Is Miami Dog Friendly? 18 Things You Must Know Before You Visit

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Is Miami dog friendly?🐶 If you are travelling to this beach paradise, famously known as the ‘Magic city’ of Florida with your pet for the first time, then you are bound to have this question? Travelling to Miami is a surreal experience and enjoying this experience with your four-legged companion is an unparalleled experience. So, is Miami dog friendly destination?

Miami is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the US. Miami features many dog-friendly beaches with dog parks and off-leash bark parks with shade trees, picnic tables, drinking fountains, waste bags and waste containers and other amenities that make vacation with you dog a pleasant experience. There are also many beachside hotels, restaurants and cafes that not just allow dogs but also offer a separate menu for your four-legged companion.

Is Miami Dog Friendly destination?

Is Miami good for Dogs?🐶

Dogs on Miami beach

Miami is amongst the top three places in the US to live with or vacation with your dog according to 2017 case study done by Reward Expert. Miami has plenty of dog friendly beaches, parks, recreational areas and more restaurants, cafes, pet stores and veterinarians per thousand residents than any other city in the US making it a paradise for dogs and dog lovers.

Can I bring my dog to Miami beach?

Is Miami Dog Friendly Beach dog

Yes, you can. Miami has plenty of dog-friendly beaches where you can enjoy playing with your cuddly companion on the pristine white powdery beaches of Miami. Keep in mind that some beaches are not pet-friendly and there are laws and timings especially regarding keeping your dog off-leash at beaches where dogs are allowed.

What dogs are illegal in Miami?

Illegal dog

In Miami-Dade County, it is illegal to own or keep American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any other dog that bears a significant resemblance to any of these breeds. For additional information, see Chapter 5, Section 5-17 of the Miami-Dade County ordinance.

Can I visit Miami with a Pitbull?

Pitbulls are prohibited by law from entering Miami Dade County because it is one of the counties that has enacted the BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) law, which prohibits or restricts dogs from entering a specific location or activity.

To know more about laws regarding Pitbulls visit this link.

Here are best dog-friendly beaches in Miami?

  1. Haulover Beach Park
  2. Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park
  3. Hobie Island Beach Park
  4. South Pointe Park
  5. Lummus Park
Haulover Beach Park
Haulover-beach

The Haulover beach is renowned as one of the most beautiful and top ten nudist beaches in the world. It is also one of the best beaches to enjoy with your dog.

Haulover beach features two dog runs, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, as well as a bark beach directly on the sand. Additionally, there are enclosed areas with shade trees, picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains, waste bags, and waste bag containers at the dog park.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., dogs are permitted off-leash near lifeguard towers 2 and 3, where you can enjoy watching your dog run wild in the sand. All of this and much more is available for just $2 per vehicle for the duration of the afternoon.

Bark beach at North Shore Open Space Park
Bark-beach-at-North-Shore-Open-Space-Park

North Beachside Ocean Park is ideal for you and your dog if you want to experience a tranquil beach vibe away from the hustle and bustle of Haulover Beach.

The North Beach has a dog park with a dog-friendly stretch of beach, benches, shady palms, waste receptacles, separate dog run areas for small and large dogs, and dog-bag dispensers.

The entire park is dog-friendly, and if you want to let your dog run off-leash and watch him play in the sand, there are two enclosed dog runs where you can do so.

Hobie Island Beach Park
Hobie Island Beach Park

Hobie Island Park, which is famous for windsurfing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding with incredible views of Downtown Miam’s skyline, is a perfect place for dog owners who seek the thrill of water sports activities.

The shallow waters of Hobie Beach Dog Park make it an ideal beach for dogs who enjoy swimming. Hobie Beach Park is the only place in Miami-Dade County where your dog can run free and play with other dogs in the powdery sands and clear blue waters.

South Pointe Park
South-Pointe-Park-1024x811

South Pointe Park, located at the southern tip of South Beach, is ideal for those looking to explore the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Downton’s Skyline while having some beach fun with their dog.

South Pointe Beach Park has a beautiful walking trail, food trucks, ocean-side hangouts, playgrounds, and dog parks, both enclosed and off-leash, where you can spend time with your furry friend.

Dogs are allowed off-leash from sunrise to 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Note: Please keep in mind that the off-leash park is not fenced in, so you must be comfortable letting your dog run free without these boundaries.

Lummus Park
Lummus-Park-1024x811

Tucked away between the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Ocean Drive, Lummus Park, while not as dog-friendly as other beaches in Miami, is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, kids, and fitness enthusiasts, as it includes an open gym with adult gym equipment.

The beach has a small enclosed dog park where you can walk your dog, watch him socialise with other dogs, or give him some exercise.

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Are Dogs allowed on Miami beach boardwalk?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Miami boardwalk, but you must keep your four-legged companion on a leash at all times. Off-leash dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk.

Are dogs allowed on the beach in South Beach Miami?

