Search for hotels or vacation rentals that accept pets on the Gulf Coast. Hotels may require you to pay an additional charge to bring your pet along. Beachfront rentals are your best bet because you can enjoy the beach with your pet. Sunset Reflections Vacation Rentals in Cape San Blas on the Gulf Coast accepts pets. Peace of Cape is another example of a rental that allows pets.
Bring a leash. A leash will help you control your pet while in public places in Florida. Some areas require that you use a leash when walking your pet.
Get rabies shots for your pet. Laws in Florida require that pets over 4 months old have up-to-date rabies immunizations, unless a vet has determined that the immunization would risk the pet's health. Carry proof of all immunizations with you. You'll need the records for pet boarding.
Locate a pet motel. Some days, you'll want to visit restaurants and attractions on the Gulf Coast without your pet. Search for a pet motel where you can board your pet for the days when you want to, or are required to, enjoy the beach and attractions without your pet.
Visit pet-friendly beaches and dog parks. Beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast that allow pets include the Gandy Bridge Causeway in St. Petersburg and Davis Island Dog Park in Tampa. The Sand Key Park and Paw Playground in Clearwater, Curtis Hixon Waterfront dog park in Tampa and Enterprise Dog Park in Tampa are examples of parks where your dog can frolic unleashed.
Arrange meals. You can order room service if you are staying in a hotel. Buy groceries for a vacation rental with a kitchen. Eat with your pet at an outdoor restaurant like Eddie's Bar and Grill and Mike and Lisa's Cricketers in Dunedin and Fresco's Waterfront Bistro in St. Petersburg, which allow friendly dogs that are leashed on the patios.
