FLORIDA FEATURE ARTICLES : SARASOTA

Pets Deserve a Day at the Beach, too!

Sarasota’s sky blue waters, rich natural beauty and ideal climate make it a prime destination for anyone who wants to pack the car, load the kids and escape to paradise. Well, why not let your dog in on the fun?

Sarasota offers pet-friendly accommodations and parks so you can include that four-legged member of your family. With more than 30 different accommodations throughout Sarasota County offering pet accommodations, Sarasota is surely a pet friendly destination. Size limits and various charges and deposits may apply so be sure to call ahead. A detailed list of pet-friendly accommodations and any restrictions can be obtained from the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What’s more, Sarasota and Venice offer dog-friendly parks where your pets can stretch their legs and run for acres.

Lakeview Park, a.k.a “Paw Park” is a 2-acre K-9 haven boasting six-foot fencing, double gates, a dog shower and pad, a hitching post, a time-out cage, dog waterers, park tables, bag dispensers for your pet’s “little presents” and lots of cool shade trees. Lakeview Park, situated on Lake Sarasota at 7150 Lago St., is open to man’s best friend daily from 6am until dark. 941-861-9830

17th Street Park is the other dog-friendly park located in North Sarasota County. The park is home to a variety of non-dog activities including soccer, softball and archery. You can visit the Paw Park daily from 6 a.m. until dark. 941-358-2855

If you’re staying in Venice, bring your four-legged buddy to Brohard Park, the city’s newest Paw Park. Brohard Park is located on South Harbor Drive, south of the Venice Fishing Pier near the golf course. This pet playground includes a fenced in area where dogs can run leash-free during daylight hours and access to a beach where dogs can scamper daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. 941-861-1602. Also try Woodmere Paw Park in Venice, at 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd. 941-486-2780.

Don’t forget shopping; Sarasota is not just a destination for pets to sleep and play but also shop. Sarasota is home to a variety of pet stores including two specialty stores for your household pet.

Located in downtown Sarasota at 1375 Main Street, Max’s Dog Bakery, is a can’t miss stop on your family vacation. The bakery offers a wide variety of fresh baked goodies for your pet that are delicious enough for any owner to steal a bite. The store also offers an entire assortment of pet supplies and gifts. 941-330-0330

Wet Noses, located on St. Armands Circle, is another must see shop that specializes in unique gifts for pets and the people who love them. Stop by Wet Noses for a free copy of “Pet Pages”, a complete visitors guide for your pet while on vacation in Sarasota. Wet Noses is located at 472 John Ringling Blvd. 941-388-3647

Sarasota does not stop with just shopping, accommodations, and exercise for man’s best friend, it also offers a wide range of entertainment. Every January, Sak’s Fifth Avenue and local sponsors host the “Dogs Night Out” where dogs and owners can party and shop with their friends.

If fashion is more your taste, the annual fashion show called “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” is the perfect place to get dressed up and socialize. Does your pet prefer parades? The annual Pug Parade and Halloween Costume Parade are both held in downtown Sarasota and are fun for pets and owners alike.

Sarasota’s four Paw Parks, “Rover”-friendly accommodations, specialty stores, and entertainment make it an ideal place for your family, and your dog, to stay and play.





Photo: Visit Florida

places | attractions | activities | events | contact us | home




© Travel Tidings Florida 2006 All Rights reserved - Travel Tidings Florida is a free Florida (FL) travel guide about Florida tourism and vacations with travel feature articles on Florida destinations such as Sarasota, Florida where pets can have a holiday too.