Notes from the parks

Practical, local and honest: what Florida heat does to paws, how boarding actually works, and where the good shade is.

Care basics Holiday pet care in Palm Beach County: when to book Here the holiday rush lands on top of the snowbird return, so the booking calendar starts a full month earlier than every national guide tells you to. Florida hazards Alligators and dog walks in South Florida: the real rules FWC counts about 1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties, and a dog is not covered by the human odds. Distance, hours, season and the hotline. Dog breeds Ten guard dog breeds for Florida, ranked by the August test Coat, muzzle and bodyweight decide which protection breeds survive a Florida summer, plus the law that changed in 2023 and two rules for owners. Care basics Florida's most popular cats, and what doctors say The CFA 2026 top ten, which breeds suit a Florida house, and an honest read of the research - including the study that does not say what people think. Rules and rights Service dog rights in Florida: what the law actually says Two questions staff may ask, no vest or certificate required, and what Fla. Stat. 413.08 adds on top of the ADA. For handlers and for businesses. Rules and rights A driver refused your service dog in Florida: what to do Build the record on the curb, then three doors: the company the same day, the state within 365 days, and the federal complaint. With the actual phone numbers. Rules and rights Service dog, ESA or pet: what each gets you in Florida Training is the line, not paperwork. What each label really gets you in a store, in housing after the 2026 HUD rescission, and on a plane today. Rules and rights When a business can turn away a service dog in Florida Two federal grounds, one more in Florida, and the step most businesses miss: even a proper removal means serving the person without the dog. Care basics Gold, silver and safety: a jeweler on dog jewelry in Florida A jeweler on what solid gold does well in salt air, why a chain should never take the leash, and the four words that change the price tenfold. New in town Palm Beach County dog parks: permits and what you pay The four county dog parks are free, Mizner Bark is not for everyone, and the rabies license most newcomers skip is county law, not a suggestion. New in town Florida State Parks with a dog: rules and the annual pass What the Florida State Parks pass covers, the six-foot leash rule, which parks near Palm Beach welcome dogs, and where a dog may never go at all. New in town Snowbird with a dog: the Palm Beach County arrival checklist County rabies license, a vet before you need one, year-round heartworm and a slow start in the heat: the first two weeks, in the order that matters.