The Villages is hugely “dog-friendly”. I can’t say any more than that. We see renters and long-term owners all over the place (except on the golf course) with their dogs.
As a short-term visitor or renter, you will want to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations from your local vet and be sure to bring paperwork if your pet needs any care while you’re visiting The Villages. Here are some of many resources for you to check out. But this is not a complete listing and, as development continues Southward, more resources will become available.
| Veterinarians | – South of Rt 466A off of Morse Blvd is the Colony Plaza Animal Hospital. Their web site is <HERE> and they’re an emergency after-hour vet. – North of Rt 441 is The Village Veterinarians. They have full service care and their web site is <HERE> – In the middle of The Villages near Rt 466 and Buena Vista Blvd is Paws Animal Hospital. Web site is <HERE> – Further South, the VCA Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital at Pinellas Plaza may be a good source for you if you’re renting in the newer sections of The Villages. Their web site is <HERE> |
| Dog Day Spa | – Down the road from The Villages Vet is the Village Pet Villas. They do full service day boarding, etc and web site is <HERE> |
| Driving Your Dog | If you have your dog with you, you should consider buying a “seat belt” for your pet especially if you plan to transport it around via golf cart. There are many harnesses available at local pet stores or online. If you have a 4-seat golf cart, you can put a cage/crate on the back seat and your dog can enjoy the rides that way. Dogs are welcome at most town square public events, but they get busy and foot traffic is heavy at times. Most retailers and restaurants have pet-friendly patio dining. |
| Dog Walking | There has been a flurry of chatting within property owners in The Villages re: etiquette for walking your dog especially on someone else’s property. In Northern climates, many cities have sidewalks and treelawns (parkways). But here in The Villages, each home property extends to the street. Therefore, be especially careful in a) cleaning up after your dog and b) finding a corner lot, your own property or close to the curb to let them do their business. Some homeowners are sensitive about their property (and signs aren’t allowed) |
| Dog Parks | Within The Villages are a growing number of open-area (but fenced) dog parks. Each dog park may be closed one day per week for maintenance. Dog park users must be 13 years of age or older and must have their Villages Resident ID card or a valid guest ID card and a photo ID. More on etiquette and guidelines <HERE>. Here’s a partial list from The Villages Recs & Parks (as of 2022-03). There are more dog parks in the newer Southern villages. — Mulberry Dog Park (Belle Meade Circle) — Paradise Dog Park (East side of golf cart bridge over Rt 441) — Rupert Canine Park (Parklyn Path past Riverbend Rec area) — Atlas Canine Recreation Park – Moyer Loop (South of 466A) |
