Pet-Friendly Senior Living in Miami
Everything that makes Miami appealing for retirees and seniors—the warm winters, year-round sunshine, and beach breezes—also makes it a delight for dogs and cats. Here are some of the most pet-friendly places to live, play, and dine in Miami-Dade County.
Pet friendly places to call home in and around Miami
More than 20 assisted living communities in Miami welcome residents’ pets, including Santa Barbara BH, which features a gated tropical courtyard where cats and dogs can catch some sun and a nap. In nearby Hollywood, the Presidential Place near Hillcrest and Orangebrook golf courses also welcomes pets, as does the Sterling Aventura, which is just north of Maule Lake.
Sandy places and green spaces for off-leash dogs
Miami-Dade County operates 5 off-leash areas with water fountains and waste baskets inside larger community parks. Add those to the numerous suburban dog parks in the metro area, and you’ve got about 20 off-leash options for your dog. Among the most popular for pets and people is David Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove. This seaside park includes a fenced dog area, lots of fitness equipment for an outdoor workout, yoga classes, walking trails, and a very popular frozen lemonade vendor in the parking lot. Locals say that parking can be a challenge, especially on the weekends when families come out for kids’ sports. But if you’ve got some free time during the week, it’s worth a visit.
Amelia Earhart Park offers a 5-acre fenced Bark Park where dogs can roam off the leash. Admission is free, although weekend parking costs $7. Beyond the dog park are 500+ acres of green space with trails, 5 lakes, a replica farm village, and a watersports complex for wakeboarding and paddleboarding.
Another favorite hangout for local dogs and their owners is Tropical Park, which has an off-leash area, 4 lakes for fishing and boating, walking and biking trails, and—true to the park’s origins as a race track—an equestrian center that hosts dozens of horse and livestock shows each year.
Dog clubs and shows in and around Miami
Social and show options abound for Miami-area seniors and their dogs. The Greater Miami Dog Club hosts monthly meetings from September through June; the group also sponsors events at Tropical Park Equestrian Center including the Miami Dog Show and Challenge of the Americas every December. The Challenge of the Americas is a multinational affair, open only to dogs born outside the United States who are “top dogs” in their home countries.
The American Kennel Club-affiliated Miami Obedience Club coordinates classes and trials in canine obedience, canine good citizenship, agility, and tracking. The club’s members also include a dozen therapy dogs and their owners who visit local schools, assisted living communities, and other places where a furry, friendly face is welcome.
Gourmet pet food options
Pet owners around Miami have great options for food and treats. StarDog Brickell is popular among locals for its same-day delivery of specialty dog and cat foods. For fresh-baked everyday treats, Three Bean Bakery offers convenient online shopping. For special events, Nuni Cakes is the local favorite for custom-baked and decorated cakes, “pupcakes,” and gift baskets.
Learn more about Miami Senior Living here:
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How Much Do Miami Nursing Homes Cost?
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Casey Kelly-Barton
Casey Kelly-Barton is an Austin-based freelance writer whose childhood was made awesome by her grandmothers, great-grandmother, great-aunts and -uncles, and their friends.