Dog- and Cat-Friendly Emerald Coast: Where You and Your Pets Can Go
Traveling with a dog, a cat or both? Pick where you are staying and get a plan: where your dog can run, walk and swim, hotels that take pets, the nearest emergency vet, and what to do in a storm or if your pet gets lost. Every rule comes from a county, city, state, park or business page, with the date we checked it.
Panama City Beach is the only Emerald Coast beach where visitors can bring a dog, at Dog Beach west of Russell-Fields Pier. Dogs are not allowed on Okaloosa County, Destin or Navarre beaches, and Walton County's dog permit is only for residents and property owners. Instead, use the public dog parks in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Navarre, and the leashed areas of state parks. The nearest emergency vet open around the clock is in Niceville.
Where are you staying?
Pick your area to see where your dog can go, the nearest emergency vet and who to call if your pet gets lost.
Staying in Destin & Okaloosa Island with a dog
Beach: No Dogs are not allowed on Destin beaches. The rules
- Off-leashNancy Weidenhamer Dog Park, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail: separate areas for small and large dogs, sunrise to sunset. More
- Leashed walksHenderson Beach State Park follows the state rule: leashed pets (6 ft) in most areas, but not on the beach, boardwalks, playgrounds or in buildings. More
- SkipThe Gulf Islands National Seashore day-use area on Okaloosa Island: the Park Service says pets are not allowed there. More
- Beach day with the dogDog Beach in Panama City Beach, east on U.S. 98: 39 miles, about 1 hour without traffic. More
Emergency vet (Nights and weekends) Emergency Veterinary Clinic Destin, 247 Main St., Destin · (850) 424-4777 Directions
Emergency vet (24/7) Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville, 203 Government Ave., Niceville · (850) 729-3335 Directions
Dog Beach, PCB 39 miles, about 1 hour without traffic
Lost pet Okaloosa County animal control (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, PAWS) · (850) 244-0196
Where to stay 3 pet-friendly hotels with fees and weight limits
Hurricane How Okaloosa County shelters pets
Staying in Fort Walton Beach & Niceville with a dog
Beach: No No pets on county beaches and parks. The rules
- Off-leashThe fenced dog park at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach, and the city dog park at Twin Oaks Park in Niceville. More
- Leashed walksMost Fort Walton Beach city parks allow dogs on a leash. Athletic fields and pickleball courts do not. More
- SkipOkaloosa County beaches and county parks: County Code Sec. 16-43(n) bans pets there. More
Emergency vet (24/7) Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville, 203 Government Ave., Niceville · (850) 729-3335 Directions
Emergency vet (Nights and weekends) Emergency Veterinary Clinic Destin, 247 Main St., Destin · (850) 424-4777 Directions
Dog Beach, PCB 49 miles, about 1 hour 15 minutes without traffic
Lost pet Okaloosa County animal control (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, PAWS) · (850) 244-0196
Where to stay 1 pet-friendly hotels with fees and weight limits
Hurricane How Okaloosa County shelters pets
Staying in 30A, Santa Rosa Beach & Miramar Beach with a dog
Beach: Permit holders only Residents and property owners with a county dog permit. The rules
- Camping and walksGrayton Beach State Park welcomes pets in its campground and in leashed day-use areas. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park follows the same state rules. More
- Off-leashNo public dog park in south Walton on our list yet. The closest are Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park in Destin and Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. More
- SkipThe beach, unless you are a county resident or property owner with a permit. More
Emergency vet (Nights and weekends) Emergency Veterinary Clinic Destin, 247 Main St., Destin · (850) 424-4777 Directions
Emergency vet (24/7) Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville, 203 Government Ave., Niceville · (850) 729-3335 Directions
Dog Beach, PCB 23 miles, about 35 minutes without traffic
Lost pet Walton County Sheriff's Office Animal Services · (850) 892-8682
Where to stay 4 pet-friendly hotels with fees and weight limits
Hurricane How Walton County shelters pets
Staying in Panama City Beach with a dog
Beach: Yes, at Dog Beach Dogs allowed only at Dog Beach. The rules
- BeachDog Beach, west of Russell-Fields City Pier in front of Pier Park. Stay inside the signs; up to 3 dogs per person. More
- Off-leashFrank Brown Park has three dog play areas. More
- Leashed walksConservation Park, Gayle's Trails and Aaron Bessant Park. Watch for snakes and alligators. More
- Camping and walksSt. Andrews and Camp Helen state parks follow the state rules: leashed pets in most areas, not on beaches. More
Emergency vet (Evenings) Urgent Care Vet PC, 4121 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City · (850) 896-9286 Directions
Lost pet Bay County Animal Services · (850) 767-3333
Where to stay 2 pet-friendly hotels with fees and weight limits
Hurricane How Bay County shelters pets
Map: dog beach, dog parks, emergency vets and hotels
Pet-friendly hotels: fees, weight limits and cats
Fees, weight limits and pet rooms change, and most hotels have only a few pet rooms: confirm when you book. Cat column: Yes = the hotel says cats are welcome; No = dogs only; Ask = the hotel does not say. Not every hotel takes pets: Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach on Okaloosa Island, for example, says it does not.
