Gainesville is a beautiful area, especially for a dog owner. There are so many places you can and should take your pup for a nice afternoon stroll, and yet, I find that many dog owners do not take advantage of these opportunities. Dogs are highly social creatures, and crave new environments and new smells to explore. The daily walk around the neighborhood was exciting for the first month, but if you and your dog have walked the same route for the past six years, I’m sure you can imagine how dull that must be by now. Try mixing up the scenery with a trip away from the comforts of home. If you are unsure where to start, here are some suggestions for where to take your pup for an outing in Gainesville.
Parks
Squirrel Ridge Park, located at 1603 SW Williston Road, is a great area for both pets and owners. You both can enjoy what this public park has to offer. There are shady areas, running water and chairs for owners to relax in while their pups roam free in the fenced, off-leash dog run areas. If you want to join in on the exercise, you can take your dog around the park for an on-leash run.
Dogwood Park, located at 5505 SW Archer Road, is the perfect spot for a hot summer’s day. The park is fully fenced with two swimming ponds to help your furry friend cool off. The park features agility equipment, as well. This is a park for a more active dog looking for a space to let off some steam. There is an admission fee, but the perks are well worth it.
Possum Creek Dog Park, located at 4009 NW 53rd Ave., has two separate dog parks. One is for larger dogs and the other is for tinier pups. This is another great choice for those steamy summer days because the park features several water fountains for dogs that are low to the ground. There is a lot of open space for dogs to roam and play, and ample shady spots for owners to relax. This park is free to the public.
Haisley Lynch Park, located at 400 S. Main St., is a large and shady area with plenty of space for your dog to run and stretch his legs. The park features water fountains and is free to the public.
Other Areas in Town
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, located on 4700 SW 58th Drive, are a beautiful place for both you and your pup. Both of you will enjoy the gorgeous plant life along your walk through the gardens. Admission is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children, and dogs are permitted throughout the gardens. Don’t miss out on this unique experience for both you and your furry friend.
Your local pet store is another great way for your dog to get out of the house and see a different environment. Dog owners bring their pets to stores like PetSmart, PetCo and Earth Pets of Gainesville for many different reasons. Some owners like to have their pets with them when picking out a new toy to make sure that their puppy likes it. Others just enjoy their pet’s company while shopping for more dog food. It’s not often that a dog owner can bring their pet into the store with them, and so this is a great opportunity for an outing for the both of you.
Restaurants with an outdoor patio area are also a good bet for somewhere new to take your pup. Not all restaurants with a patio will allow it, but many do, so be sure to ask. The Flying Biscuit, Big Lou’s Pizzeria,
Amelia’s, SweetBerries, Fat Tuscan, The Top and Bagels and Noodles are just a few of the dog-friendly restaurants in Gainesville, but there are plenty more.
If it’s a long day at the park or just a quick 20-minute trip to PetSmart, your dog will thank you for the change in scenery.