Pets
Pets & Service Animals at Once Upon A Beach
At Once Upon A Beach, we know your pets are more than companions — they’re family. That’s why we believe your vacation should include them too! While Anna Maria Island’s beaches themselves aren’t pet-friendly, there are still plenty of ways for you and your furry friends to enjoy the island together. From local restaurants with outdoor seating where you can dine al fresco alongside your pup, to pet-friendly parks and open spaces perfect for play and exploration, you’ll find no shortage of places to make memories.
For guests traveling with service animals, we’re committed to ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment. In accordance with Florida state law, service animals are trained to perform specific tasks that directly support individuals with disabilities. While emotional support animals (ESAs) don’t carry the same public access rights, our team is always happy to help identify options and make your stay as comfortable as possible.
A Vacation for Every Member of the Family
Whether you’re traveling with a pet or a service animal, we’re here to ensure that every member of your family — furry or otherwise — enjoys a seamless stay with us. Anna Maria Island offers a variety of pet-friendly and accessible options, from parks and outdoor dining to welcoming spaces where you and your companions can relax and explore together.
At Once Upon A Beach, we want your vacation to feel complete, inclusive, and unforgettable. With thoughtful amenities, supportive guidance, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, you and your loved ones can create lasting memories on the island we’re proud to call home. We can’t wait to host you for a vacation experience that truly includes everyone.
Pet-Friendly Parks Near Anna Maria Island
While dogs are not permitted on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, there are still wonderful spots nearby where your furry friend can play, explore, and burn off some energy.
Palma Sola Causeway Park
Just five minutes from the island, along Manatee Avenue (State Route 64), you’ll find Palma Sola Causeway Park. Unlike Anna Maria Island’s beaches, this bayfront stretch is pet-friendly, giving your dog the chance to splash in the water and play in the sand. With its scenic backdrop of Palma Sola Bay, it’s a beautiful spot to unwind, whether you’re arriving on the island or heading out for a day trip.
Scentral Park (Holmes Beach)
Tucked away on Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach, Scentral Park is the island’s dedicated dog park. It features a fenced-in play area where pups can run safely off-leash, plus shaded benches so owners can relax and enjoy the view. Managed by the City of Holmes Beach, this small but welcoming space is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
📍 6000–6100 Flotilla Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
There are also several great off-island spots where your pet can join in on the fun! Within 10–15 minutes, you’ll find GT Bray Park and Robinson Preserve, both offering wide-open spaces and scenic trails that are perfect for walking and exploring with your pup.
If you’re up for a little day trip, head south toward Sarasota. St. Armands Circle is a stylish, pet-friendly shopping district where you and your furry friend can stroll past boutiques, dine outdoors, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Just a few minutes away, Bayfront Park & Marina welcomes leashed dogs to enjoy the waterfront views, shaded walking paths, and plenty of open green space.
These nearby options make it easy to enjoy more of the area with your four-legged companion, ensuring your vacation is as memorable for them as it is for you.
Our Pet Policy: Welcoming Your Furry Friends
We’re delighted to make your Anna Maria Island getaway a family experience — and that includes your four-legged companions! To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for all our guests, please review the following pet policy guidelines for our designated pet-friendly homes:
Limit of Two Dogs – A maximum of two dogs are permitted per reservation in approved pet-friendly homes. All pets must meet the requirements outlined in our full Pet Policy.
Prior Approval Required – Manager/owner approval is mandatory before arrival, and all applicable pet fees must be paid in advance.
Unauthorized Pets – Bringing a pet without prior authorization may result in immediate termination of the rental agreement without refund. Exceptions are at the discretion of the manager/owner and may incur a $500 surcharge plus a $200 pet fee for each unauthorized pet.
We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines, which help us maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment for every guest — both two- and four-legged.
If you have any questions or need clarification before your stay, our team is happy to assist. Together, we can ensure your vacation is as enjoyable for your pets as it is for you!
Pet Criteria & Pet Fee (with Exception to Service Dogs)
At Once Upon A Beach, we’re happy to welcome dogs into our designated pet-friendly homes under the following criteria. These policies ensure the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of all our guests.
Pet Fee
Guests must pay a non-refundable pet fee of $100–$200 (determined at the manager’s discretion based on the length of stay).
Only dogs are permitted (including hypoallergenic breeds). No other pets allowed.
Pet Requirements
Maximum of 2 dogs allowed at any time.
Each dog must weigh 65 lbs. or less.
Dogs must be at least 1 year old.
All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
All dogs must be up-to-date on rabies and other vaccinations (documentation from a licensed veterinarian may be requested).
Dogs with a history of biting or causing injury requiring medical attention are not permitted.
Prohibited Breeds: Purebred or crossbred dogs including Pit Bull-type, Rottweiler, Husky-type (including Siberian breeds), Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, and any Wolf-dog hybrid.
Guest Responsibilities
Leash Policy – Dogs must remain leashed at all times when outdoors and are not permitted in shared guest areas.
Waste Cleanup – Guests must pick up after pets and follow city ordinances.
Fine of $250 if waste is found outdoors.
Fine of $500 if waste is found indoors.
Restricted Areas – Pets are not permitted in pools or on furniture. Evidence of violations may result in additional cleaning fees.
Flea & Tick Prevention – Pets must be treated with flea/tick repellent at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Damage – Any damage caused by pets will be charged to the guest.
Noise – Excessive barking or disturbances may result in eviction.
Service animals that bark excessively, pose a threat, or disturb neighbors will be considered unauthorized pets.
Supervision – Pets must not be left unattended for extended periods.
If left alone, dogs must be crated or confined to a secure space.
Service animals must remain under control at all times and may not be left unattended; violations will be considered unauthorized pets.
Liability – Homeowners assume no responsibility for illness or injury to pets or humans while on the premises. Guests are fully responsible for their pets during their stay.
Non-Pet-Friendly Homes & Service Animal Guidelines
Some of our vacation rental homes are designated as non-pet-friendly. In these cases, the homeowner has made a conscious decision not to allow animals in their property. This choice is often influenced by serious health concerns such as severe allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions that can be triggered by the presence of pets — even after they have departed.
For guests who rely on service animals, we respectfully ask for your cooperation in selecting from one of our many pet-friendly rentals whenever possible, to best honor the wishes and needs of the homeowner.
It’s also important to note that while a property may be non-pet-friendly for guests, the homeowner may keep pets of their own. Guests with severe pet allergies should be aware that a non-pet-friendly home may still have had a pet (or a service animal) on the premises at some point.
At Once Upon A Beach, we are committed to upholding the rights of individuals with disabilities. In alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are welcome in all vacation rental homes, regardless of the property’s pet policy.
While not required, we kindly ask that guests let us know during the reservation process if a service dog will be accompanying them. This allows us to prepare the home appropriately and ensure a seamless stay for everyone.
For clarity, under Florida law, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same access rights as service animals. ESAs must comply with all property pet policies, including restrictions for non-pet-friendly homes.
We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to balance the needs of our homeowners with the comfort and rights of our guests. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our pet and service animal policies, our team is always happy to assist.
