Here at GoPetFriendly.com we believe in celebrating peoples’ relationships with their pets – and what better way than to share YOUR pet travel stories? Reading about your adventure may be just the nudge someone else needs to pack up and head out with their own best friend! Today Kat Tretina and her Samoyed, Anya, are taking us to pet friendly Orlando, Florida…

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Over 57 million people every year visit Orlando for its warm weather and world class theme parks. For those who could never dream of leaving their pets behind on vacation, that means a lot of pooches make the trip to Orlando, too. While the theme parks themselves are not pet-friendly (only service dogs are permitted), there’s plenty do in the area with your dog.

Where to Go

Though pets aren’t allowed in the theme parks, you can still make sure your pup gets to enjoy the local attractions! There are a number of terrific dog-friendly spots to discover:

Celebration Town Center: Located just five minutes away from Disney World, this town is a throwback to planned communities of the 1950’s. With dog-friendly restaurants, a pet bakery, and 26 miles of wooded trails, this is a great way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle.

Baldwin Park: This dog park is a bit of a hike from the theme parks but well worth the excursion. Located about thirty minutes from the attractions, it features a gigantic lake for swimming and a beautiful beach. Dogs of every breed and size romp and swim all day, every day. This is the perfect place to tucker out your pooch after being cooped up in the hotel.

Park Avenue Shopping District: Often called Little Europe, this shopping district is home to one-of-a-kind boutiques and well-known shops, sidewalk cafés and world-class restaurants. Leashed dogs are welcome at some of the shops and the outdoor seating areas of some restaurants.

Where to Play

If you’re planning to visit the theme parks during your trip, you’ll want to make sure that your dog is having fun, too! Best Friends Pet Care partnered with Walt Disney World to offer a one-of-a-kind daycare and boarding facility, complete with oversized suites, private dog runs, and even a doggy water park. This boarding facility also will care for your cats, birds, or exotic animals. When your pet spends the day here, you can enjoy your vacation guilt-free knowing they’re having a resort experience as well.

Where to Stay

While Disney and Universal resorts don’t permit pets, many of the Orlando-area hotels are pet friendly. Because the area has so many hotels, you can get a very nice room in the range of $100-200. Here are some favorite options:

• La Quinta Inn & Suites on International Drive: With updated rooms and super comfortable beds, this is a great hotel for both pets and their humans. Rates here start at $105 with no additional pet fee and no weight limit, making this a great option for a traveling family on a budget. With quick access to the theme parks and plenty of places to walk your pup, the La Quinta will ensure your whole family enjoys their stay.
• Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort: Like the La Quinta, this Sheraton is close to the theme parks and local shopping. At $160 per night, this resorts boasts luxurious rooms and a huge pool area, and allows two dogs up to a combined weight of 40lbs. The downside is that dogs can’t be left unattended if you head out to the theme parks, so you’ll likely need to find a pet sitter or doggy daycare for your pup.

We hope the dog friendly places to stay and things to do that we found in Orlando help you plan your next pet friendly trip! If you have any other favorite things to do with your furry family members, tell us about them in the comments section below.

About the Author: is a writer and dog enthusiast. She and her Samoyed Anya enjoy exploring all Florida has to offer.

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