Do you like to vacation with your pet?
While much of Florida may not be known to be an extremely dog-friendly destination, Sanibel Island welcomes visiting dogs with open arms. All of Sanibel Island's beaches are dog friendly, so if leaving your pooch home is not an option, Sanibel Island might be the perfect location for your next getaway. Sanibel has become a very dog-friendly location, and we offer a handful of Sanibel accommodations that welcome furry friends. Make sure to browse our dog-friendly Sanibel rentals, and then read up on what makes Sanibel such an ideal place to come with your dog.
Sanibel Island has become more and more of a dog friendly destination over the years. Many of the Sanibel restaurants have patios that allow dogs, and dogs are allowed on all of Sanibel's beaches, as long as they are kept on leash and their owners pick up after them. There's even a few toll bridge attendants that are known to hand out treats to canine companions in the cars entering Sanibel.
Some favorite dog-friendly beaches of both Sanibel locals and visitors alike include Algiers Beach/Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches as well as in the water. Just remember that dogs can get very hot on the beach when the temperatures soar. Make sure to take plenty of water, and keep your dog indoors during the hottest times of the day.
Sanibel is a laid-back and friendly island, and many of the area's restaurants and shops allow well-behaved dogs. Some of the favorite dog-friendly restaurant in Sanibel include:
Over Easy Cafe - Wonderful breakfasts served until 3pm every day along with lunch from 11am to 3pm. Well behaved dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables of this cheery cafe.
The Island Cow - Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a friendly atmosphere with a charming outdoor patio. Leashed dogs are welcome to dine on the patio with their owners. This is a favorite spot for locals and Sanibel visitors.
Cip's Place - Cip's has some of the best outdoor dining on Sanibel, and leashed pets are allowed to dine with customers on the patio. Casual, comfortable, with great food. Stop in for lunch or dinner.
With all the fun spent digging in the sand or swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, your dog is bound to need a bath or a groom. Island Grooming is Sanibel's only full-service pet salon, offering a wide range of dog grooming services.
239-472-7297
If you're looking for treats or a toy for your pooch, or if you're short on dog food and other essentials, Sanibel has one great dog store to check out. Island Paws on Tarpon Bay Road in Sanibel has offered gourmet treats and the finest pet products and supplies since 2004.
We have a limited number of Sanibel Island rentals that will accept pets. Please view our pet-friendly accommodations, or call us to chat with a travel consultant who wil be happy to find a rental that best fits your needs. While you are talking to a travel consultant, be sure to have her explain our pet fee system for our pet friendly Sanibel rentals. A Pet Registration and Rules Agreement must be completed prior to your stay. There is a per-pet fee for any stays that include pets, and this varies unit to unit. The pet owner might be charged for additional cleaning fees, should stain removal or cleaning be required.