Pets Tampa, Dog, Parks, Beaches, Tampa Bay, Pet, Homes

-10 Ways to Treat Your Pets Around Tampa Bay-

The Greater Tampa Bay area offers many perks for people, although living here is also a treat for pets.  In honor of National Love Your Pet Day on February 20th, our real estate team has listed 10 unique ways local homeowners can show their pets love around Tampa Bay.

Local Things to Do with Your Pets 

Sure, a tasty treat and a good belly rub are both great, but our Tampa area canines and cats deserve much more in return for the unconditional love they fill our homes with every day.  As fellow pet parents and pet-friendly real estate pros, we can tell you there are plenty of things to do with your furry friends around Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.  Here are our top 10 ways to treat your pet:

  1. Take a Stroll: This ranks number one for pet parents in the Sunshine State. Also, the Tampa Bay area offers limitless options along tree-lined streets in suburban communities like Carrollwood and endless city sidewalks in districts across Tampa and St. Petersburg.
  2. Hit the Trail: Specifically, head to The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, which stretches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, including treks through Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, South Pasadena, and Gulfport.
  3. Go for a Run: Tampa offers one of the best places to run on a continuous waterfront sidewalk (lined with grass) stretching miles down Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa.
  4. Play in the Park: Tampa’s dog park game is on point with dozens of options. A few to consider are Palma Ceia Dog Park in South Tampa, Al Lopez Park in Tampa, Logan Gate Dog Park in Citrus Park, and the Dog Park at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.
  5. Head to the Beach: There are several fantastic pet-friendly beaches for basking in the sun or throwing the frisbee. The list includes Davis Island Dog Beach, Fort De Soto Dog Park and Beach, Picnic Island Beach, and Honeymoon Island State Park’s Dog Beach.
  6. Grab a Bite to Eat: The Tampa Bay area has countless cafes and restaurants with pet-friendly patios. Ulele in Tampa and The Library Restaurant in St. Pete have great dog-friendly areas, but you are sure to find something in every neighborhood.  There are even places like The Dog Bar and Pups Pub that cater to dogs. Check restaurants and websites to confirm details.
  7. Go Out on the Town: When it comes to walkable destinations for pet parents, you have your pick of the litter around Tampa Bay. You might want to check out dog-friendly spots along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, Hyde Park Village, or Main Street in Dunedin.
  8. Have Some Backyard Fun: Don’t think we’ve forgotten about the cats. Consider adding an outdoor “catio” or an enclosed area on your patio for your kitty to safely enjoy the outdoors. Florida winters provide great weather for the cats and canines at your Florida home.
  9. Create Special Spaces: The ultimate pet parents will consider pampering their pets by designing special indoor spaces or toy-filled play areas at home. Of course, kitty would love a window seat to enjoy, while your pups may appreciate a special grooming station for brushing and pampering.
  10. Enjoy Cuddles at Home: By far, any pet parent knows that their pets love cuddling in a cozy Florida home. Cats and dogs alike might prefer this way of showing love more than any treat or adventure. Make cuddle time special by giving them their own special blanket and a pillow.

We hope this list inspires you to treat your pets. We consider pets an important part of our family, which means they are also part of the real estate process. That is why we offer tips to keep your dogs, cats, birds, and other pets happy and cared for during the entire homebuying and home selling experience.

If you need help finding the perfect home, investing, or selling your current property, call Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786 today.