What Makes St. Petersburg & Tampa Special
St. Petersburg was recently named the third most pet-friendly city in the country by WalletHub — and we couldn’t agree more! The pet-centric vibe here is one of the many reasons we expanded to Southwest Florida. It’s also known for its sense of community, the friendliness of the residents, and its tropical, island-like living.
Meanwhile, Tampa balances its historical charm and numerous parks and beaches with a fun downtown area (including an active nightlife, thanks to the bars and clubs in Ybor) and diverse food choices.
Favorite Spots in St. Petersburg & Tampa
Fort De Soto Park
At Fort De Soto Park, dogs are allowed anywhere in the over 1,100-acre county park as long as they’re on a six-foot leash. We love Paw Playground, a fenced-in beach that’s divided into separate sections for small and large dogs. Here, your furry friend can run off-leash in the sun and sand and even splash in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico.
Honeymoon Island State Park
This state park is the perfect spot if your pup loves to walk and hike! Thanks to four miles of sandy beaches and miles more of nature trails, your K9 companion will be a happy camper. Be sure to keep your dog on a six-foot leash as you wade into the shallow water — the perfect depth for dogs to comfortably cool off.
Davis Islands
Dog Beach at Davis Islands allows your pup to splash around with other four-legged friends along the shore. Located just across the parking lot from the dog park, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of ocean air and fun.
Eureka Springs Conservation Park
This dog-friendly park is on 31 acres and features scenic boardwalks through a floodplain forest, walking trails, a rose garden, and picnic areas. Note that dogs must be leashed and that there’s an entrance fee per vehicle.
Want to learn more about the history of St. Petersburg & Tampa?
Check out our blog post!
Now Serving Residents of St. Petersburg and Tampa
House Hunting as a
Pet Owner
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Look for a pet-friendly yard, including space to play, potential for a fence, and shady spots. After you move, be sure to remove any toxic plants and avoid dangerous lawn treatments. If a backyard isn’t a possibility, focus on a house with nearby walking trails, open fields, or dog parks.
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Consider indoor features for your furry friend too! For scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring, look for bamboo, cork, vinyl, or tile. Check for safe stairs and add a runner and/or night lights if needed. You need a shower or tub for indoor baths too.
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Help your pet to adjust to your new home by creating a safe space filled with their bed, favorite toys, and a bowl of water. Don’t forget to take breaks as you unpack! Play fetch in your backyard, or take a walk to explore your neighborhood.
The Benefits of a
Pet-Friendly Realtor
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They understand your needs as a pet owner. Pets require a lot of time, money, and attention, and it’s important that your new home allows you to meet their needs. A pet-friendly realtor can tell you the best animal hospital, local restaurants with outdoor dining spaces for dogs, the least-crowded walking trails, and so much more.
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They know how deeply you love your four-legged friend. A pet-friendly realtor knows that your pet is a very important member of your family. In fact, chances are, they feel the same way about their own pets!
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They will spotlight pet-friendly property details in their listings. Things like a minimal street traffic or a nearby dog park may not matter to all buyers, but they matter to you. The top three house features for pet owners are a fenced-in yard, larger house size, and flooring.