Destin & Okaloosa Island
- Inn on Destin Harbor (Ascend Hotel Collection)
- Pet fee
- $75 plus tax per stay, plus a $100 refundable deposit
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 75 lb
- Cats
- Ask
The hotel says all pets are allowed.
- Henderson Beach Resort
- Pet fee
- Not published; ask
- Pets per room
- Ask
- Weight limit
- Ask
- Cats
- No
Select rooms are dog-friendly. Book ahead and sign the resort's pet agreement. No dogs in restaurants, the spa or on pool decks.
- Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
- Pet fee
- $100 per pet, per stay
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 60 lb
- Cats
- Yes
On Okaloosa Island. Dogs and cats only.
Fort Walton Beach & Niceville
- Residence Inn Fort Walton Beach
- Pet fee
- $100 per stay
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 50 lb
- Cats
- Ask
30A, Santa Rosa Beach & Miramar Beach
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
- Pet fee
- $75 for 1 to 4 nights; $125 for 5 nights or more
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 80 lb
- Cats
- Yes
Dogs or cats only.
- Candlewood Suites Destin-Sandestin Area
- Pet fee
- $30 per night, up to $150
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 75 lb each
- Cats
- No
Dogs only.
- Hotel Effie Sandestin
- Pet fee
- $150 plus tax per stay
- Pets per room
- Ask
- Weight limit
- Ask
- Cats
- Ask
Pet rooms are on the third and fourth floors.
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (rentals)
- Pet fee
- $250 plus tax per stay
- Pets per room
- Ask
- Weight limit
- Ask
- Cats
- Ask
Only some units take pets; call reservations. The resort has a bark park between Baytowne Wharf and the marina.
Panama City Beach
- Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront
- Pet fee
- $125 for 1 to 6 nights; $225 for 7 to 30 nights
- Pets per room
- 2
- Weight limit
- 50 lb each, 75 lb combined
- Cats
- No
Dogs only.
- Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort
- Pet fee
- Per-night fee; ask for the amount
- Pets per room
- Ask
- Weight limit
- 25 lb
- Cats
- No
Small dogs only.
Navarre
Vacation rentals with pets
- Renting a condo or house? Use the site's pet filter, then confirm in writing before you pay: how many pets, weight limit, pet fee or deposit, and whether cats count.
- Condo buildings can have their own pet rules on top of the owner's: ask whether pets may use the elevator, the pool area and the beach walkover.
- If you travel with a cat, ask whether the unit allows a litter box and where to put it; some rentals list only dogs.
Run a pet-friendly hotel or vacation rental?
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
The answer changes at every county line. Each card shows the rule, then what you can do instead.
Yes, at Dog Beach Panama City Beach
Dogs allowed only at Dog Beach.
Off-leash play: Frank Brown Park has three dog play areas.
See the rules
- Dog Beach is on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier, in front of Pier Park. Stay inside the signs.
- Leash or voice command, and under your control.
- Up to 3 dogs per person; no dogs younger than 4 months; no females in season.
- Current shots and ID tags. Pick up after your dog.
- No food bowls or long-lasting chews. Never leave a dog alone or with children only.
- Dogs are not allowed on any other part of the city beach, except service animals.
Permit holders only Walton County (30A, Miramar Beach)
Residents and property owners with a county dog permit.
Instead: Grayton Beach State Park welcomes pets in its campground and leashed day-use areas (not on the beach). Off-leash play: Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park in Destin.
See the rules
- All animals are banned from Walton County public beaches except service animals and dogs with a county permit.
- Permits are only for Walton County property owners and permanent residents. You need a rabies vaccination certificate and proof such as a deed, driver license, tax receipt or lease. Visitors cannot get one.
- Permitted dogs must be on a leash, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., all year.
- Pick up the permit at Walton County Code Compliance, 46 Coastal Centre Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mail (2 to 3 weeks).
- Do not share a permit tag with another dog: the county can revoke the permit. Owners must pick up waste.
No Destin
Dogs are not allowed on Destin beaches.
