TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

By i Love Dog Friendly. Published April 17, 2012.

St. Pete Beach, on Florida’s west coast, was just named the No. 1 beach destination in the United States and the No. 5 beach in the world by TripAdvisor.com, which dubbed the stretch of pristine white sand “a postcard-perfect destination.”

If you want to visit St. Pete with your St. Bernard, the TradeWinds Island Grand resort has been dog-friendly since 2007. The resort not only welcomes dogs, but has special features just for four-legged guests.

“We designated 48 pet-friendly suites, as well as our other pet amenities, in response to a growing number of requests from our guests wanting to travel with their pets,” said Sheila Jordan, internet manager for TradeWinds Island Grand.

Those other amenities include a secure Pet Play Zone where your pooch can romp off-leash with other four-legged guests; a Doggie Accessory Center with essential loaner items such as bowls, leashes, towels and toys; a path for dogs along the resort’s waterways and beachfront dunes that even provides hammocks so you and your pooch can pause for a snooze; and a “PAW Court Bistro” room-service menu with doggie delicacies like Mutt Meat Loaf and Fido’s Fajitas.

TradeWinds’ pet-friendly suites have two double beds and a double-size sofa bed. For the comfort and convenience of its human guests, amenities include new flat-screen, high-definition TVs; pillow-top beds; mini fridge; microwave oven; coffee maker; toaster; dishware; stocked mini-bar; hairdryer; lighted makeup mirror; iron and ironing board; wireless Internet access; in-room movies; voice mail; and a daily newspaper.

To make your dog more comfortable during your stay at TradeWinds, Jordan recommends that you bring along his own bed from home or a favorite toy.

You probably won’t want to leave the resort during your stay, but just in case, there are dog-friendly restaurants in downtown St. Pete and on the beach.

“Also nearby are wonderful dog boutiques, and we’re a short drive to Fort De Soto Park, where there’s a ‘Paw Playground’ and dog beach.”

If you want to explore the area without your pooch, TradeWinds offers pet sitting and walking services on request.

While all their pet guests are special, Jordan said that two dogs and their family particularly stand out.

“A very nice couple stayed with us with their young son and two Golden Retrievers,” she recalled. “They had just recently adopted the dogs from Golden Retriever Rescue of South Florida and this getaway was such a fun time for the whole family. The couple had lost their two dogs to cancer the previous year and together founded the National Canine Cancer Foundation of South Florida. This trip was a great way for them to band with their two new family members.”

Jordan said it is always TradeWinds Island Grand’s goal to make guests happy and comfortable. “Our guests love the fact that they can bring their whole family along and let Fido enjoy a vacation, too,” she said.

“TradeWinds doesn’t just allow pets, we cater to them.”

Check out the TradeWinds Island Grand’s i Love Dog-Friendly listing!

TradeWinds Island Grand 4 (Paws)-1-1:

Paw Print Bullet Address: 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, Fla. 33706

Paw Print Bullet Phone: 888-794-0070

Paw Print Bullet Website: TradeWinds Island Grand

Paw Print Bullet Social Media: You can like TradeWinds Island Grand on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and check in on foursquare.

Paw Print Bullet Pet Policy: There is a $30 nightly fee per room. A maximum of two pets are allowed per room. Pets must weigh less than 80 pounds. Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers and Chows are not allowed. Dogs must stay in the designated dog-friendly areas of the resort and be leashed at all times, except in the Pet Play Zone. See the resort’s pet policy for complete information.

i Love Dog Friendly

At iLoveDogFriendly.com you’ve found a hub of real people who know how much you love your dog. We’re the very same people who power your favorite one-stop-shop for all things pup: iLoveDogs.com. Our commitment to a dog’s well-being is paramount. In continuing the i Love Dogs tradition of dog education, information and entertainment, we’ve launched iLoveDogFriendly.com to bring you the most up-to-date 4(paws)-1-1 about the dog-friendliest establishments and events in your own backyard and well beyond.