Our pets are treasured members of our families, so it’s no surprise that we want to include them in our vacation plans! If you are bringing your pet on your next Florida trip, Kong Vacation Homes offers pet-friendly vacation rentals in the coastal destinations of Tampa Bay, Hallandale Beach, and Davie, Florida – which are also some of the most pet-friendly!
Recently, Forbes Magazine released their rankings of the best U.S. cities for dogs, and Tampa is at #13 in the nation! For these rankings, Forbes considered factors such as access to parks and the availability of pet-friendly housing. In fact, the Tampa Bay area offers more pet-friendly rentals per capita than other cities, in addition to a high number of pet-friendly activities!
Hallandale Beach also has a fine pedigree when it comes to pets! In 2018, the city was certified in the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the company Mars Petcare. Hallandale Beach was just one of four cities selected to receive a grant for a Happy/Healthy Pets initiative. With its many parks and recreational opportunities, Hallandale Beach scored high as a pet-friendly city!
Having a safe place to play is important for pets. Several Kong Vacation Homes feature large, fenced backyards for our four-legged friends. We do ask that you don’t leave your pet unattended and keep them on a leash when outside of the fence. Of course, we also ask pet owners to pick up any droppings, bag them, and then put them in the trash – that’s just being a good neighbor!
Kong Vacation Homes simply requires a pet deposit when you book your rental. We also make reasonable accommodations to allow pets who serve as assistance animals, which includes animals who provide emotional support.
After you are checked in and settled into your vacation home, it will be time for you and your pet to experience Florida first-hand (or first-paw)! While you are here, you must visit one of our incredible beaches, and here are some of our favorites:
SOUTH FLORIDA PET-FRIENDLY BEACHES
Hallandale Beach
Grab your dog and a leash, and head to Hallandale Beach! The pet-friendly portion of the beach is located across from the bark park and is accessible through parking lots #3 and #4. Just remember that dogs must be on their leases unless they are in the designated beach area.
Dog Beach of Hollywood – 4900 N. Surf Road, Hollywood
Buy a daily pass ($10 per dog) from a park ranger or the Hollywood Department of Recreation and Cultural Arts and get ready for your entire family – but especially your pup – to have a blast at the Dog Beach of Hollywood! You can find the beach hours and more information here.
Haulover Park’s Dog Beach – 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
In addition to two adjacent dog parks, you will find the bark beach directly on the sand! Dogs are allowed on the beach from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm between towers #2 and #3 only, and they can even be off-leash from 8:00 AM between 3:00 PM. Just notes that there is a nominal parking fee for entry, then you can enjoy the park’s dog-friendly amenities!
Bark Beach at North Beach Oceanside Park – 8328 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Visit North Beach to find another dog park with beach access! The pet-friendly portion of the beach is between 80 & 81 Street Beach on the east side of the North Beach Oceanside Park, with an entrance on Collins and 81 Street. Dogs will need to be on their leashes outside of designated areas, and owners must carry their pets’ leashes in the Bark Beach area.
TAMPA PET-FRIENDLY BEACHES
Apollo Beach
In the Tampa Bay area, bring your pup to Apollo Beach! Leashed dogs are welcome, and there are waste bag locations scattered around the area to help you clean up after your pet!
Davis Island Dog Beach – 1002 Severn Street, Tampa
Head to scenic Davis Island near Downtown Tampa for some “barks and recreation”! The beach area features 200 feet of fenced-in waterfront spaces where dogs can play in the surf off-leash! You’ll also find a water fountain and wash station for your pooch!
Picnic Island Beach – 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa
Located near the Port of Tampa, this beautiful beach spans nearly eight acres – and a large stretch of it is reserved just for dogs! Just note, while dogs do not need to be leashed at this beach, it’s also not fenced in.
After your day at the beach, you’ll be ready to relax at home! Every Kong Vacation Homes rental features spacious floorplans, comfortable furnishings, and Smart TVs for your enjoyment. Our motto is “Your Experience, Your Way” and that includes your pet, too! To learn more about Kong Vacation Homes’ available pet-friendly properties, call us at 866-499-9026 or email us at info@kongmg.com.