wind through the park. Red Bug Slough also has a fishing dock, a butterfly garden, and traditional picnic tables as well as restrooms. Be sure to bring your waste pick-up bags, keeping the park nice for everyone, please!
Venice in South Sarasota County:
For some serious exercise try the Venetian Waterway Park in Venice. It connects Caspersen Beach Park with the Legacy Trail. Leashed dogs may accompany you on the 10-mile, paved park trail. The trail will take you through some populated areas but mostly you will enjoy walking on either side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Plenty of wildlife to be seen here including the possibility of alligators!
Manatee County:
There are a variety of dog parks to be found in Manatee County from Palmetto, to Lakewood Ranch, to the popular Palma Sola Park. Here, dogs are allowed on- and off- leash and it also offers a place for horseback-riding surrounded the breathtaking beauty of the causeway that leads to Anna Maria Island. Though not a dog beach exactly, it is a must-see with or without four-legged friends!
Let 'em Run! Leash-free Parks
TIP: You may want to plan a visit to the groomers after these off-leash adventures!
Sometimes you just want to let them run! There are a few fenced pet parks in Sarasota and Venice. Between Honore and Beneva on 17th Street you'll find Paw Park. With a drinking fountain, separate fenced areas small or large dogs, and plenty of space to run it's ideal for doggies. For human visitors, there are picnic tables and seating areas in the shade, plus they provide waste disposal bags and trash cans.
Just south of downtown Sarasota is Arlington Paw Park off Waldemere Street. Once again pups can run and play with dogs of similar size in fenced areas. Though there isn't a lot of shade or seating, there is a drinking fountain for dogs and - if on a leash - may walk with their humans through Arlington Park's lovely shaded trails.
Past I-75 near Bee Ridge Road you'll find Lakeview Paw Park with benches, picnic tables and shade, fenced large and small dog areas, and public restrooms! You will find the same amenities in Venice at Woodmere Paw Park off Jacaranda near US 41.
When BEACH time is a must: It is not very easy to find a beach that allows dogs unless you are staying a specific hotel. Brohard Paw Park in Venice is the only dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County. It offers an enclosed park that gives dogs the opportunity to splash in the surf as well as onsite parking, picnic tables, showers and drinking fountains.
Bone Appetit!
More than a few restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee Counties welcome owners with their dogs to dine al fresco. It is estimated that more than 50 restaurants in the region offer outdoor dining where pets on a leash are welcome. Due to COVID-19, hours, seating and availability changes often so if you are dining outside, call ahead so you can be sure.
If you are ready to find a pet-friendly community or a home with a fenced in yard, let’s get in touch! BeverlyStHilaire@michaelsaunders.com or 941-504-3303