How to Pamper Your Pooch on Sanibel

Because Sanibel Island is such a friendly place, including to pets, we are frequently asked for pet friendly accommodations. And we have several to offer, ranging from smaller condos to larger houses. But when our guests, both 2 and 4 legged, arrive---- the lodging now taken care of----the next objective is to make the tail waggers as comfortable as possible.



Of course, all the beaches on Sanibel are dog friendly, though Fido must be kept on a leash. Leashed dogs may frolic along any Sanibel beach, but Bowman's Beach stands out because anyone can park at its lot for 75 cents an hour. Most other beach-access parking lots are limited to cars bearing residential permits. For anyone sleeping in nearby Captiva Island, this is the nearest public beach that gives visiting dogs the green light.

Another of the many pet friendly beaches of Sanibel Island, Algiers Beach makes a great escape for you and Fido since it's located adjacent to a portion of a nature preserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and owner's must clean up after their pets. There are picnic tables and restrooms available, and an hourly parking fee is charged between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm (free after 7 pm).



One nice thing to do for your best friend is to take the fellow or gal to Island Paws for a refreshing grooming. Although Island Paws caters to both dogs and cats in their merchandise, the bathing facilities are strictly canine. There are two kinds of dog wash options at Island Paws:

Self-Serve Dog Wash

Includes raised tubs, professional sprayers, all natural shampoos, towels, professional grooming tables, brushes, combs, toenail clippers and forced-air (unheated) dryers. All you need is a dirty dog!

Full-Service Wash

For those occasions when you'd like to have someone else do it, Island Paws will be more than happy to wash your dog. Best to make an appointment, but drop-ins are also welcome.

And if you find that you will be tied up one day (or more) and not able to walk your own pooch, there are services on Island that will ensure that your pup gets its exercise. One of these is Doggone Walkin, a dog walking as well as pet sitting, one woman operation. According to Doggone Walkin's website: "Whether the owner is going on vacation, taking a trip off-island, working long hours or just physically incapable of taking care of their pet's needs I am here to help! Big or small dogs, I take them all. (Big dogs are actually my specialty.) Administering medications, feeding, helping with behaviour problems are all included in my one low price. No added charges for holidays or extra pets within one household."

And while no one wants to think their furry friend might get ill on vacation, should that happen, there are clinical veterinary services on the Island that also provide the following: Animal Boarding, Animal Daycare, Animal Flea Control, Animal Microchipping, Bird Vet, Exotic Animal Vet, Holistic Veterinary Medicine, Reptile Vet, Small Animal Vet, Spaying/Neutering, Veterinarians, Veterinary Dentistry, Veterinary Docking, Veterinary Euthanasia, Veterinary Medical Specialties, Veterinary Surgery. The Coral Veterinary Clinic is conveniently located on Periwinkle Way and is open from 9 to 4, Mondays through Fridays with week-end coverage off Island.

In fact, when it comes to your pampered pet, Sanibel does, indeed, have you covered!