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Miami is one of the easiest US cities to travel with a pet from October through April: year-round outdoor dining, two off-leash beaches, a dense network of fenced dog parks, and 24/7 vet care across the metro. The main friction points are heat from May to October (asphalt regularly hits 50-55 °C on summer afternoons), strict no-dogs rules on every public beach except Hobie and Haulover, and the carrier-only public transit rule for non-service dogs. All prices on this page are in approximate USD-equivalent; the site renders € for legacy reasons (read €1 ≈ $1 for Miami).
Dogs entering the US from rabies-free or low-risk countries (EU, UK, etc.) need a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a CDC Dog Import Form completed online before travel (cdc.gov/importation/dogs). Rules tightened in August 2024: all dogs must arrive at one of 18 approved airports (MIA is one), be at least 6 months old, and be accompanied by the CDC form receipt. Cats currently have no federal vaccination requirement on entry, though airlines often require one.
Miami asphalt routinely reaches 50-55 °C on July and August afternoons; the 5-7-second back-of-hand pavement test is mandatory practice. Walk before 09:00 or after 19:00. South Florida averages 70-80 thunderstorm days per year, the most in the US: afternoon storms develop quickly May through October and lightning kills dogs every year. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30; if a named storm is forecast within 48 hours, your hotel may have evacuation procedures and most kennels close.
Miami-Dade County ordinance requires dogs on a 6-foot leash on all public streets, sidewalks and parks except inside fenced dog runs and at Hobie and Haulover off-leash beaches. Owners must pick up waste (fine $150). The county had a long-standing pit bull ban that was repealed by voter referendum in November 2023; pit bulls are now legal across Miami-Dade. Many residential buildings and some hotels still maintain their own breed restrictions, so always confirm with your hotel before booking.