Pets are family. Dog moms, cat dads, parrot parents, lizard lovers and animal owners of all sorts know this well. In Greater Tampa Bay, where parks, beaches and outdoor seating are open year-round, pets certainly have a place — in fact, they have many places.
From dedicated beaches to dog-friendly taprooms, from apartments with pet parks to world-class veterinary care, the cat is officially out of the bag: GTB is a top spot for pet resources and recreation.
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Grab a frisbee, unhook the leash and prepare to sweat. Up and down the Gulf Coast, dedicated dog parks and beaches are in no short supply. The Davis Island Dog Park near downtown Tampa offers views of both the city skyline and Hillsborough Bay. A bit further north is the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Dog Park, where pets can run freely, play on recreation equipment and cool off with drinking water dispensers.
For a fence-free adventure outside the city, check out Honeymoon Island State Park’s dog beach. Canines can frolic freely on the white sands and clear waters at this park and are allowed to explore the scenic nature trail while leashed.
Down near St. Petersburg is the Fort De Soto Dog Beach and Park, which, much like Honeymoon Island, is about as free-ranging and nature-filled as any dog desires. Other local spots include the Achieve Paw Park in Dunedin and the Safety Harbor Dog Park.
Up towards Holiday, dog parks are open at the Anclote Gulf Park, as well. The free park features plenty of agility amenities, fountains and grass for dogs to enjoy. With copse of trees casting much-welcomed shadows over the benches, it is the perfect place for owners to relax.
Bigger Bark or Bite?
After getting all tuckered out from a long day at the park, take a break and grab a bite from one of the area’s many pet-friendly restaurants.
Visiting St. Petersburg? Check out Three Birds Tavern, a gastropub with a wraparound porch. A relaxing meal in the cooling shade of the veranda is sure to be a hit.
The Sail Plaza on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa offers a waterfront view with outdoor seating for dogs and their humans. The plaza’s all-day Yappy Hour lets them snack on dog biscuits or ice cream pup cups while dog owners enjoy a meal.
Whiskey Joe’s, located off the Courtney Campbell Causeway between Clearwater and Tampa’s Westshore District, has a dog-friendly beachfront with plenty of sandy coastline to roam. In Dunedin, the Living Room on Main features eclectic eats and décor, as well as outdoor patio seating on the street for good people- and pet-watching.
Other pet-friendly restaurants include Rick’s Reef in St. Pete, Gil Dawg Tiki Bar and Grill in Port Richey and the Tarpon Tavern in Tarpon Springs — but of course, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Feelin’ Frisky
Only looking for a drink? Greater Tampa Bay is known for its breweries, coffeehouses, taprooms and bars, many of which allow pets indoors.
Two Shepherds Taproom in Tampa is a dog bar paradise. Serving a collection of some of Tampa’s finest local brews, Two Shepherds also gives dogs a seat at the table. Featuring both an indoor and outdoor play area, this taproom, with dogs featured prominently on its logo, is more than pet-friendly — it is pet-focused.
Nikko’s Dog and Sports Bar in St. Pete Beach sells pints, cocktails and squeeze toys. Rotating craft beers, sake and bowls of fresh crisp water will quench everyone’s thirst.
In South Tampa is the Dog Saloon, a sports bar with an off-leash dog park. Follow favorite teams while pets chase their tail.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, a ’60s-style London-esque pub in Tampa, serves up food, drink and an atmosphere friendly to both lovers of the Rolling Stones and rawhide bones.
If searching for that cat café bodega experience, visit Sunshine Kitty Catfe in St. Petersburg. While guests cannot bring their own pet, they could leave with one. Adoptable rescue cats come paired with morning lattes to make this trendy spot an experience like no other.
Take a Cat Nap
The dog days of summer are the perfect time for a vacation. If taking a family trip and in need of a pet-friendly place to stay, GTB has no shortage of lodgings.
The famous Don CeSar hotel in St. Petersburg is one such place, going so far as to even offer treats, accessories and tips on dog-walking routes. For a small fee, guests can bring up to two of their four-legged family members to this unique and luxurious vacation spot.
Heading toward Tampa, the well-known Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is happy to house pets and even has a grassy area for them to enjoy. Feeling lucky here is a sure thing but be warned — no poker-playing dogs allowed.
The SpringHill Suites Tampa North hotel welcomes pets as they would with any guest. Allowing two small pets to sample their accommodations, SpringHill also provides a grassy area for when nature calls. The historic, but newly renovated Hacienda Hotel, famous for its pink façade, is also friendly to the smaller fur-babies.
Artistry St. Pete near downtown offers luxury living and a dog park with pet-washing stations. The Pierhouse at Channelside, Camden Westchase Park, Sur Club Apartments and Havana Square are just a few more of the many hundreds of accommodating homes in GTB.
Nine (Long) Lives
Everyone loves a good spa day so when veterinary and grooming services are necessary, knowing the nearest and best place to treat pets is a must. For routine procedures or emergency situations, take note of these vet resources in GTB.
The Tampa Veterinary Hospital on West Kennedy Boulevard does everything from physical exams to X-rays to nail trims to surgeries. They even make house calls. With services ranging from mammals to reptiles, from crawlers to trotters to flyers, Tampa Veterinary Hospital is there to deliver peace of mind over pets’ well-being. The Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic in St. Pete provides many of the same services in Pinellas County.
With three locations in GTB, and more on the way, Hounds Town is available for any dog around the bay. Their location in Clearwater is now open and offers a range of services from doggie daycare and boarding to bathing and grooming. Fully stocked with plenty of goodies for pups to play with, pets will love their time here.
Pet owners new to New Port Richey should keep the Animal Care Center of Pasco County in mind. Its services range from wellness exams to radiology, and they are specially equipped to handle exotic pets as well.
To treat dogs to a day of pampering, head to Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming in Carrollwood, or Downtown Dogs in Tampa’s Hyde Park Village.
Offering a range of baked treats, supplements and chews, as well as variety of spa packages, Woof Gang is the place to reward pets and give them the day every dog deserves. At Downtown Dogs, high-quality food and equipment allows pets to be spoiled in the best way. Leashes, harnesses, toys and beds are both functional and fashionable. So, let sleeping dogs lie… in style.
Perhaps the most well-rounded pet paradise on this list, Royal Pets Market & Resort Plus Veterinary Center in South Tampa has just about anything a pet could need. There are treats of all shapes, sizes and kinds, from tasty to toys to accessories, at the market. The pet resort offers boarding, dog day camp and grooming. In addition, Royal Pets also has its own full-service veterinary center.
Wagging tails and loud purrs are what pet owners live for. Making sure they are happy makes their human companions happy, too. It is their world –– we are just living in it.
By Ryan Walsh.
