Are you looking to have a doggone great time with your furry friends? Panama City, Florida is a super place to start. From parades to 5Ks, pups in Panama City have access to a variety of activities and amenities. There is even an annual dog Mayor election event that raises money for area shelters and veterinarian services. 

Room to Run & Play

Being outside is an important part of enjoying time with pets. Al Helms Dog Park is located on Balboa Avenue and offers separate areas for large and small dogs to run and play off-leash. There are plans to renovate this spring that will include adding social areas with more seating, more shade, a new water feature, and updated lighting. In addition to this popular dog park, pet-owners now have more choices for spending time outside with their pets. Panama City recently announced that city parks are now pet-friendly, and efforts to install dog stations at each park are on-going. Oaks By the Bay Park, in the historic St. Andrews neighborhood, and McKenzie Park, in downtown Panama City, are pet ready, and more parks will follow soon! 

Dining with Doggie

If you’re looking for quality time at a laid back lunch, a relaxing happy hour on the water, or a family dinner that your pet can enjoy with you, Panama City boasts several pet-friendly restaurants that will greet responsible pet-owners and their pooches with a warm welcome. Some of these include:

Amavida Coffee & Tea
The Bagel Maker
Barefoot on the Bay
Bayou Joe’s
Enzo’s Pizza & Grill
Ferrucci Ristorante
Finn’s Island Style Grub/Little Village
Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood
No Name Lounge
Salty Hobo
Taproom
Thai Basil
The Place
Tom’s Hot Dogs
Trigo

Social Pups

Panama City has a host of regular events designed to foster fun and socializing for families and pets alike. In October, dress your pet in their cutest or spookiest for the annual Howl-O-Ween at Al Helms Dog Park, featuring dog costume contests, dog-friendly trick-or-treating, live music, food trucks, and more. There is much to celebrate in the Spring with the annual Salty Dog Day and Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras Pet Costume Contest and  and Pet & Kids Parade. These events combine fun with a cause by sponsoring food drives and supporting and raising awareness for organizations like Bonnie’s Purpose and The Lucky Puppy Rescue. Look forward to more pet-loving events in the works in the coming months!

For more info on pet-friendly events and locations throughout Panama City visit www.destinationpanamacity.com or www.facebook.com/destinationpanamacity.