Pets

We recognize that your pets are cherished members of your family, and we wouldn't want you to leave them behind while you enjoy your vacation! While Anna Maria Island may not have pet-friendly beaches, there are numerous other options for you and your furry companions to explore and savor the island and its surrounding areas.

Many restaurants on the island warmly welcome pets at their outdoor tables, offering you the opportunity to dine together while enjoying the island ambiance. Among our favorites are Ugly Grouper, Bridgetender Inn Dockside Bar, Skinny’s, Waterfront Restaurant (outside only), Ginny & Jane E’s (outside only), Blue Marlin’s Trap Yard (outside only), and Slim’s Place.

Additionally, there are several other pet-friendly dining options to consider, including Harry’s Grill (outside only), Poppo’s Taqueria, The Donut Experiment, Vinny & Cheryl’s Italian Restaurant, Freckled Fin (outside only), and Joe’s Eats & Sweets.

For outdoor fun with your furry friend, don't miss the pet-friendly park located in the city of Holmes Beach—a perfect spot for your pet to stretch their legs and enjoy some playtime.

With these options in mind, you and your beloved pets can create lasting memories together while exploring the beauty and charm of Anna Maria Island. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry companions for a delightful vacation experience!

Dog Park Information

For pet lovers seeking a beach adventure with their furry companions, a short 5-minute drive off the island leads to Palma Sola Causeway Park on Palma Sola Bay. Accessible via Manatee Avenue or State Route 64, this pet-friendly beach offers a perfect spot for your pup to splash around in the sand and water to their heart's content! Whether you're coming onto the island or venturing off for a day of seaside fun, Palma Sola Causeway Park provides a scenic retreat where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the beauty of nature together.

Directions to Palma Sola Causeway Park

There are a couple spots off the island for your pet to have some fun as well! Located just in town about 10-15 minutes off the island at GT Bray Park and Robinson Preserve. Or check out the pet-friendly shopping center, St. Armand’s Circle, or Bayfront Park/Marina in nearby Sarasota.

We extend a warm welcome to your furry family members in our pet-friendly units, provided they adhere to the following conditions:
  • A maximum of 2 dogs are permitted in designated pet-friendly homes only, subject to compliance with the specifications outlined in our Pet Policy.
  • Prior approval from the manager/owner is required, along with payment of the applicable pet fee.
  • In the event that a pet is brought without obtaining authorization, Once Upon A Beach and the property owner reserve the right to terminate the rental agreement immediately, without refund. Alternatively, if an exception is made, a $500 surcharge plus a $200 pet fee for each pet may be charged.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, including our beloved furry friends. Thank you for adhering to our pet policy guidelines.

In our non-pet-friendly properties, the Owner has made the decision not to allow animals in their home. Often, this choice is influenced by severe allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions that could be impacted by the presence of pets, even after the fact. For guests with service animals, we kindly ask for your cooperation in selecting one of the many pet-friendly rentals within our inventory to honor the Owner's request. It's important to note that while outside pets may not be allowed, Owners may have their own pets in the home. Guests with severe pet allergies should be aware that pets, whether belonging to the Owner or service animals, may have entered or resided in the premises of a non-pet-friendly home at some point.

Service animals, which are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, are permitted in all vacation rental homes in accordance with ADA guidelines, regardless of the property's pet policy. While not mandatory, we kindly request that guests notify us of the presence of a service dog so that it can be properly noted on your reservation, ensuring a smooth and accommodating stay. It's important to note that in the state of Florida, emotional support dogs are not required to be allowed in non-pet-friendly homes and must abide by all pet policies set forth. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a comfortable environment for all guests.


Pet Criteria/Pet Fee (with exception to service dogs)

  1. Guest to pay additional pet fee in the amount of $100-$200 pet fee (at discretion of manager based on length of stay). Only pets allowed are dogs and/or hypoallergenic dogs only. No exceptions.

2. All pets must comply with the following specifications (documentation from an accredited veterinarian must be provided by Guest upon request):

  • May not have more than 2 pets AT ANY TIME in property

  • Each pet may not exceed 65 lbs.

  • Each pet must be at least 1 year(s) of age or older.

  • Each pet must be spayed or neutered.

  • Each pet must be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and all other vaccinations.

  • May not have been known to have bitten anyone where the injury required medical attention

  • Any purebred or crossbred dog comprised of any of the following breeds:

  • Pit Bull-type,

  • Rottweiler,

  • Husky-type (including Siberian breeds),

  • Malamute,

  • Doberman Pinscher,

  • Chow Chow,

  • Any Wolf-dog hybrid,

3. All pets must be leashed at all times when in outdoor areas in outdoor areas and are not allowed in shared guest areas (if any).

4. Guest is responsible for cleaning up any/all pet refuse and following all city ordinances. FAILURE TO CLEAN UP DOG WASTE WILL RESULT IN A  FINE OF $250 IF FOUND OUTDOORS AND $500 IF FOUND INDOORS.

5. Pets are not allowed in pool or on furniture at any time. Any evidence of pets on furniture or in pool may incur extra cleaning fees.

4. All pets are to be treated with a flea and tick repellent seven (7) days prior to arrival.

5. Pet must not cause damage to premises or furnishings. If damages are caused, the cost of the damage may be charged.

6. Guest should prevent pets from producing excessive noise at a level that disturbs neighbors. Violation of noise levels or guest complaints can result in potential eviction. Guests must allow staff or service personnel entry to home or yard area to perform duties. As a reminder, dogs who are listed as service animals who bark, cause excessive noise, or poise a threat to staff or others will be considered an unauthorized pet in violation of the pet policy.

7. Pet will not be left unattended for an undue length of time, either indoors or out. Pet will not be left unattended on balcony, patio, or porch. If left home alone, dogs must be crated or confined to a space/room and not be left to roam around home. As a reminder, dogs who are listed as service animals are not permitted to be left at home unattended as they must be under your control at all times in order to be allowed to accompany a person. If a dog reported as a service dog is found on the premises alone, this will be considered an unauthorized pet in violation of the pet policy.

8. Homeowner assumes no responsibility for illness or injury that may incur to pets or humans while on the premises. The Guest shall be solely responsible for the pet while on the property.