Can you bring your dog to the mall? Here's what the rules say in South Florida

Miami Herald

21-06-2025

One of South Florida's biggest malls is a big fan of your dogs.
Aventura Mall, ranked as the most popular mall in the country, not only welcomes dogs to stroll with their humans, it even offers two dog parks.
'The guest is at the heart of the experience, and that means their best friends, too.' mall management said in a statement to the Miami Herald.
The mall, at Northeast 195th Street and Biscayne Boulevard in Northeast Miami-Dade, features dog hydration stations, pet relief areas, dog-friendly patios, and of course those pet parks.
David Moskowitz, owner of Broward Bark, a local newsletter for pet owners, said businesses benefit when they're pet-friendly.
'Being able to bring them along to pet-friendly places makes errands fun,' he said. 'It also benefits retailers. Shoppers tend to stay longer since they're not rushing home to let their dogs out, by visiting more stores.'
The dog rules at the mall
Despite the welcoming atmosphere, there are still dog rules at Aventura Mall. And those rules listed on signs.
Dogs must be accompanied by a human 18 or older. They have to stay on a leash or in a stroller. Their humans must clean up accidents. And the animals have to stay away from fountains and off the escalators.
Dogs generally aren't allowed in restaurants and some stores might not be as dog-friendly as the mall in general, so check before you enter those areas with your pooch. At least one dog was spotted in the new Eataly on Thursday, but not in any of the Italian market's restaurants.
Even though dogs are welcome to window shop, the mall doesn't extend the same hospitality to your pet bird or reptile, according to the rules.
Do other South Florida malls allow dogs?
Other malls in South Florida aren't as transparent when it comes to dogs. Simon-owner Dadeland and Miami International Mall declined to comment on their policies.
The only Simon Malls property that allows dogs, as mentioned by several pet-friendly location trackers, is the outdoor Falls in Kendall. According to Pet-Friendly Travel, the mall features a 'dog comfort station' at guest services and allows dogs small enough to fit in a stroller, carrier, or held by the owner during the visit. Though the shopping center features various places to walk around, they aren't considered a 'dog-walking' friendly location.
The Shops at Merrick Park, an open-air complex in Coral Gables, also allows dogs in accepting stores, common areas and public spaces.
What you should know about bringing your dog to businesses?
The best advice is to check with a business before bringing your dog inside.
Some stores have different policies and don't always throw down the welcome mat for your pup. At the popular Miromar Outlets mall off Interstate 75 north of Naples, the outdoor center allows dogs, and individual stores post signs in their windows if canines are welcome inside.
Under Florida law, restaurants generally don't allow dogs, but service animals are always allowed inside.
And last year, Publix made it clear that dogs other than official service dogs, aren't welcome inside the supermarket. Florida's largest grocery store chain posted signs outside and the lobby to hammer home that point.