Pet-Friendly Pensacola

by Molly Callahan

As pooches make their way into homes, hearts and families across the globe, they make their way into our communities as well. Recently named one of the best small cities in the United States by National Geographic Travel, the publication specified the Pensacola Bay Area, in part, because of the many restaurants that allow pups and the many pet shops and grooming spots. Pensacola has always been a pro-dog city. Today, many restaurants with outdoor dining areas allow dogs to hang with their humans while enjoying a bite or a drink. We have compiled a curated list of local parks, trails, bars, restaurants, events and activities that are pet-friendly. If you don't see a destination on the list, that doesn't mean they don't have space for your pet — just call ahead and ask.

Activities

Animal Therapy at Disko Lemonade

Yoga is a great way to destress, but combining it with animal therapy is even better. Disco Lemonade offers special goat yoga sessions.

Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours and Boat Rentals

Have you ever wondered how your pet might react to seeing a dolphin jump out of the water? Take them on a dolphin cruise and wonder no more. Pets are allowed on private rentals with Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours.

Ho2 Pensacola Pontoon Paddle Boards & More

Bring your pet along as you explore the water. There is a $1 pet fee and reservations are required by calling 24 hours in advance.

Social

Krewe of Paws

This social club of pet lovers was established by the Pensacola Humane Society and is dedicated to improving the lives of our animal companions.

WolfGang, LLC

If you’re looking for fresh new ways to celebrate your pet, check out this pet event planner local to Pensacola. WolfGang is even Florida’s first pet event planner.

Special Events

Barktober Fest

Held each year in October in downtown Pensacola, this pet-friendly festival features a fun-filled day of activities you and your four-legged companion, including a costume contest, small dog races and more.

Fur Ball

This black-tie event is held annually at the Pensacola Yacht Club and features an evening of live music and entertainment, pet adoptions, silent auctions items and more. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Pensacola Humane Society.

Pawdi Gras

A recent addition to Pensacola’s Mardi Gras events line up, Pawdi Gras offers a Mardi Gras celebration just for pups and their people. This event is free and open to the public.

Paws on Palafox

This 3K dog walk supports the Pensacola Humane Society’s Barbara Grice Memorial Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic. Dog and family friendly with water and cooling stations along the way.

Local Bathe-ins

These Bathe-ins are hosted by the Pensacola Humane Society and they offer dog grooming at a very low cost. These occur 7 months out of the year.

Santa Paws at Perfect Plain

This new holiday event encourages you to dress up your pet in a Christmas themed outfit to take photos with Santa.

Trails

Are you tired of walking the sidewalk and thinking about looking for a new route to take your dog for a walk? Here are some pet-friendly trails for you and your furry friend to explore.

Big Lagoon State Park (12301 Gulf Beach Hwy.) Pets are allowed in designated areas.

Blackwater Heritage State Trail (5533 Alabama St., Milton) Dogs must be on a leash 6 feet long or shorter.

Pensacola Bay Bluffs (along Scenic Hwy. in east Pensacola) Dogs can be on the wooden walkways and on the beach with a leash.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park (2401 Bauer Rd., Pensacola) Dogs must be on a leash 6 feet long or shorter.

Parks

Pensacola has many dog parks where you can bring your dog to run and play fetch freely. It is also a great way to meet fellow dog owners.

Bayview Dog Park and Beach (2001 E Lloyd St.)

Beulah Regional Dog Park (7820 Mobile Hwy.)

Kiwanis Park (1801 W Romana St.)

Pensacola Beach East and West Dog Park (Fort Pickens Rd., just across the street from North Galvez Court and just before Park East) -These are not fenced-in dog parks, so all dogs must be on a leash.

Perdido Key River Road Park (14484 River Rd.)

Shoreline Bark Park (Shoreline Dr. and Colley Dr., Gulf Breeze)

Restaurants

These local restaurants allow you to bring your pet along with you in patio seating unless stated otherwise.

Cactus Cantina

Café Nola

Calvert’s in the Heights

Crabs

Dog House Deli

End of the Line Café

Flounders Chowder House

Frisky Dolphin

Graffiti Pizza

Hot Spot BBQ

Bars

Grab a pint at one of these fido friendly watering holes.

Alga Beer Co.

Coastal County Brewing

Hub Stacey’s

Odd Colony

O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown

Pensacola Bay Brewery

Perfect Plain

Jaco’s Bayfront Grille

Lillian’s Pan Pizza

Lillo’s Tuscan Grill

Mellow Mushroom

Nick’s Boathouse

Oar House Restaurant

Polonza Bistro

Red Fish Blue Fish

Scenic 90 Cafe

Shaggy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill

Hotels

Shrimp Basket

Single Fin Café

South Market

Sunset Grille

Tacos Mexicanos

The Garden

The Wine Bar on Palafox

Tijuana flats

Tuscan Oven Pizzeria

Water Pig BBQ

These pet-friendly hotels allow you to vacation in style–with your furry friends! Pet-friendly policies, regulations and fees vary.

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach

Home2 Suites

Hotel Pensacola

Hyatt Place

Surf & Sand Hotel

Breaking News!!!

Finally— a cat café! Just before going to print, we learned that Pensacola is finally getting its first cat café and we couldn’t be more excited. Here’s what we know. The Coastal Cat Café will be located on W Garden Street and will work with local shelters to rescue and re-home adoptable cats in our community. While the opening date has yet to be announced, Coastal Cat Café will be hosting a Pop-Up Cat Café at Perfect Plain+Garden & Grain on August 20 from 11 am to 3 pm. The event is a partnership with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and all cats will be available for adoption. For more information, visit Coastal Cat Café’s Facebook page.