Bringing Home Pets, Dog, Pet Walk, Pets

-Why Tampa Bay is a Pet-Perfect Place-

In celebration of National Pet Month 2022, we declare Tampa Bay a pet-perfect place to live.  From pet-friendly restaurants and parks to a wide selection of licensed veterinary clinics and grooming experts in every neighborhood, it is no wonder why Tampa Bay is where people and pets can live the ideal Florida lifestyle.

In recent years, Tampa has been listed among the nation’s most pet-friendly places according to surveys by WalletHub and Honest Paws. Now, with more people than ever choosing to move to Florida from other states, our real estate team is explaining why the Tampa Bay area beckons for people with pets this May and throughout the year.

The Right Spots for Social Events and Playtime

While there are many pet-perfect places and events to enjoy throughout the year, it seems this springtime has flourished with dog walkathons, animal fundraisers, and nightly yappy hours at local pubs.

For playtime, anytime, Tampa Bay also boasts countless meet-up spots and dog parks. A few of our neighborhood favorites include:  Al Lopez Park in Tampa for running off-leash; Palma Ceia Dog Park for playtime in South Tampa; Curtis Hixon Park for downtown Tampa strolls along the Hillsborough River; Logan Gate Dog Park for recess in Citrus Park; and the expansive dog park next to Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex in Pasco County.

Extra Wags for Weather and Walkability

Tampa Bay’s weather forecast won’t put your pooch in icy conditions or on snowy sidewalks.  Florida’s sunshine ensures year-round warmth, walkability, and greenspaces to frolic.

Best of all, many local neighborhoods offer safe sidewalks and walkable areas for pets, but the trail does not end there. Locals love to walk with pets along Bayshore Boulevard boasting miles of waterfront sidewalk in South Tampa. Families and adventurous pet parents also enjoy walking the Pinellas Trail stretching from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.

When the weather gets hot, local dogs cool off at pet-friendly beaches. A few around the Tampa Bay area include Davis Island Dog Beach, Apollo Beach Dog Park, Fort De Soto Dog Beach, Picnic Island Dog Beach, and Honeymoon Island State Park’s Dog Beach.

Pet-Minded Homeowners Associations

When searching for a new home, a pet parent will want to evaluate the neighborhood and consider any rules of the Homeowners Association (HOA). Fortunately, many neighborhoods in our area are quite accommodating; however, you will want to ask a few questions before choosing a pet-perfect place. Questions may include: are there other pets in the neighborhood; are most of the yards fenced; and, importantly, are there any fence regulations or HOA noise regulations with potential fines? We stay on top of the best places for pets, and our Tampa Bay area network can help you find a Florida home or condo for your furry family.

Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen today at 813-294-5786 for more information about pet-friendly homes, buying, selling, downsizing, and investing in Florida real estate.