My Doggie Loves Naples

From a wide variety of hotels, vacation rentals, campground and RV parks, stores and restaurants, Naples Florida is quite the dog-friendly city. If you’re looking at Naples real estate and you are a pet owner, or a pet-owned human as many of us are, you’ll love what Naples has to offer.

The best beaches to let your pooch off the leash aren’t the popular sun-bather’s paradises, but fun nonetheless. Beaches in Naples that allow dogs just north of Naples, in Fort Myers, you’ll find Dog Beach, also known as Bonita Beach Dog Park. Whatever you call it, this off-leash stretch of white sand is where your fur baby will be able to have all the fun a dog can stand. The park even has a doggie shower station to rinse off all the sand before he gets in the car. You’ll find Dog Beach at 8800 Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers. By the way, there are no restroom facilities, just an outhouse, and no water so throw a jug of it in the car along with a dish for the dog. Another great beach park is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. While this park has a lovely beach, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach but they are allowed in the park, as long as they remain on-leash. I reviewed Delnor-Wiggens Pass a couple of weeks ago for our “52 Things to do in Naples” feature.

Naples dog Park, nicknamed Central Bark, the City of Naples Dog Park takes the nickname for its proximity to downtown is within walking distance. Here you’ll find a separate area dedicated to our four-legged friends by big and small size that include water fountains (tall ones for the two legged human types and low-level ones in easy reach for the dog). You’ll also find a supply of “clean up” bags, shade, washing stations and loads of room to run. The dog park is at Riverside Circle, right by the intersection of Central Avenue and Goodlette-Frank Road. There are rules, of course. First, you’ll need to register, which is easy to do. Then, make sure Fido or Fida is up-to-date on shots and has a Collier County dog license (available at local vets or the Domestic Services Animal Shelter).

For a list of pet friendly luxury condominiums on the Gulf of Mexico in Naples, Florida visit www.mypetlovesnaples.com.