Which Florida Springs are Dog-Friendly | Pets & Service Animals

We all love our furry friends and want them to come along on all our adventures. While you are planning a visit to the next spring you want to check off your Florida Spring Passport, take a look at this list of where your pet can join you. 

Here are some general rules for most, but not all, Florida State Parks. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash of at least 6 feet. Pets are not allowed in any of the buildings or swimming areas. But they are free to be your companion as you stroll the trails. Your dog cannot be left unattended and make sure to pick up any messes. Service animals are allowed with hardly any restrictions. Note this privilege is designated for ADA-approved service pets only, not for emotional support animals. If you are camping at a state park, pets are not allowed in the cabins. And if you have your own camper or have a personal campsite, the pet must stay close by. 

These general rules apply to these springs/state parks:

Cypress Springs

Fanning Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs

Ponce De Leon Springs

Poe Springs

Rainbow Springs

Troy Springs

Rum Island Springs

Wakulla Springs

** At most of these springs, your pet is allowed to be your co-captain on your watercraft as you explore the adjoining river. **

De Leon Springs follows the rules above as well. They offer boat tours at this spring state park, and I have personally experienced them allowing smaller dogs to join owners on the boat tour. I would still check when purchasing a boat tour ticket before bringing the dog on board. 

No pets are allowed at Rock Springs/Kelly Rock Park, but there are trails at Rock Springs Preserve where your furry friend can join you on a walk. Dogs must be leashed while on the trails. Horses are permitted for camping, but only in designated areas. There are 17 miles of horse trails to explore.

At Ichetucknee Springs, pets are allowed on these trails: Trestle Point, Pine Ridge and Discovery. They can’t be around the swim or tube/watercraft launch area. 

Only service animals are allowed at the Three Sisters Springs refuge. 

At the Seven Sisters Springs Campground, Cabin 1 is the only cabin that is pet friendly. If you are parking your RV at the campground, you are allowed 2 pets per RV site. While in the campground pets must be leashed. Your furry friends are free to join you on your watercraft as you explore the Chassahowitzka River. 

Silver Springs allows pets at the campground, picnic area, and hiking trails. But they are not allowed in the museum, restaurant, or on the glass bottom boat tours. Service animals are allowed everywhere in the park. If you are paddling the river and brought your own watercraft, your pet can join you on your board. 

Here is a list of springs that have stricter rules regarding pets.  

At almost all the springs in Ocala National Forest (Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen, and Salt Springs) pets are not allowed in the day-use area of the state park. Pets are allowed at the camping sites in Ocala National Forest, but they must be kept on a leash when out and about. 

Ginnie Springs does not allow pets only service animals. Upon check-in, you must let a staff member know about the service animal that will be accompanying you. The pet must be an ADA-certified service animal, this does not extend to emotional support pets. 

Weeki Wachee doesn’t allow for pets, but ADA service animals are permitted (this doesn’t include emotional support pets). 

Since Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park allows for viewing of Florida wildlife, they do not allow pets to join. Take this time to learn and make some new animal friends. 

So grab your bag, water, and your pet’s leash, and get out exploring the Florida springs!

**Please note that this Dog-Friendly Springs List is based on the Florida Springs Passport | Volume 1