Photo: Martin Cathrae
If you’re a dog owner, you probably don’t like the idea of leaving your best buddy cooped up in a kennel while you’re on vacation. When your dog is part of the family, you want to include Rover in all the fun.
Orlando, Florida was recently named one of the Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S. by VacationRentals.com. Many Orlando, Florida vacation home rentals welcome dogs, allowing the whole family to enjoy some fun in the sun.
No trip to Orlando is complete without a theme park visit. While Rover won’t be allowed to join you on the rides, Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios offer kennel services for pets. Orlando also offers doggie day care services.
Rover can run and frolic to his heart’s content and get in some quality sniff time with new buddies at Orlando’s two off-leash dog parks: Downey Dog Park on Flowers Ave. and Dr. Phillips Dog Park on Buenavista Woods Blvd. Cady Way Trail, Lake Eola Park and Ocala National Forest provide beautiful settings for on-leash walks with your pet.
Orlando is dotted with numerous casual dining eateries that provide outdoor tables that allow you to keep Fido by your side. Slip Rover a few bites of roast beef while you munch on sandwiches at TooJay’s Gourmet Deli. QDOBA Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Smoothie King are other popular pooch-friendly restaurants.
If you run out of dog treats, Petco and PetSmart have numerous Orlando outlets. If Rover’s been a really good boy, stop by Bark Avenue Dog Bakery or Woof Gang Bakery for home-baked dog goodies. Orlando also offers several emergency veterinary clinics should your dog require medical attention. To avoid problems, always verify pet policies before leaving home.
