Rick's Dog-Friendly Resources
Central Florida Doggy Paw-sibilities
If you’re looking for the ultimate resource to find dog-friendly places to take your pup, look no further than this paw-some page. We’ve got your guide to Pet Supply Stores, Dog Bakeries, Dog Restaurants, Doggy Daycare and Boarding, Pet Training and Walking, Grooming, and Dog Parks.
Pet Supply Stores
Pet supply stores are essential to any animal owner but especially dogs. From leashes, to bowls, to dog houses, and doggy beds, you’ll find everything you need at these stores. Fortunately a lot of pet supply stores have really ramped up their supply in the last few years. Most of them have medicine and employees that love animals. We’ve been in on more than one occasion where an employee has had answers to the difficult questions like what a vet may recommend for itchy ears or which harness has the best reviews. While they aren’t always a one-stop shop for all your furry friend’s needs, they are a really good resource for dog owners.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Dog Bakeries
Dog bakeries have gotten a lot more popular in the last 10 years or so. People have begun to graduate from the typical dog food diet train of thought and realized that their dogs need to be eating better and that they deserve special treatment. They are, of course, our best furry friends!
Dog bakeries have a lot of cool varieties from homemade treats and chews, to food and birthday cakes! Much like a pet supply store, owners of dog bakeries typically have a knowledge and love of dogs. They can answer questions pertaining to their treats, what ingredients may be good for your dog, and insight on some awesome dog friendly places around town.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Dog Restaurants
Ok so while they aren’t actually restaurants for dogs, they are dog friendly restaurants which is almost just as good! A lot of places have become dog friendly in recent years. Some will put out a communal bowl of water to quench your pup’s thirst, and others have special menu items dedicated just to dogs.
Most places will be dog friendly on the patio unless your pup is a service dog and then they would be allowed inside. While the places on our list do mention being dog friendly, it’s always best to call ahead to make sure there are no special circumstances at the time you’re aiming to go.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Doggy Daycare and Boarding
Yet another type of dog service that has been up and coming for a long time. These places are no longer just a ‘put them in their cage and feed them/walk them when it’s time’. These are actual day cares for doggies! Your dog will have fun romp around time with other dogs and plenty of outside time too.
As for boarding, some doggy daycares have boarding too. If your dog needs to stay for longer than a few hours, they may need to be caged at night but rest assured, they’ll be out bright and early! Most of these venues have strict vaccination requirements for dogs so make sure your pup is up to date!
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Pet Sitting and Walking
Walking and sitting services are essential to the health of your dog. If you work long hours, a sitter or walker can get your pet outdoors (to minimize accidents!) and give your pup some much needed interaction.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Pet Training
Dog training is a must so that your dog can reap the benefits of roaming freely and interacting with strangers. Most big box places will say they can train your dog, but do so in group settings. This is not always optimal for training. It’s best to go with a reputable company that has been training pets for years.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Pet Grooming
Smile for the camera! Grooming shops are all around Central Florida. Some of them are even mobile and can come to you! Grooming a dog is essential to their health. It maintains a healthy coat. Some groomers will even brush a dog’s teeth which most owners forget to do themselves.
Be sure to use a reputable place that will sanitize tools in between dogs and use dog friendly shampoo and conditioner. Groomers typically have strict vaccine requirements just like doggy day care so if you’re not up to date, make your vet appointment.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
Dog Parks
And finally, dog parks. Dog parks are a favorite hangout spot for dogs and their owners. Not only do you find like minded people who love dogs, but your dog gets exposed to new faces, sounds, smells, and ways of playing.
Keep in mind that dog parks will sometimes have an area for small dogs and an area for large dogs. Make sure that you keep to your side so that little dogs don’t get trampled by bigger dogs. Dog parks are also a great place for your dog to pick up germs, so be sure that your vaccines are up to date before going and if you have a puppy, that they are boosted to prevent parvo or other highly contagious diseases.
Baldwin Park / College Park
Lake Mary / Heathrow
Lake Nona
Windermere / Bay Hill
Winter Garden
Winter Park
Orlando