South Beach Miami does not allow dogs on the beach, but you can take your dog for a walk on the paved Beach Walk that runs parallel to the ocean on a leash so that you can explore the iconic Art Deco architecture, take in the scenic views of the ocean, and spend some quality time with your dog.

Are dogs allowed in malls in Miami?

Yes, Miami has many dog-friendly malls where you can go shopping without leaving your pet at home. Miami also has the most pet stores per capita (141 in total) than any other city in the United States, making it a great place to shop for your furry friend.

Best Pet-friendly shopping malls in Miami ?

  1. Lincoln Road Mall – Lincoln Road Mall has many galleries, boutiques, fine dining, unique shops, sidewalk cafes, and other amenities that you and your dog can enjoy. The mall also has many shops where you can bring your dog inside, as well as outdoor seating areas where you can dine with your dog on a leash.
  2. Yellow Green Farmer’s Market– A great place to get seasonal and fresh foods straight from the farm, as well as artisanal goods made by local artists and craftspeople. Make sure your dogs are always on a leash.
  3. Brickell City Center– Brickell City Center has many indoor malls with a variety of shops where dogs are welcome on a leash. Before bringing your dog inside, make sure you ask the shop owner.
  4. The Falls– The Falls is yet another small pet-friendly mall that allows small dogs that can be carried in your arms or kept in a stroller or carrier inside.
  5. Hobby Lobby– Dogs are allowed inside the malls being they are kept on-leash all the time.
  6. Aventura Mall– Aventura Mall is one of Miami’s most upscale shopping malls, with upscale shopping centers, boutique shops, cafes, antique stores, and fine dining options. Dogs are permitted inside the mall as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
  7. Bal Harbor Shops
  8. The Shops at Merrick Park
  9. Design district

Are dogs allowed in Miami zoo?

The Miami Zoo does not allow pets of any kind, including dogs of any species. Only service dogs?🐕‍🦺 that have been specifically trained to assist a disabled person are permitted in the Miami Zoo.

Note: Emotional support dogs and comfort dogs, which are frequently used as therapy animals as part of a medical treatment plan, are not considered service animals under the ADA and thus are not permitted to enter the zoo.

Does Biltmore Miami allow dogs?

Yes, Biltmore is a dog-friendly hotel in Miami, accepting dogs that weigh no more than 35 pounds and are properly trained and restrained by their owner. Pet owners are restricted to first and second floor rooms and must pay a one-time fee of $50 for deep cleaning after their pet.

Is South Pointe Park dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are permitted on leash in South Pointe parks, playgrounds, and bike trails, and there is also a designated dog run where your dog can run free.

Are dogs allowed on Key Biscayne beach?

Key-Biscayne-beach-1024x811

Dogs are not permitted on Key Biscayne Beach, except for service dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a physical disability. This does not include dogs used for emotional support or comfort dogs used as a therapy animal as part of a medical treatment plan.

Are dogs allowed in Tropical Park Miami?

Dogs are welcome in Tropical Park Miami’s dedicated dog park. The dog park has two fenced dog runs, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, where they can play off-leash. The Park also has an on-leash dog park, walking trails, drinking fountains, waste dispensers, public toilets, shower stations, plenty of shaded seating, and free poop bags.

Are dogs allowed in Sawgrass mall?

No dogs are allowed inside Sawgrass mall with the exception of a service dog specifically trained to aid a person with disability.

Are dogs allowed at Bal Harbour shops?

Yes, dogs are allowed on leash at Bal Harbour shops in common areas and some of the stores and at outdoor seating areas of some of the restaurants.

Does Hollywood beach allow dogs?

Hollywood beach is dog-friendly and dogs are allowed on the beach provided they are on leash all the time.

Best Pet-friendly hotels in Miami?

Pet-friendly hotel
  1. Kimpton Surfcomber Miami
  2. Kimpton Angler’s South Beach
  3. Kimpton EPIC Hotel
  4. 1 Hotel South Beach
  5. The Standard Spa
  6. Loews Miami Beach Hotel
  7. Fountainebleau Miami beach
  8. W South Beach
  9. Biltmore Miami
  10. COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach

Best Pet Care/ Veterinary Hospitals in Miami?

Pet Care
  1. Alton Road Animal Hospital
  2. Silver Bluff Animal Clinic
  3. Sunset Animal Clinic
  4. Brickell Bay Animal Hospital
  5. Animal Emergency Clinic of South Florida
  6. Knowles Animals Clinic- Snapper Creek
  7. The Pet Emergency Room

Best Pet stores in Miami ?

Pet store
  1. Dog Bar
  2. Petco
  3. PetSmart
  4. Pets Best
  5. Completely Canine
  6. Pet Supermarket
  7. Wynwood Dog Food Co.
  8. D’luxe Dog Pet Concierge & Boutique
  9. The Pet Modes

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About the author
James Williams
James has been travel lover since childhood. Reading and traveling have been spiritual experiences for him. Learning about new places, cultures, and ways of life and sharing his own experiences and learnings has always been his passion.

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