Florida Keys Are Pet Friendly
Pets are people too, so to vacation in the Florida Keys, you don’t want to leave anyone behind!
In our islands, activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and bicycling are popular with our four-legged friends along for the ride.
Many Florida Keys accommodations offer pet-friendly amenities, some with pet programs that even feature animal beds and lifejackets, cooling water bowls and collar charms, or their very own "Paw Happy Hour" complete with “puptails” and “yappetizers.”
Monroe County code (encompassing all the Florida Keys and its municipalities) requires a dog be leashed and under your direct control at all times, in public places.
The Florida Keys & Key West wants to ensure a safe and happy visit for you and your pet!
Our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA share some pet-friendly travel information and important safety tips to keep in mind before, and during travel in the subtropical Keys.
- Before you travel, it’s a good idea to protect your pet against heartworms, fleas and ticks by administering preventative treatments like Heartguard in advance of your trip.
- Having your pet fitted with a microchip with current contact information can help reunite you with your pet should you become separated.
- In the beautiful warm climate of the Florida Keys, it is especially important never to leave your pet in the car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside of a car on an 80-degree day can quickly reach a deadly 115 degrees. Monroe County code permits animal control and law enforcement officers to remove an animal left in an unattended vehicle.
- When enjoying an outdoor adventure with your four-legged friend, be mindful of the local wildlife. The Florida Keys are home to a variety of unique plant and animal species; be aware of local wildlife you may encounter in order to keep both your pet and the wildlife safe. Likewise, do not permit your pet to ingest any unfamiliar plants.
Before you visit a business establishment, please always verify that they are still dog-friendly, as policies and management of an establishment (such as attractions, open-air eateries, parks, beaches) change frequently.
Look for a “Pet-Friendly” paw icon for businesses in each region of the Keys!