With so many things to do with pets in Orlando, there’s no need to leave your furry friends at home when you visit. Bring them along for the shared adventure of a lifetime.


Updated Sept. 26, 2022

Who says Orlando is just for humans? Dogs and cats can also have a blast thanks to pet-friendly accommodations, tail-waggingly awesome activities, and plenty of pampering. Here’s how to have a purr-fect getaway with your four-legged family members the next time you visit Orlando.

Pet-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Orlando

It’s a fact: Orlando is the most dog-friendly U.S. destination for a vacation according to Booking.com, as well as the best city for pet-friendly hotels with more than 600 to choose from. We have options all over town, including the International Drive Entertainment District (aka I-Drive) adjacent to Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld® Orlando, Lake Buena Vista close to Walt Disney World® Resort, and the downtown Orlando area, Lake Nona and nearby Winter Park.

Discover: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orlando

Cat with a bow tie lounging in a basket at Orlando Cat Cafe.
Orlando Cat Cafe in Clermont Near Orlando

While most of our pet-friendly accommodations cater exclusively to dogs, there are some choices for your feline friends to have a paw-some stay, too. Should you come to Orlando without your cat, you can always visit some — or even adopt one — at Orlando Cat Cafe in Clermont, just 15 minutes east of Walt Disney World.

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Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails in Orlando

a couple laying in the grass with their dog along the banks of Lake Eola
Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando

Orlando is home to beautiful landscapes that you and your pet can explore together — assuming yours likes the outdoors, of course. Take advantage of natural bodies of water, dog baths, off-leash options and more at some of our best outdoor destinations for pets.

Bear Creek Nature Trail

Hike a mile-long trail brimming with ancient cypress, oak and palm trees. The trail is in Winter Springs, about 40 minutes north of our tourism districts.

Lake Baldwin Park

Found in Winter Park, about 25 minutes north of I-Drive, this massive park has a sandy beach. Dogs can be off leash from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Discover: Winter Park

Lake Eola Park

The crown jewel of Orlando’s parks system, this downtown oasis features a mile-plus-long circular path around the lake, plus several places to grab a bite to eat. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meadow Woods Dog Park

About 20 minutes east of Walt Disney World, this dog park has 19 acres of leash-free running room.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

The park’s fenced-in playground for dogs has a drinking fountain and bathing area. Shingle Creek is just 20 minutes southeast of Walt Disney World.

West Orange Trail

Starting in Winter Garden, about 25 minutes northwest of our main tourism districts, you and your pet can take this paved, scenic, 20.8-mile path the way to Apopka in the north. Winter Garden is also home to the West Orange Dog Park.

Discover: Winter Garden

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Rent a kayak and explore these gorgeous springs with your dog, so long as he or she is leashed. The park is about 40 minutes north of I-Drive.

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Pet-Friendly Neighborhood Strolling in Orlando

people walking their dogs on Park Avenue in Winter Park
Park Avenue in Winter Park Near Orlando (Courtesy City of Winter Park)

Orlando is a great city for walking around — and getting some shopping and dining done in the process. At these locations, bring your pet with you while you browse trendy boutiques or grab a bite to eat.

Downtown Orlando Neighborhoods

The Main Street America-accredited Orlando Main Streets program encompasses 12 unique districts in downtown Orlando and its adjacent neighborhoods — and all are perfect for enjoying a stroll or even getting a bite to eat with your four-legged friend. Keep an eye out for Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream locations during your downtown-area travels for some of the most adorable dog treats you or your pet have ever seen.

Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods

Lake Nona

Anchored by Lake Nona Town Center and the adjacent Boxi Park, the forward-thinking Lake Nona community is an ideal destination for dogs with ample outdoor fun and pooch-friendly restaurants. In addition to food vendors at Boxi Park, they include Canvas Restaurant & Market, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, and Park Pizza & Brewing Company.

Discover: Lake Nona

Park Avenue in Winter Park

About 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, the heart of Winter Park is a vibrant, cosmopolitan shopping, dining and cultural district. Leashed dogs are welcome not just on the street and in Central Park, but also in outdoor dining areas and most stores.

Plant Street in Winter Garden

You and your pooch are always welcome on the pet-friendly patio at Plant Street Market, home to Crooked Can Brewing Co. and a host of delicious food vendors. More pet-friendly restaurants and boutiques await in the greater Plant Street area.

Celebration Town Center

Minutes from Walt Disney World, Celebration Town Center features shopping, dog-friendly restaurants, a pet bakery and miles of adjacent trails.

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Pet Daycare in Orlando

a woman carrying her dog while walking along Lake Eola
Pets and People Alike Can Get Deluxe Treatment in Orlando (Courtesy City of Orlando)

To experience everything Orlando has to offer, you will have to leave your pet behind from time to time. Fortunately, many of our pet-friendly hotels allow your four-legged family members stay in the room when you’re not there. Many pet-daycare providers are also ready to make your furry friend feel safe and sound — and in some cases, thoroughly pampered.

Please note: Pet care centers at theme parks are subject to temporary closures. Check with your preferred park for their service’s current status ahead of your next visit.

Happy Paws Pet Resort

Located in Waterford Lakes, about 30 minutes northeast of International Drive, this facility has air-conditioned units, double insulation for noise reduction, and a bone-shaped, salt-water pool for relaxation and fun. Services include boarding, daycare, grooming and training, among other features.

Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World® Resort

The 27,000-square-foot facility on Walt Disney World® Resort property offers boarding, daycare and grooming for dogs, cats and other family pets. You can also choose from a range of accommodations, fun activities and special treats.

Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort

Kennel Services at Universal Orlando Resort

For a cost of $15 per pet, you can board your cat or dog at Universal Orlando Resort on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to bring food, blankets and toys, and provide proof of vaccinations.

Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort

Pet Kennels at SeaWorld® Orlando

Located outside the main entrance to SeaWorld® Orlando, this kennel will board your pet and provide water. However, you will need to provide food, and you’re responsible for walking your pet throughout the day.

Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando

Orchid Springs Animal Hospital Near LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

While LEGOLAND® Florida Resort doesn’t have on-site pet services, they recommend this location’s boarding and daycare options during your visit to the park.

Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

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