The 4 Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Dog Lovers

Would it shock you to learn that Tampa has been rated one of the best cities for pet owners in the U.S.? In fact, the city took the #1 spot this year in WalletHub’s rankings, which take into account factors such as dog park availability, pet health, pet budget, and local veterinarians.

Tampa is a great city for pet owners and their dogs. That said, some neighborhoods are definitely more dog friendly than others! Here are four of our favorites.

Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Dogs: Downtown Saint Petersburg

St. Pete is a favorite amongst dog lovers thanks to ample green space with easy access to everything human companions could want in an urban environment. Commuting to work is effortless if you live in this neighborhood, and your neighbors are likely to be other young professionals. Three dog parks are within walking distance of this neighborhood, and there’s plenty of additional green areas perfect for leashed dogs. 

Condos are the typical homes for sale available here, so you’d do well to find one with dog-friendly regulations. Many local shops and restaurants are happy to provide bowls of water to thirsty pups!

• 2020 average home value: $259,900 (Zillow)
• Trulia local user rating: 98% dog friendly
• Dog-friendly restaurant:BellaBrava
• Dog-friendly bar: Five Buckets Drinkery
• Dog parks: Kenwood, Crescent Lake, Small Dogs at the Vinoy Park
• Local vet: Downtown St. Pete Vet Clinic

Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Dogs: South Tampa

Being able to bring your dog to the beach is a huge benefit to living in South Tampa - at Picnic Island Beach Dog Park, dogs can frolic off leash and in the waves from sunrise to sunset. There’s also Bayshore Boulevard Linear Park, the world’s longest continuous sidewalk with breathtaking views of the bay. Dogs are allowed - just keep them leashed!

Beyond this, South Tampa is the perfect neighborhood for those who love a fast-paced urban lifestyle. The entertainment district, located along South Howard Avenue, thrives day and night with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Homes for sale in this neighborhood vary widely - you’ll find bungalows, sizable single-family homes, and plenty of condos.

• Average home value: $282,000 (Zillow)
• Trulia local user rating: Unlisted 
• Dog-friendly restaurant:Mad Dogs & Englishmen
• Dog-friendly bar: Pups Pub - We love this lively, veteran-founded bar because not only are dogs allowed - they’re the stars of this operation.
• Closest dog parks: Gadsden Park Dog Park, Palma Ceia Dog Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
• Local vet: Beach Park Animal Clinic

Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Dogs: Seminole Heights

Seminole Heights is one of the best areas to live in Tampa for those who crave the space and calm of the suburbs. This historic neighborhood is home to families, young professionals, and retirees alike who come to enjoy the unique bar scene and high class dining possible in this artistic-leaning neighborhood. The area has seen a commercial resurgence, with brewpubs, vintage clothing boutiques, and trendy cafes popping up everywhere.

Seminole Heights has become even more attractive as of late for its shorter commute time: only 17 minutes away from Downtown Tampa, this neighborhood provides the space many families crave while still offering easy access to amenities.

• Average home value: $278,100
• Trulia local user rating: 78% dog friendly 
• Dog-friendly restaurant: The C House
• Dog-friendly bar:The Mermaid Tavern
• Dog parks: Angus Goss Dog Park, Hair of the Dog Park, Rowlett Dog Park
• Local vet:The Heights Veterinary Clinic

Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Dogs: Hyde Park

Historic Hyde Park is a mainstay of Tampa thanks to its convenient location just a 5 minute drive from downtown. Hyde Park Village serves as the neighborhood’s central gathering location, and locals love to swing from gourmet restaurants to the chic retail stores that make up the commercial center. Older homes and buildings lend this area a charming, old-time feel that contrasts with the variety of hip activities possible, and the close-by University of Tampa lends a collegiate atmosphere to the general area.

It’s easy to own a dog in Hyde Park, and many young professionals and families opt to. Not only are there ample shady streets to stroll down, but there’s also easy-access dog parks nearby. You can find everything from sprawling single-family homes to condos in this bayside community.

• Average home value: $378,850 (Zillow)
• Trulia local user rating: 100% dog friendly 
• Dog-friendly restaurant:Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery
• Dog-friendly bar: Pups Pub
• Dog parks: Hyde Park Dog Park, Curtis Hixon Dog Park
• Local vet: Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic

Owning a Dog in Florida: Important Facts

Every state is different: here’s what you need to know if you own, or plan to own, a dog in Florida. 

• If your dog is older than four months old it need a rabies vaccination, complete with annual boosters. Failure to vaccinate can result in a $500 fine. 
• Florida does not restrict dog breeds, though breeds can be restricted by cities. Tampa does not restrict any dog breeds.
• If your dog has ever bitten anyone, Florida may declare it is a “dangerous dog” and require you to take steps to protect others. If your “dangerous dog” bites again, you could be charged with a misdemeanor - and even a felony in the case of a serious or fatal attack.
• The French Bulldog is Tampa’s #1 dog. This can spell trouble for Brachycephalic pups since temperatures are often fairly high, as they can suffer from heat exhaustion more quickly than other breeds. Don’t despair, though! These dogs can fare fine in Florida so long as you keep them in air conditioning for the majority of the day, and try to save your longer walks for early in the morning or late at night when the air has had a chance to cool down a bit.
• Here are are important tips for keeping dogs cool and safe in the heat!