5 Reasons Your Dog Will Love Naples as Much as You Do

As America’s love affair with dogs continues to boom, we’re no longer content to board them when we travel. A recent survey found that 37% of respondents chose not to travel so they could stay home with their dog. Luckily there’s a solution. Bring them along – to Florida’s Paradise Coast.

Stay: Pet-Friendly Accommodations

A host of hotels in Naples, Marco Island the Everglades accommodate dogs. The list includes such luxury properties as the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples Bay Resort & Marina, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, and the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – as well as many of the smaller hotels. Dozens of vacation rentals allow dogs, and many of them have enclosed yards for your peace of mind.

If you simply have to split up with your pooch for a short time during your visit, you’ll be glad to know that the Paradise Coast has no shortage of boarding and pet-sitting options. Pet Paradise Naples will set Fido up in the lap of luxury, with spacious, climate-controlled dog suites, soft, raised beds and lots of play areas, not to mention pools. Other boarding and dog-sitting options are Naples Safari Animal Hospital & Pet Resort and the Dog Ranch Naples.

Play: Dog Parks in Paradise

Florida’s Paradise Coast has numerous places to unleash a dog to run and romp around.

Naples Dog Park (aka Central Bark) is an immaculate space of grass and mulch located a mile-and-half north of downtown, with trees for shady breaks. In North Naples, Veterans Community Park has Rover Run, which features a generous water station with a doggie pool for cool-downs. On Marco Island, Canine Cove provides more than an acre for pups to enjoy some untethered fun. Each of these parks has a separate area for small and large dogs.

Keewaydin Island, an eight-mile barrier island strip between Naples and Marco Island that’s accessible only by boat, is the sole beach on the Paradise Coast that welcomes dogs – on a leash.

Once a month on a Saturday morning, Bark the Ark embarks from downtown Naples to the Island for a dog-friendly eco-cruise.

Dine: Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Most restaurants with outdoor seating in Naples, Marco Island the Everglades welcome your pets – as long as they’re on a leash, or perhaps in a purse.

Frequently mentioned as dog-friendly eateries are: EJ’s Bayfront Cafe, The Dock at Crayton Cove, Sea Salt and, on Marco Island, Mango’s Dockside Bistro, CJ’s on the Bay and, obviously, 2Shea’s Salty Dog.

Shop: Supplies, Treats & More

While you’re here, you’ll undoubtedly want to buy your buddy some special treats, a fancy new bowl or bed, or something cute to wear.

Paws Pet Boutique in downtown Naples is filled with hand-selected collars, toys and accessories. Also downtown, Wholesome Hound stocks holistic foods and treats.

On Marco Island, Critter Cafe Pet Resort is a full-service operation, with a vast selection of gifts and treats, as well as boarding, daycare and grooming.

Primp: Dog Grooming Services

If you notice that doggy’s getting a little shaggy, the Naples area has more than a dozen dog-grooming businesses – several of them quite elegant. There are even two that will gladly come to you: Suds in the Sun Mobile Pet Grooming & Spa, Unfurgettable Mobile Pet Grooming and Wams’ Wag’n Tails Mobile Grooming.

Join us in Florida’s Paradise Coast, where every dog has its day – and then some.