Instead: Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail, with separate areas for small and large dogs. For a beach day with your dog, Dog Beach in Panama City Beach is the closest option.
See the rules
- The City of Destin says dogs are not allowed on the beaches in Destin and Okaloosa County.
No Okaloosa Island and county beaches
No pets on county beaches and parks.
Instead: the fenced dog park at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach, where most city parks also allow leashed dogs. The Gulf Islands National Seashore day-use area on Okaloosa Island does not allow pets either.
See the rules
- Okaloosa County Code Sec. 16-43(n) prohibits pets on county beaches and parks.
- Service animals are exempt. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed.
Dog parks and dog-friendly parks on the Emerald Coast
- Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park
Separate areas for large and small dogs. Sunrise to sunset. Leash in and out; off-leash inside. No female dogs in heat.
- Liza Jackson Park dog park
Fenced dog park where dogs may be off-leash. Most other city parks allow dogs on a leash; athletic fields do not.
- Niceville Dog Park, Twin Oaks Park
City dog park with parking and picnic tables.
- Frank Brown Park
Three dog play areas. Leash outside the play areas.
- Panama City Beach Conservation Park
Trails where dogs are welcome on a leash. Watch for snakes and alligators.
- Gayle's Trails
Dogs welcome on a leash.
- Aaron Bessant Park
Dogs welcome on a leash.
State parks and Gulf Islands National Seashore
Florida state parks allow pets in most areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings and concessions. In campgrounds, pets stay inside your camping unit from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and cannot be left alone at the site for more than 30 minutes.
- Henderson Beach State Park
State rules apply: no dogs on the beach or boardwalks. Ask at the gate which parts of the 3/4-mile trail are open to leashed pets.
- Grayton Beach State Park
Pets are welcome in the campground and allowed on a leash in day-use areas. Not on the beach or in cabins.
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Lists pets among its amenities; state rules apply, so no dogs on the beach.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (Navarre and Santa Rosa area)
Leashed pets (6 ft) are welcome on trails, multi-use paths and park roads, and in campgrounds if attended. Not on any park beach, in water less than 5 feet deep, in forts, pavilions, piers or visitor centers.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore, Okaloosa Day Use Area
Pets are not allowed in this area.
Emergency vets at night and on weekends
- 24/7Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Nights and weekendsEmergency Veterinary Clinic Destin
After hours only: Monday to Thursday 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.; Friday 6 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m.; open on major holidays.
- EveningsUrgent Care Vet PC
Walk-ins 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., six days a week (no walk-ins on Wednesdays). Hospitalized pets are cared for around the clock.
We have not confirmed a walk-in emergency vet open 24 hours in Walton or Bay County. Call before you drive; your regular vet's after-hours line can also tell you where to go.
Lost pet or loose dog? What to do
- Call the county animal services office below and file a lost report. Check again every day: a pet can take a day or two to reach a shelter.
- Call the nearest vet offices; people often take found pets there.
- Ask neighbors and the front desk or rental manager where you are staying.
- Make sure your pet's microchip registration has your current cell phone number, and put the chip number on every report.
- Okaloosa County
PAWS runs animal control for the county by contract.
- Walton County
Shelter (850) 892-8758, 365 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs. After hours (850) 892-8111. Strays are held three days.
- Santa Rosa County
4451 Pine Forest Road, Milton. Report a lost or found pet through Petco Love Lost, the county's free photo-matching tool.
- Bay County
6401 Bayline Drive, Panama City. Closed Sundays.
Traveling with a cat
- Same rules, fewer places
State and national parks apply the same leash and no-beach rules to cats. All four counties accept cats in their hurricane shelter options; Walton's pet shelter takes only dogs and cats. Traveling with a dog and a cat? Check the cat column in the hotel list: several hotels take dogs only.
- Keep a cat inside the rental
The state wildlife agency advises keeping pets indoors when possible and never feeding them outside, which draws wildlife. A cat in a strange house is most likely to slip out when doors open: unload the car with the cat in a closed room.
- If your cat gets out
Search close by first; scared cats usually hide nearby. Then file a lost report with the county animal services office listed above and post a photo on Petco Love Lost, which Santa Rosa County uses to match lost and found pets.
- Rabies vaccine
Florida law requires a rabies vaccine for cats and dogs 4 months and older. Bring the certificate.
Hurricane plan for your pet
Okaloosa County
All six county hurricane shelters accept pets. Pets stay in a separate building with an on-site veterinarian, not with their owners. Bring 3 to 5 days of food and water with bowls, a litter pan, a kennel big enough for your pet to stand and turn around, the rabies certificate and medicines: the county does not provide them.
