It really is a dog's life on the beach. Panama City Beach is a dog friendly community. The City has a dedicated dog beach and several dog parks and many local restaurants are dog friendly.

The Dog Beach is located on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier in front of Pier Park. Dogs must be on a leash and under the command of the owner.

Rules for the dog beach include:

• All dogs must stay within the confines of the Dog Beach; signage is posted.
• All dogs must be current on shots and wear ID tags.
• All dogs must be kept on leash or under voice command
• No more than three dogs per person.
• Do not bring dogs younger than four months old.
• Do not bring female dogs in season. It is preferred that all dogs on the Dog Beach be spayed/neutered.
• Do not bring food bowls or long-lasting chewies.
• Dogs or owners creating a problem will be asked to leave.
• Owners MUST pick up after their dogs and placed in disposal stations.
• Dogs with a history of biting in public areas must wear a muzzle or are prohibited.
• Never leave a dog unattended or with children. Adult supervisor is required.
• Use of the Dog Beach is at your own risk. Owners are responsible and liable for the actions of their dogs.
• All users of the Dog Beach are encouraged to supervise children closely.

No other animals are allowed on the beach and dogs are not allowed on any other part of the beach, except for service animals. 

Dog Parks:

Dogs are also welcome at the Panama City Beach Conservation Park (Be careful, there are snakes and alligators!), Gayle's Trails, Aaron Bessant Park, and at Frank Brown Park. There are three dog play areas at Frank Brown. All rules above still apply. Dogs must be on a leash (except in designated play area) and you must pick up after your pet.

Dog Friendly Places:

Dogs are welcome on a leash at Pier Park, First Watch, Margaritaville, Salty Sue's, Diego's Burrito Factory, and Hook'd restaurants. Merchants who would like to allow dogs on premise can fill out a Dog Friendly Dining Application. Here is a list of dog-friendly restaurants. This was up-to-date as of December 2023:

• Diego’s
• Margaritaville
• Salty Sue’s
• Pier Park Food Court
• Hook’D Pier Bar & Grill
• Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
• Pineapple Willy’s
• First Watch
• Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill
• Angry Tuna Seafood Company
• Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs
• Pink Pelican Ice Cream
• San Marco’s Mexican Grill
• Pompano Joe’s Seafood House
• The Back Porch
• Chicken Salad Chick
• Dick's Last Resort
• The Wicked Wheel
• The Brass Tap
• Kilwins Ice Cream & Fudge
• Senor Frog's
• Beef O'Brady's
• First Watch

Other Animals:

If as a resident or visitor, you are having a problem with a dog, cat or other domesticated animal, animal control services are provided by the Bay County Animal Services Division. These services include transferring and sheltering animals, and investigating bite cases. Animal Control can be reached at (850) 767-3333.

For issues with wildlife, such as raccoons, possums, alligators, snakes or bats, please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 265-3676. For an Emergency, contact FWC at (888) 404-3922.