Trouble finding a snowbird rental in Florida that takes a big dog

by Tracy
(Wisconsin)

My husband is finally going to retire in June 2019 and after years of planning our retirement (I already retired and work part time) we will finally be able to get out of the Northern Winters in Jan/Feb the following year.

The problem I never thought would be an issue is finding a short term rental on the gulf side that allows a Golden Retriever. Everyone is telling me that they already have a repeat renter for that period.

Does anyone know how to secure a 2 month rental other than VRBO or HomeAway? I’ve tried searching in Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples, Longboat Key, Clearwater. Frustrating!

Comments for Trouble finding a snowbird rental in Florida that takes a big dog

Click here to add your own comments

any luck
by: Dane & Lori / Illinois

Hi, we were wandering if you had any luck finding a rental that allowed larger dogs ?

We also have a Golden and are visiting Florida this year in December to look for rental options that accept larger dogs, We prefer the west side ; just wandered what cities should we check ?

We don't mind staying inland , 1/2 hour drive to beach !

Any suggestions much appreciated. We considered 55 mobile home park , RV sites, etc...
Try calling a property management company
by: Michael D. Bell, Venice Florida

I am a REALTOR® in Venice, Florida. Our seaside town is located on the west coast of Florida in Sarasota County. Many condos and homes are booked for 3 months at a time. January to March are the most popular months to rent. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers. However, If you email or call me, I can provide you the names of some local agencies that specialize in seasonal rentals.

Michael D. Bell, REALTOR®
Century 21 Almar & Associates
100 West Venice Avenue
Venice, Florida 34285
941-303-3608
VeniceJADIP--at--gmail.com
Real estate searches
by: Laura in Vermont

Sometimes it seems that it's hard to find a rental that will take a cat, never mind a mannerly dog.

Have you tried real estate agents in your target areas for rentals? Some of them might have listings or could point you in the right direction. Or maybe the classifieds in the local papers there...

Best of luck to all three of you!
55+ community allows big dogs
by: Sandy/Ft Myers Fl

Hi, I had the same problem having a 50 pound Standard Poodle. I found Jamaica Bay community that is dog friendly and a great place. Look on their Web site for amenities.

I am super happy here as everyone owns a dog! Good luck!
Check retirement communities
by: Jerry

Many of the retirement communities have rentals. The one I lived in had people that rented out their places that was in the central part of the state but I'm sure it works the same all over. Another place you might look is realtors as they can probably tell you where to look.
Winter rentals
by: Howard/Sarasota

It is correct that most snowbird rentals are re-leased in Jan for the following season. Most snowbirds just keep repeating every Winter.

A big issue you are facing, beside your dog, is that most landlords want a three month Winter lease and often four.

Winter rentals are extremely hard to get in the Sarasota area even without having a dog.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Location.