Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination and waterfront town in northwest Florida. But are dogs welcomed on Panama City Beach?
Conversely, the beach welcomes thousands of visitors across the United States of America and throughout the year.
Yes, dogs are welcomed on Panama City Beach. However, they have several rules and regulations that you will have to abide by when visiting with your dog.
This article will take you through everything you need to know regarding dogs at Panama City Beach. Keep reading to learn more.
Panama City Beach Dog Rules
Panama City Beach is a dog-friendly community. It has several dog parks as well as a dedicated dog beach located on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier. The city also has several local restaurants that are dog-friendly. The dog must be on a leash and under your control. Here are some of the rules for the dog beach.
- Dogs must stay within the confines of the Dog Beach.
- All dogs should be on a leash or under voice command.
- All dogs at the beach must wear ID tags and be vaccinated.
- A maximum of three dogs is allowed for every individual.
- Dogs aged four months and below are not allowed.
- You will not be allowed to bring female dogs in season. In addition, it is usually preferred that all pets on the Dog Beach be neutered or spayed.
- You are not allowed to bring long-lasting chewies or food bowls.
- All Dog Beach users are encouraged to supervise their dogs and children closely.
- Dogs or dog handlers creating a problem or causing any problem at the beach could be asked to leave.
- You will be required to pick after your dog and place it in disposal stations.
- The use of the beach is at your own risk. You will be responsible and liable for the action of your dog.
- You should not leave your dog unattended or with kids.
- Dogs with a history of biting in public areas can only be allowed if they wear a muzzle.
Other animals are not allowed on the beach. Also, dogs are not allowed on any other part of the beach unless they are service animals.
Dog-Friendly Places On Panama City Beach
Generally, Panama City Beach offers a variety of dog-friendly beach houses, campgrounds, hotels, and condominiums.
In addition, there is a city ordinance that allows hotel and restaurant owners to permit dogs and other pets in their outdoor seating areas that you can access without entering the restaurant itself.
Here are some of the places on Panama City Beach that will allow you together with your furry friend.
Frank Brown Park
Frank Brown Park features about 200 acres dedicated to outdoor recreation at community and neighborhood parks surrounding the beaches.
For this purpose, its picnic areas, playground, greenways trails, freshwater youth fishing lake, and saltwater fishing pier are open throughout the year and can be accessed from morning to evening.
The park has dog-friendly trails as well as a fenced-in dog park. Generally, it welcomes dogs, and its fenced-in playground will allow your canine friend to run and socialize with others.
Your dog does not necessarily have to be on a leash. However, you will have to ensure that your pet does not interfere with other visitors’ activities at the park.
Pier Park
Pier Park serves as the premier shopping destination for Panama City Beach as well as the whole of Emerald Coast.
This one million square foot open-air lifestyle center brings tourist attractions, unique shopping, and dining to the area.
It is open throughout the week and is one of the best places to hang out with your family and friends for the weekends and holidays.
The park welcomes pets, including service and emotional support dogs. However, the dog must be on a short leash and under its owner’s control.
Pier Park usually hosts entertainment from various local music groups and will offer you a nice environment to relax with your dog.
Ron Jon’s Surf Shop will even allow visitors inside with their dogs that can be carried.
Panama City Beach Conservation Park
Conversely, Panama City Beach Conservation Park sits on a 2900-acre of land and is protected by utilizing and managing the city’s reclaimed water to rehydrate wetlands.
The park also has several trails on site from where you can view native wildlife roaming freely. You can also come with your binoculars for birdwatching.
The trails are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. They allow dogs as long as they are on a leash and under the control of their owners. The boardwalks are also ideal for exercising with your furry friend.
Aaron Bessant Park
Aaron Bessant is a new park in Panama City Beach and one of the best places to visit. It is located adjacent to Pier Park.
Features a veterans memorial and three looping trails (South Loop, North Loop, and Amphitheater Loop), which are great for evening walks.
The park is dog-friendly and welcomes visitors alongside their dogs. They welcome dogs at their “Summer Concert Series,” held on Thursday nights at their outdoor amphitheater.
You will need to make sure that your canine friend is on a short leash. Besides, you will have to clean up after your dog.
They might ask you to leave with your dog if it causes any disturbance.
Sheraton Bay Point Resort
Sheraton Bay Point Resort is a newly renovated hotel located on the pristine St. Andrews Bay and features an on-site spa, reinvented restaurants, and luxurious accommodations.
The resort also opens its doors to families, including service and emotional support dogs. It is one of the dog-friendly resorts in Panama City Beach that will provide you with a friendly environment to relax with your dog.
Like most other places on our list, you will need to ensure that your pet is on a leash and under your control. You will be required to clean after your dog. In addition, your dog should not be left in the car or unattended.
Pineapple Villas on Laguna Beach
The Pineapple Villas is a small inn with a tropical vibe. It is located on the quiet West End of Panama City Beach.
They welcome dogs as long as they are on a leash and under the control of their handlers. All dogs inside the facility must be well-behaved and should not cause any disturbance or interfere with other visitors’ activities.
Their staff will even regard your dog as a guest and will strive to make sure that they also feel like they are on vacation.
Tips For Bringing Your Dog To The Beach
Here are a few tips for you if you plan to visit the beach with your furry friend.
Make Sure Dogs Are Allowed At the Beach
Not all beaches are dog-friendly and are as fond of dogs as you are. Therefore, you will have to do some online research to be sure that the beach allows dogs before visiting with your furry friend.
You should also understand that beach dog policies keep changing from time to time, and you will need to be aware of the current rules.
Some beaches will allow dogs, although with restrictions. For instance, some will only allow dogs if they are on a leash.
Some beaches may also not allow dogs who do not have vaccination proof. Therefore, you will have to follow the existing rules to avoid getting fined or thrown out with your dog.
Introduce Your Dog Slowly to the Beach
You can get your dog comfortable with the unfamiliar beach environment by introducing him to the beach on a quiet day with calm waters.
Bright skies are more likely to make your dogs unable to see, just like the surf can be distracting. Therefore, it will be good to introduce your dog slowly to the beach environment.
Come with Fresh Water
Dogs love to drink salty water at the beach, which can cause several health issues. You should limit your dog from drinking saltwater and encourage them to drink fresh water.
You can bring along extra bottles and a bowl that they can drink from. Salty water at the beach can easily lead to diarrhea.
Respect other people at the beach
You will probably come across several at the beach that may want to hold or play with your dog.
However, not all beachgoers are dog enthusiasts who will want to be close to your furry friend and tolerate their behavior.
The best thing you can do is to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and does not interfere with the activities of other beachgoers.
Offer Sun Protection
Dogs can be sunburned especially breeds with light-colored fur or short coats. Their little noses are more susceptible to burns.
You can help them by getting dog-friendly sunscreens for them. You should avoid creams containing zinc as they can be toxic to your dog.
Conclusion
If you have been wondering whether or not Panama City Beach allows dogs, you are now answered.
They allow dogs, although you will have to follow the rules regarding dogs. Most places will require you to ensure that your dog is on a leash.