Sanibel Island is a very dog friendly island. This is especially the case if you compare it to other communities where dogs are excluded from certain public areas. The City of Sanibel has established rules that ensure that potential conflicts are kept to a minimum. Here are a few things you want to know when taking your best friend for a walk.
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Dog Rules on Sanibel Island
The City of Sanibel has a code about dogs. Section 10-62 of the Sanibel Code states that it is unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit such dog to be a without a leash in or on any public right-of-way, beach, or other public property, or upon any private property without the consent of the owner of such property. A leash must be no more than eight (8) feet in length. Sanibel’s laws also require cleaning up dog waste as dog waste poses additional hazards to people, water quality and wildlife habitat.
To keep your dog safe on Sanibel Island, please check here for the Best Alligator Safety Tips!
Dogs on Sanibel’s Beaches – Sanibel Island Dog Friendly Beaches
Sanibel and Captiva Island have many beautiful beaches. Read our “Ultimate Guide To The Beaches Of Sanibel and Captiva Island to check your options.”
The City of Sanibel would love to remind you to keep the following rules in mind:
- ALWAYS “scoop the poop”
- Keep dogs out of the sensitive dune vegetation
- Keep dogs on leash to protect nesting shorebirds
- Keep an eye on your dog to protect sea turtle nests
Dog Sitters
Finding a dog sitter on Sanibel Island can be a little challenging. Check for flyers at the local supermarkets Jerrys and Baileys or use online services like care.com.
Dog Grooming – Is Sanibel Island Dog Friendly
Yes, there is a very friendly dog grooming service on Tarpon Bay Road! Make sure to get an appointment and keep in mind that many dogs need to be groomed during the season. So book early!
Address: 695 Tarpon Bay Road Suite 1 Sanibel Island, Florida
Contact Info: 239-472-7297
Sanibel Island Dog Friendly Restaurants
The good news is that you can eat outdoors all year round. Thus, taking your dog to dinner is pretty simple. Here are our favorite Sanibel Island dog friendly restaurants.
Doc Fords on Sanibel and Captiva Dog Friendly Restaurant Captiva and Sanibel Island
Amazing island food and great value for money. Restaurant does not take outdoor reservations. The Captiva location is very, very charming with live music and an outside bar. Also much easier to get a table and take your dog for a beautiful walk through the village after dinner. Both locations have longer opening hours than most restaurants!
Address: 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 and Captiva Island location: 5400 South Seas Plantation Road, Captiva, FL 33924,
Contact Info: Sanibel location – 239-472-8311 – Captiva location – 239-312-4275
Sunset Grill – Sanibel Island
Probably the best restaurant to watch the sunset from the porch and watch the Gulf of Mexico. Outdoor reservations possible. Fantastic service and food. Always worth the drive to the North end of Sanibel Island, also called Santiva. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Address: 6536 Pine Ave. Sanibel, Fl. 33957
Contact Info: 239-472-2333
Sunshine Seafood Captiva – Dog Friendly Restaurant Captiva Island
Beautiful dog friendly restaurant in the village of Captiva island. Reservations possible, great food and very friendly service.
Address: 11508 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva Island, FL 33924
Contact Info: 239-472-6200
Mad Hatter Restaurant – Dog Friendly Restaurant Sanibel Island
One of the best restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Outdoor sitting area is close to the parking lot. Great location to watch the sunset before dinner. No outdoor reservations possible so be early or ready to wait!
Address: 6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Contact Info: 239-472-0033
The Mucky Duck – Dog Friendly Restaurant Captiva Island
Best location to sit outside and enjoy sunsets with a drink and great food and a very unique and charming atmosphere. Perfect for taking a walk after dinner on the beach or through Captiva village.
Address: 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924,
Contact Info: 239-472-3434
Sanibel Island Dog Friendly Accomodations and Captiva Island Dog friendly Accomodations
Captiva Island Inn – Dog Friendly Captiva Island Accommodations
Captiva Island Inn on Andy Rosse has a true heart for pet lovers. Located close to the beach and restaurants makes it easy to even leave your dog rest at home for some quiet time.
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
Perfect hotel for a beach vacation with your dog. This Captiva island pet friendly hotel offers hotel rooms for dog owners and pretty much everywhere on the property. With two restaurants on the site it is easy to leave your dog for some quiet time in the room.
Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages
This pet friendly resort is located directly on the beach. Very authentic beach and bay cottages allow you and your dog the perfect Florida beach location at the North end of Sanibel Island. Also great to bring your boat!
Beachview Cottages Sanibel Island
Great beach property on prestigious West Gulf Drive. Very dog friendly but breed and weight restrictions apply. Generally speaking there’s a 40-pound weight limit. But sometimes they do make exceptions, extra fees will apply and are up to the discretion of the resort.
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A Word from healthylifestyleflorida.com
Is Sanibel Island dog friendly? I am sure you have figured out that a vacation on Sanibel or Captiva island can be fun for every family member.
Find your dream vacation today – you will love what you can be!
