Pets

At Once Upon A Beach, we understand that your pets are treasured members of your family, and we believe your vacation experience should include them too! While Anna Maria Island may not have pet-friendly beaches, there are still plenty of options for you and your furry companions to enjoy. Many local restaurants offer outdoor seating, so you can dine with your pets in a relaxing, beachside atmosphere, and the island also provides pet-friendly parks where your four-legged friend can play and explore.

For guests who require the assistance of service animals, we’re committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment. In accordance with Florida state requirements, service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities by performing tasks directly related to their needs. While emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same public access rights as service animals, we are happy to assist in finding accommodations where possible.

Whether you’re traveling with a pet or a service animal, we aim to ensure that every member of your family, furry or otherwise, enjoys a seamless stay with us. With the variety of pet-friendly and accessible options around Anna Maria Island, you and your companions can create lasting memories while exploring everything the island has to offer. We look forward to hosting you for an unforgettable vacation experience!


Dog Park Information

Just a brief 5-minute drive off the island awaits Palma Sola Causeway Park, nestled along Palma Sola Bay. Easily accessible via Manatee Avenue or State Route 64, this pet-friendly beach presents an idyllic haven for your pup to frolic in the sand and surf to their heart's content! Whether you're arriving onto the island or venturing off for a day of seaside delights, Palma Sola Causeway Park beckons as a picturesque retreat where you and your four-legged friend can revel in the splendor 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 are delighted to welcome your furry family members into our pet-friendly units, provided they adhere to the following conditions:

  1. Limit of Two Dogs: A maximum of two dogs are permitted in designated pet-friendly homes only. All pets must comply with the specifications outlined in our Pet Policy.

  2. Prior Approval Required: Approval from the manager/owner is mandatory before bringing a pet onto the premises. Additionally, the applicable pet fee must be paid prior to arrival.

  3. Unauthorized Pets: If a pet is brought onto the property without obtaining prior authorization, Once Upon A Beach and the property owner reserve the right to terminate the rental agreement immediately, without any refund. However, exceptions may be considered, subject to a $500 surcharge plus a $200 pet fee for each unauthorized pet.

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

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are here to assist you every step of the way.


In our non-pet-friendly properties, the Owner has made a conscious decision not to permit animals in their home. This decision is often influenced by factors such as severe allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions that could be adversely affected by the presence of pets, even after they have left. For guests who rely on service animals, we kindly request your cooperation in selecting one of the many pet-friendly rentals available within our inventory to honor the Owner's wishes.

It's essential to understand that while outside pets may not be permitted, Owners may have their own pets residing in the home. Guests with severe pet allergies should be aware that pets, whether belonging to the Owner or service animals, may have previously entered or stayed in the premises of a non-pet-friendly home.

Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated as we strive to ensure the comfort and well-being of all our guests and Owners alike. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

At Once Upon A Beach, we uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities and welcome service animals in all our vacation rental homes, in alignment with the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Regardless of the property's pet policy, service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are permitted without exception.

While it's not mandatory, we kindly request that guests inform us of the presence of a service dog during the reservation process. This allows us to make proper accommodations and ensure a seamless and comfortable stay for all parties involved.

We would like to clarify that in accordance with Florida state regulations, emotional support dogs are not mandated to be permitted in non-pet-friendly homes and must adhere to all existing pet policies set forth by the property.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a welcoming and accommodating environment for all our guests. Should you have any further inquiries or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.


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.

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.