Pet Friendly Hotels In Panama City

Call ahead to the airline to make sure that they can accommodate your pet. Within recent years, flying with your pet has gotten a lot more difficult, as each airline seems to have different rules. There are times that they may deny you if there are already too many pets onboard your flight. So, once again, call as far ahead as you possibly can to find out what your particular airline allows and doesn't allow.

For a fee, airlines will allow you to bring one pet to be with you, in-cabin, as long as they are in a carrier that fits beneath your seat and they "have enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position." They should be as comfortable as we are. Right? 😴

You may also be able to purchase the seat next to you for your pet. 

Most pet supply stores will be able to help you get a suitable carrier and many airlines have them available. Usually, the carrier weight limit is around 20 lbs. Once again, check with your specific airline. Here are some airline-approved pet carriers you should consider. Storing a pet as cargo used to be okay, but not any more. 

Never let your pet out of the carrier in the airport. You don't want them getting away from you.

Make sure your pet's carrier and the pet themselves have proper identification, including an address and phone number. I'm sure you wouldn't mind getting accidentally sent to Hawaii, but they would. 😉

It's a good pre-flight idea to take a leashed pet for a long walk prior to boarding. I don't know about other airports, but Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) has a nice area to take your pet for a break.

Never sedate your pet. The sedative combined with the high-altitude can be very dangerous to them.

Most of the above applies to traveling with your pet by train. Call ahead to the station and find out for sure. 

It's a good idea to keep your pet in a carrier in your vehicle. In case of an accident or sudden stop, you don't want them to go flying. There are safety straps that act as seat belts that can be purchased to help protect them.

There are far too many pets that die of heat stroke every year. Never leave your pet in a hot car and it is best to leave at least two windows slightly cracked so that there is a cross-breeze. A boiling car is not pet friendly. Florida can get pretty doggone toasty, so please never even consider leaving them in a car once you arrive. 🥵

You may consider tranquilizers for your pet. Many of them do not travel well in vehicles. Consult your vet and they should be able to recommend something that will work and keep them safe.

Now you've arrived, with fido in tow. The question remains: Does Panama City Beach allow dogs? Indeed they do...within some guidelines.

Dogs are only allowed in the designated Dog Beach area of Panama City Beach. Dog Beach is located on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier in front of Pier Park, adjacent to Public Access #56. Your dog has to be on a leash and under your control at all times.

Just like the rest of the beach, we want to keep everyone safe, sound, and in good shape. Here are some of the rules you need to follow for your dog to be on Dog Beach:

• Your dog needs to be updated on their shots and have ID tags
• You are only allowed up to three dogs
• Do not bring a dog that is younger than four months old
• Do not bring a female dog that is in season. That's just asking for trouble.
• Don't bring food bowls or chewy toys
• If your dog has a history of aggression, they have to be muzzled.
• You have to clean up after your pet. There are dog waste disposal stations on Dog Beach.
• If you break any of the rules at Dog Beach, you're opening yourself up to a possible fine and/or getting a boot from the beach.
• You are ultimately responsible for your dog. Use common sense and everything should be groovy.
• If you have any problems with any domestic animals, you can contact Animal Control at (850) 767-3333

Boardwalk Beach Hotel: A Panama City Beach beachfront hotel that has a pet friendly policy that welcomes two dogs of any size with a $20 fee per pet. No cats are allowed. Click here to find out more.

Homewood Suites By Hilton: 10 minutes from the beach and close to the Panama City Beach Sports Complex, this pet friendly hotel in Panama City Beach allows medium sized pets up to 75 lbs in exchange for a $75 non-refundable fee. Find out more info here.

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach: Another beachfront hotel that allows up to two house-broken dogs (Less than 50 lbs). Their fee runs $125 for a 1-6 night stay, and then goes up from there. Check in with the hotel for additional fees and any changes. No cats are allowed. Sorry, Fluffy. Click here to find out more.

La Quinta by Wyndham: There is one location in Panama City and two in Panama City Beach. While all locations state they welcome pets and service animals, I couldn't find any restrictions or fees listed. Give them a ring to find out what the straight (doggy) poop is. Click to get more info.

Holiday Terrace Beachfront Hotel, a By The Sea Resort: This beachfront, pet friendly hotel in Panama City Beach allows dogs for $50 per night, per stay. Service dogs are welcome and exempt from that fee. No cats are allowed. Click for more info.

Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort: This is one of the pet friendly hotels in Panama City Beach that sits directly on the beach and does welcome pets. There are weight and size restrictions and their fees are not listed. They say that you are welcome to call them 24/7 at (850) 234-2154 for up-to-date info on bringing your pets to their property. Click right here to get more info.