Walton County
Animal Services opens a pet-friendly shelter during every hurricane; the location varies. First come, first served, no pre-registration. Dogs and cats only, and you stay with your pet. Bring a crate big enough for a litter box and bowls, food, water, medicines, a leash, an ID tag and a recent photo of your pet.
Santa Rosa County
The county has a pet-friendly shelter, but you must pre-register: send the pet shelter registration form to Animal Services and bring a printed copy of the use agreement. Bring a carrier big enough for your pet to stand, stretch and turn around, proof of vaccinations, and an ID and rabies tag on the collar.
Bay County
Bay County Animal Services keeps a registration form for people who need to shelter with their dogs or cats: email it to [email protected] or drop it off at 6401 Bayline Drive. Hurricane shelters are public schools that change each year; call (850) 784-4000 to learn which are open.
If you are visiting when an evacuation is ordered, leave early and take your pet with you: county shelters are a last resort. Pack two weeks of food and medicine, vaccination records, a crate, a leash and a recent photo of your pet. Full hurricane guide.
Local risks for your dog
- Heat and hot sand
Paved roads, sidewalks and sand can get hot enough to burn paws: check the ground with your hand. Bring water, and never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows down. Heavy panting, extreme thirst and weakness are signs of heat exhaustion.
- Alligators and snakes
Use a short leash (6 feet or less, not retractable), walk your dog away from the water's edge, and do not let pets swim in lakes, ponds or rivers. Nuisance alligator hotline: 866-392-4286.
- Red tide
Keep pets away from dead fish and beach foam, and rinse your dog as soon as possible after a swim during a bloom. Check the state's daily red tide map before a beach day.
- Jellyfish and other marine life
A purple flag on the beach means dangerous marine life. In Panama City Beach, text PCBFLAGS to 888777 for flag changes.
- Sandspurs
Sandspurs (sandburs) grow in sandy, undisturbed ground and form spiny burs from June through November. They stick in fur and paws: check your dog's feet after walks off the paved path.
Before you leave home
- Rabies certificate
Florida requires a rabies vaccine for dogs and cats 4 months and older (s. 828.30). Carry the certificate: Panama City Beach's Dog Beach asks for current shots, Okaloosa's pet shelters require it, and Walton's permit needs it.
- Health certificate
Florida's 30-day health certificate rule in s. 828.29 covers dogs and cats brought into the state for sale. For a pet traveling with you, check the state's travel FAQ or ask your vet before you leave.
- Collar, tag and chip
A collar with an ID tag and your cell number, and a microchip registered to your current phone. Shelters scan for chips.
- Leash
A leash no longer than 6 feet: it is the rule in state parks and Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Eating out and pet services
Panama City Beach is the only city here that publishes its own list of restaurants that welcome leashed dogs: 22 places, among them Pier Park, Margaritaville, Salty Sue's, Pompano Joe's, Hook'd and Shuckums. The city dates the list December 2023, so call ahead. In Destin, Fort Walton Beach and 30A no city publishes a list and the restaurants we checked do not say it on their own sites, so we only list places that confirm it to us.
Dog daycare, boarding, groomers and pet sitters
We list dog daycares, boarding, groomers, walkers and cat sitters only after they confirm their services and prices to us. None has yet. Run one? Claim your free listing below.
Dog-friendly patio, groomer, dog daycare or pet sitter?
Saw a new sign at the beach or the park?
Help the next pet owner. We publish short reader reports after an editor reviews them, shown apart from official rules and never with your address.
- Report a change: a new sign, a closed dog park, new hours.
- Add a dog event: adoption days, yappy hours, dog walks. Free listing in our events calendar.
- Run a shelter or rescue? Send us your adoption page and we will add it.
Questions about dogs and cats on the Emerald Coast
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Panama City Beach?
Yes, with rules. Dogs allowed only at Dog Beach. Dog Beach is on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier, in front of Pier Park. Stay inside the signs. Leash or voice command, and under your control. Off-leash play: Frank Brown Park has three dog play areas. Source: City of Panama City Beach.
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Walton County?
Only with a permit. Residents and property owners with a county dog permit. All animals are banned from Walton County public beaches except service animals and dogs with a county permit. Permits are only for Walton County property owners and permanent residents. You need a rabies vaccination certificate and proof such as a deed, driver license, tax receipt or lease. Visitors cannot get one. Instead: Grayton Beach State Park welcomes pets in its campground and leashed day-use areas (not on the beach). Off-leash play: Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park in Destin. Source: Walton County Code Compliance, dog beach permits (Code Sec. 22-31).
