Pet-friendly Travel in Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades - Visit Naples, Marco Island & Everglades

Auf deutsch UK

Florida’s Paradise Coast - Visit Naples, Marco Island & Everglades

Click Arrows for other
savings, news and more.

Related Articles
Discover how these great vacation ideas will inspire you.

Pet-Friendly Travel in Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades

By Lynn Waddell

Pet-friendly accommodations and boarding facilities are plentiful in the Naples area.
Mark Callendar

Just because you’re planning a vacation escape, doesn’t mean you have to leave Fido or Fluffy behind. After all, they’re part of the family! In the Naples area, you’ll find that your pet is not only welcomed, but adored. Here are some places that will help your pet enjoy your family getaway as much as you do.

Pet-Friendly Hotels
To find great places to stay with your pet, go to the “Where to Stay” section of this website. Click on “Advanced Search” to filter your lodging options to show pet-friendly properties. Of course, when making reservations, you’ll want to inform the staff at your hotel or lodging property that you’re bringing a pet. Some hotels have weight restrictions and allow pets only in specific rooms. All require proof of current vaccinations.

You’ll find that many hotels allow your pet to share your room, but at the elegant Hilton Naples, they get their own pillows and water dishes.

Naples Bay Resort, with its own marina on Naples Bay, provides a pet bed, food and water dishes, treats, a sporty bandana and more with its "U Nauti Dog Family Package."

If you spend the night at the Ramada Inn of Naples Florida, you can stroll through and explore their beautifully landscaped gardens.

For a touch of Old Florida on Marco Island, pets and their humans can enjoy the sleepiness of The Boat House Motel, which rests on the banks of the Marco River.

And, if Brutus yearns to hear the call of the wild, the two of you will enjoy the waterfront view from screened-in patios at the River Wilderness Waterfront Villas in Everglades City.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples; Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham; Residence Inn by Marriott, Staybridge Suites and La Quinta Inn & Suites Naples Downtown are among other Naples-area pet-friendly hotels.

Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
If Spot needs more space to spread out, consider renting a home for the week. naplesrentals.com offers dozens of pet-friendly homes and villas with enclosed pools and yards. Many are within walking distance of beaches.

Dining with Dogs
Pomeranians peeking from purses, Yorkies in strollers and Weimaraners on rhinestone leashes… strolling through downtown Naples and the shopping-dining enclaves of Village on Venetian Bay, Waterside Shops and Mercato is a little bit like watching a dog show. You’ll find that most restaurants, cafés and coffee shops with outdoor seating welcome your well-behaved dog on leash.

Dogs on leash are allowed on the beach at Keewaydin Island.
Mark Callendar

At Fred’s Diner, waiters are quick to bring your dog a cool drink and give it lots of attention while you enjoy breakfast or lunch on the pet-friendly patio. Then take a little stroll to work off your meal.

You probably won’t be the only person with a leashed friend at CJ’s on the Bay in Marco Island, especially if you stop by for the popular Sunday brunch. The Bayshore Break and Sunburst Café, both in Naples, are also known for good breakfasts and dog-friendly atmospheres. In the Third Street South shopping district in downtown Naples, select a pastry, dessert, sandwich or other gourmet treat from Tony's Off 3rd and enjoy at a table on the pooch friendly patio.

For a quick snack to-go, pick up a cupcake for yourself from Sassy Cakes “cupcakery.” And don’t forget to buy your pooch one of their specially baked, dog-safe “pupcakes” which come in Monkey Buddy and Carrot Top Buddy flavors, both in regular and miniature size.

Dog-Friendly Beach
Although none of the beaches in Naples or Marco Island allow dogs, canines on leash are welcome on Keewaydin Island, which is accessible by boat.

Dog Parks and Other Pet-Friendly Places to Roam
When your pooch needs space to chase a ball, take your friend to Rover Run Dog Park in Veterans Community Park in North Naples, not far from Fred’s Diner. There are separate areas for both large and small dogs, to make sure everyone is safe and happy.

Now open on Marco Island, dogs have more than an acre to run in Canine Cove Dog Park, an off-leash canine park inside the Frank E. Mackle Community Park.

If you desire more natural surroundings, head to the CREW Marsh Trails, where dogs are welcome on more than 10 miles of nature trails that wind through fields of wildflowers, oak hammocks, marshes and pine flatwoods. Since this is wilderness, just make sure your furry friend is on a six-foot leash.

Pet Boarding and Day Care Facilities
If you’re staying in hotel that doesn’t accept pets, or you just want to sightsee or enjoy the beach, don’t worry. Lassie doesn’t have to be alone. Plan an overnight stay for your pet (or arrange for day care) at one of the area’s boarding facilities. Don’t forget to call ahead, and bring your pet’s vaccination and health records with you.

The brand-new, cage-free Wigglebutt Inn

A day at the dog park.
Lisa Bellucci

has a friendly human resident – not just during the day, but at night too – to make sure your pet is completely at ease (and that you have peace of mind too). The Inn bills itself as a “boutique-style” boarding experience and even offers three “ultra-special” doggie suites with TV. Owners Karen and George Paul require a “temperament test” (a brief visit to determine whether your dog will play nicely with the pack, as it were).

The Naples Safari Animal Hospital & Pet Resort accommodates ferrets, birds and exotics, although dogs and cats are its most common residents.

Pet Boutiques
Naples’ pups are as well dressed as their owners. Treat yours to a new wardrobe or fresh-baked goodies at one of the area’s pet boutiques such as Diva Doghouse, and pick up a bejeweled collar while you’re there. Other great pet shopping options include the gift shop at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort and Posh Paws & City Claws, both in Naples; and For Footed Friends in North Naples.

Living in the Lap of Luxury
The Naples area has long been known for its luxurious spas where humans can rest and rejuvenate. Before planning your own day of beauty and leisure, drop off your pooch for a little pampering too, with options including a clay body mask, therapeutic herbal wrap and a “pawdicure” at The Naples Dog Center. Your dog can also get a new, stylish “do” here – or even stay for the day and night if the lifestyle suits him.

Fifi and you can live the high life at Hilton Naples’ Dining for Divas and their Darling Dogs, held the first Saturday of every month through March 2010 (hotel management may extend the event dates if the bark from fans is loud enough, so be sure to call). Female masters are served cuisine from Don Shula’s steakhouse while pooches dig into Darling Doggie Dishes, and guest speakers and pet boutique shopping are among the other attractions. Darling Dogs who attend must be leashed; petite (under 40 pounds); well-behaved; and, of course, groomed appropriately for their big day out. (No weight or grooming requirements have been established for the accompanying divas, but you will want to look your best.)

If You Go