Pet owners know the importance of finding the finest services, treats and toys for their best friends. Greater Gainesville is home to some of the highest-quality pet care Florida can offer. Whether owners need a place for their pups to play, eat, heal, sleep or shop, GG has it all covered.
The Great Outdoors
Let loose and stretch all four legs at one of the area’s many amenity-rich dog parks. Must Love Dogs Park and Daycare is a 15-acre, off-leash park with two pools providing the perfect place for doggos to cool down in between rounds of the zoomies. They take safety seriously, so visitors must have proof of rabies vaccines, males must be neutered and owners, of course, must love dogs.
Have fun with the whole family at Smokey Bear Park. With amenities like restrooms, grills and picnic tables, come enjoy a picnic with the family. While the two-legged kids run out their energy on the impressive playground, the four-legged ones are welcome on a leash for the picnic and off-leash at the nearby park.
More off-leash dog parks:
- Tom Petty Dog Park at 501 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville
- Forest Park at 4501 SW 20th Avenue, Gainesville
- Squirrel Ridge Park at 1603 SW Williston Road, Gainesville
Chow-ing Down
Kibble and treats are fine, but not everybody shares the same tastes. When heading out for a bite to eat, discover the many local restaurants that proudly call themselves pet friendly.
Grab a drink at Lebowski’s Pup Pub, Gainesville’s only dog bar. Located downtown, Lebowski’s Pup Pub offers two off-leash parks. Meet up with friends and enjoy a full liquor, beer and wine bar. Rotating food trucks also make this a great place to grab a bite. Because Lebowski’s prides themselves on keeping dogs safe, all dogs must be registered.
One Love Café, a farm-to-table style eatery big on local flavors and homemade flair, is all about letting the dogs out. Their outdoor patio sits on a large field perfect for stretching, running and playing. Just do not forget the doggy bag.
More pet-friendly restaurants and taprooms:
- Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville at 120 SW 1st Avenue, Gainesville
- Feeline Good Cat Café at 201 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville
- The Top at 30 N Main Street, Gainesville
Shop Fur Days
The urge to splurge on pets is a hard one to resist, and a new toy or a favorite treat is a great way to repay the unconditional love pets have for their humans. GG is rich in opportunities to give that special dog or cat the shopping trip they deserve.
Earthwise Pet Gainesville is a locally owned, holistic store for all pets. Many owners are keen on avoiding exposing their pets to harsh chemicals and animal byproducts, and Earthwise features an extensive list of natural pet essentials, needs ranging from play time to dinner time. It also has Gainesville’s first self-washing station to make bath time easy-peezy for person and pet.
Formerly known as the Downtown Tabby Pet Store, GoodNature Pet Store offers nothing but the best for pets. With everything from treats and toys to litter and shampoo available, pet owners can easily find everything they need to take care of their furry loved ones.
More pet focused boutiques:
- Earth Pets Natural Pet Market at 500 NW 60th Street, Gainesville
- Sweet Paws Bakery at 5330 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville
Hotel Paw and Resort
Planning a vacation and need to leave the furry friends behind? Fortunately, GG offers numerous options for pet boarding. These dedicated professionals will ensure that every dog and cat is well taken care of, providing owners with peace of mind while they are away. Rest assured; they will be in good paws.
The award-winning Camp Run-a-Mutt Gainesville is a cage-free dog daycare and boarding paradise. Offering a range of services, including daily drop-offs, long-term boarding, professional grooming and training services, plus plenty of time to play, pets will never want to leave this ultimate puppy resort. For that extra reassurance, the facility provides Muttcams, allowing owners to keep an eye on their pets remotely.
Looking for Luxury? Pet Paradise is the place. With deluxe beds, doggy swimming pools, limitless toys and special one on one time with humans, pets will be living the good life. For pet parents who tend to worry, Pet Paradise puts those anxieties to rest with live webcams and on site veterinarian care.
More beloved pet boarders:
- Jazz’s Wonderland at 4122 NW 128th Terrace, Gainesville
- Dogs Rule at 230 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville
- Must Love Dogs Park and Daycare at 5505 SW Archer Road, Gainesville
Man’s Best Friend
Looking for a four-legged friend to join the family? Rescue a pet at either Helping Hands Pet Rescue or the Humane Society of North Central Florida. As these are both no-kill shelters, rescuing a pet here will save lives. To feel the unconditional love of an animal will make every day a good day.