Canine lovers and their pets will find living in the Sunshine State a delightful experience due to a warm clime that lets you enjoy the great outdoors almost year round. Those looking for a vibrant, picturesque community in which to settle will find Sarasota an appealing option. Lush green landscaping, beautiful beaches, sunny clime and lively community life are just a few of the many perks Sarasota has to offer. Sarasota County is also home to a number of noteworthy paw parks that cater to a canine’s “happiness” needs.
Although many cities have their share of dog friendly parks, “paw parks” are another story altogether. Understanding the difference between the two can help dog lovers determine if a certain community is really where they want to live.
What’s the difference between a paw park and dog friendly park?
Paw parks can be aptly described as special parks designed specifically for dogs. They provide an outdoor environment where dogs can romp, play and socialize with fellow canines without leash restrictions. Paw parks vary in size, location, and amenities, depending on their local community.
In Sarasota, paw parks are under the jurisdiction of the Sarasota County Code and have the following requirements:
- Dogs must have licenses and up-to-date vaccinations. In Sarasota County, dogs must be vaccinated for rabies every three years.
- Owners must take responsibility for pick up and disposal of pet waste while in the park.
- Owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
Dog-friendly parks are places that welcome dogs, but require that they be kept on leashes throughout their park stay. Dog owners must keep their pet under control at all times and take care of waste disposal accordingly. Owners are also not allowed to tie their pets to benches, tables, trees, etc., while eating or engaging in park activities.
What are the top dog parks in Sarasota?
Various factors contribute to making Sarasota dog parks a pleasant experience for dog lovers and their pets. When comparing different dog parks in the area, the following five facilities stood out from the crowd.
Arlington Paw Park 2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota
A former baseball field converted to a dog park, Arlington Paw Park provides dogs with ample space to romp and play. Landscaping consists of a sunny, grassy field surrounded by trees. The park features separate fenced in areas for small and large breeds for safe socialization within a controlled environment. Doggie drinking fountains help slate your pet’s thirst while handy waste disposal bags and bins make it easy for owners to dispose of refuse while there. With limited bench and picnic table space, dog owners may find the park a bit rough. However, their pet’s health and happiness makes the trip worthwhile.
17th Street Paw Park, 4570 17th Street, Sarasota
Located in North Sarasota, 17th Street Paw Park provides acres of grassy, wood chipped fields for dogs to explore. Park hours run from 6:00 a.m. to sundown daily, with the exception of Tuesday mornings when the park is closed for maintenance until 11 a.m. This provides ample time for you to enjoy some “down time” with your canine companion. This rustic park features separate enclosed areas for petite and large dogs, each with its own gated entrance, canine water fountains and waste pickup supplies. The large dog area comes with agility equipment to boost your pet’s exercise time. Benches and picnic tables are available for you to sit and relax as your pet romps through the fields. Water hoses provide drinking water and port-a-potties within walking distance serve as restroom facilities.
Lakeview Park and Paw Park, 7150 Lago Street, Sarasota
Lakeview Park consists of 16 acres of beautiful tree filled landscape located between Bee Ridge and Proctor Road. The park features a picnic area, playground, canoe access to a lake and a two acre fully fenced paw park where your pet can enjoy hours of off-leash fun in the sun. The attractive surroundings, sunny clime and local conveniences make Lakeview Paw Park a great spot for pets and owners alike. The park comes complete with dog showers, water stations and hitching post. There’s even a special “time-out” caged area for aggressive or disobedient dogs to “cool down,” should the need arise. A fitness trail, picnic tables and restrooms can be found within walking distance of the paw park for owner convenience; however, dogs are not permitted in the children’s play area, park buildings, concession stands or athletic fields. The park opens from sunrise to sunset daily.
Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice
Dedicated to the community in 1994, Woodmere Park consists of 36 acres of lush green fields and trees located off of Jacaranda Boulevard in Southeast Venice, a small town about 23 miles south of Sarasota within Sarasota County. Approximately 2.5 acres of the park is designated as a paw park for canine fun and frolic. The park provides mutt mitts for play, doggie water stations and separate fenced in play areas for large and small dogs. There are also quite a few amenities for people to include picnic areas with grills, shaded playground, walking trails and permanent restroom facilities.
Brohard Paw Park and Dog Beach, 6000 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Brohard Paw Park and Dog Beach in Venice is the only area in Sarasota County where dogs can freely swim and romp on the beach without leash restrictions. The park consists of grassy, wood chipped landscaping and a 300 ft. strip of sandy beach on the Gulf. A doggie shower area, canine drinking fountains, leash posts and fire hydrants give the park that special touch that dogs love. Separate fenced in playpens are available for small and large breed dogs. Towering oak trees provide a protective covering for the small dog pen while large dogs can enjoy a spacious controlled environment to meet their exercise needs. A built-in penalty box helps control aggressive dog behavior. Owners can enjoy the convenience of covered shelter, picnic tables, permanent restrooms, and parking close by. Many dog lovers consider Brohard Paw Park and Beach the best dog park in the state.
People who care about the health and welfare of their canine companion will find Sarasota dog parks yet another good reason to consider a permanent move to the Sarasota area.
2 Point Highlight
Sarasota County is home to a number of noteworthy paw parks that cater to a canine’s “happiness” needs.
People who care about the health and welfare of their canine companion will find Sarasota dog parks yet another good reason to consider a permanent move to the Sarasota area.
