Dog-lovers (myself very much amongst them), look for any excuse to take their pampered pooches with them when they leave the house. As it is often difficult to know if your pet is going to be made welcome, frequently the poor things are left behind at home.
San Pedro though, has adopted a dog-friendly attitude with dedicated facilities to keep everyone happy.
Beach fun
Previously, it was only possible to take Fido on the sand between October and May. Recently, however, a dog friendly beach was inaugurated at Linda Vista, just past the popular Guayaba chiringuito. An area where owners can enjoy playing in the waves with their pets, it is a resource that can be enjoyed year-round. At the other end of the San Pedro paseo is yet another dog beach, which while just over the border in Nueva Andalucía is actually just a stroll away for a change of scenery.
Parks for pooches
Parque Los Tres Jardines in the San Pedro polígono opened to great fanfare in October 2012. This park encompasses almost 60,000 square metres and is divided between the ´Three Gardens´ in the name – Arab, Mediterranean and Sub-Tropical – and a 4,500 square metre dog park. This is a stimulating space to bring your animal to exercise and socialise, and is furnished with agility hurdles and obstacles, perfect for keeping both dog and owner fit, as well for meeting like-minded dog-lovers.
Sensible dog owners do not need to be reminded that they are expected to be responsible for their animals at all times and make sure that any ‘gift’ left by their pet is cleaned up. Indeed, there has recently been a campaign throughout Marbella to remind residents with pets of their duties to keep public spaces clean. As an added incentive, fines of up to €600 can be levied should you be caught letting your dog foul in a public place.
As an aside, not everyone may be aware that when you transport your dog in a car, it must have an appropriate harness in place or you could face a fine by the police.
Have fun with your pooches just remember to be respectful of others!