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Destin?
No. Dogs are not allowed on Destin beaches. The City of Destin says dogs are not allowed on the beaches in Destin and Okaloosa County. Instead: Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park, 4100 Indian Bayou Trail, with separate areas for small and large dogs. For a beach day with your dog, Dog Beach in Panama City Beach is the closest option. Source: City of Destin.
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Okaloosa Island and county beaches?
No. No pets on county beaches and parks. Okaloosa County Code Sec. 16-43(n) prohibits pets on county beaches and parks. Service animals are exempt. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed. Instead: the fenced dog park at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach, where most city parks also allow leashed dogs. The Gulf Islands National Seashore day-use area on Okaloosa Island does not allow pets either. Source: Okaloosa County Park Rangers, Code Sec. 16-43(n).
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Navarre Beach?
No. No pets on the beach or the pier. Santa Rosa County lists "No pets allowed on beach" among the Navarre Beach rules. The county tourism office adds that dogs are not allowed on the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Instead: Navarre Central Bark, 8840 High School Blvd., free, dawn to dusk. In Gulf Islands National Seashore, leashed pets may use trails, paths and park roads, but not the beaches. Source: Santa Rosa County.
Which hotels on the Emerald Coast take both dogs and cats?
These hotels say on their own pages that they take dogs and cats: Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach ($100 per pet, per stay, up to 2 pets, 60 lb); Home2 Suites by Hilton Santa Rosa Beach ($75 for 1 to 4 nights; $125 for 5 nights or more, up to 2 pets, 80 lb). Confirm when you book; pet rooms are limited.
Can I take my dog to a Florida state park?
Florida state parks allow pets in most areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings and concessions. In campgrounds, pets stay inside your camping unit from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and cannot be left alone at the site for more than 30 minutes.
Where is the nearest 24-hour emergency vet on the Emerald Coast?
Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville, 203 Government Ave., Niceville, phone (850) 729-3335. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We have not confirmed a walk-in emergency vet open 24 hours in Walton or Bay County. Call before you drive; your regular vet's after-hours line can also tell you where to go.
Who do I call if my pet gets lost on the Emerald Coast?
Okaloosa County: Okaloosa County animal control (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, PAWS), (850) 244-0196. Walton County: Walton County Sheriff's Office Animal Services, (850) 892-8682. Santa Rosa County: Santa Rosa County Animal Services, (850) 983-4680. Bay County: Bay County Animal Services, (850) 767-3333. Make sure your pet's microchip has your current phone number.
Can I bring my pet to a hurricane shelter in Okaloosa County?
All six county hurricane shelters accept pets. Pets stay in a separate building with an on-site veterinarian, not with their owners. Bring 3 to 5 days of food and water with bowls, a litter pan, a kennel big enough for your pet to stand and turn around, the rabies certificate and medicines: the county does not provide them.
Can I bring my pet to a hurricane shelter in Walton County?
Animal Services opens a pet-friendly shelter during every hurricane; the location varies. First come, first served, no pre-registration. Dogs and cats only, and you stay with your pet. Bring a crate big enough for a litter box and bowls, food, water, medicines, a leash, an ID tag and a recent photo of your pet.
Can I bring my pet to a hurricane shelter in Santa Rosa County?
The county has a pet-friendly shelter, but you must pre-register: send the pet shelter registration form to Animal Services and bring a printed copy of the use agreement. Bring a carrier big enough for your pet to stand, stretch and turn around, proof of vaccinations, and an ID and rabies tag on the collar.
Can I bring my pet to a hurricane shelter in Bay County?
Bay County Animal Services keeps a registration form for people who need to shelter with their dogs or cats: email it to [email protected] or drop it off at 6401 Bayline Drive. Hurricane shelters are public schools that change each year; call (850) 784-4000 to learn which are open.
Can visitors get a dog beach permit in Walton County?
No. Walton County gives dog beach permits only to county property owners and permanent residents. Visitors can take a dog to Dog Beach in Panama City Beach instead.
Do I need a health certificate to bring my dog or cat to Florida?
Florida requires a rabies vaccine for dogs and cats 4 months and older (s. 828.30); bring the certificate. The 30-day health certificate rule in s. 828.29 covers animals brought in for sale. For a pet traveling with you, check the Florida Department of Agriculture travel FAQ or ask your vet.
Are emotional support animals allowed on the beach?
Not where pets are banned. Okaloosa County says emotional support animals are not trained service animals and are not allowed on county beaches. Service animals are allowed under Florida Statutes s. 413.08.