Something that keeps coming up in discussion with the readers of pcbdaily are whether or not dogs should be allowed in the Pier Park retail areas. I can certainly understand the appeal of bringing our k-9 friends with us for a stroll down the boardwalk area of Pier Park – Simon has done a great job of creating large walk areas for strolling.
I’m a dog person, but I’ve never been one to bring my pet with me everywhere, but I know people who do.
This is a question for discussion, something may or may not come of this, but I wanted to open up the subject. Should dogs be allowed in the retail areas of Pier Park.
Several good points have been made:
- Clean up: Not every owner picks up after their pet. Would a possible solution be to enforce some sort of fine/ticket if caught not scooping the poop? How would that be enforced? Would on-site security be able to “ticket” people with something that could be enforced by local municipalities?
- Safety: Are all dogs safe in public places? Do all dogs love every fearless child that excitedly runs up expecting to pet the “puppy”. There could also be an issue between two or more dogs that may become unfriendly with one another.
- Noise: Would more shoppers than not be bothered by the noise of a barking dog?
- General comfort: What about those that are uncomfortable around dogs? Sure, they can steer clear of one if they see it, but should they have to?
These are just questions. I’m asking for the opinions of the reader. Personally I like dogs, but I’m unsure if it is appropriate to have them in a retail shopping environment.
Confirmed, Simon has in place a rule that mandates what kind of animals are permitted in the mall. The sign states “Only service animals training to assist persons with disabilities are permitted within the Shopping Center.”
I’ve seen these signs, but frankly have not ever read them before now. I can’t say that I’ve paid specific attention to whether security is ignoring the fact that people are walking their dogs up and down the boardwalk area of Pier Park, but I can say that security is all over that place on their trike-mobile and feel fairly confident that they have seen the dogs. Maybe they are asking the owners to leave when they see them with their pets, I can’t say that I know this one way or another.
PCBDaily 
I don’t think that it’s a good place for dogs.
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Dogs should not be allowed in Pier Park except to aid visually impaired people. Although the majority of people will pickup after their dog not all will. We have that problem in our neighborhood.
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Simon has already decided that they do not want dogs at Pier Park. Rules have been posted that clearly state that only service animals are permitted.
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Thanks Bryan for informing us of this. I had not seen any signage regarding this. This rule apparently does not seem to be enforced as the picture taken above was taken last Saturday and security was seen riding up and down the boardwalk area on their trike.
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The dog prohibition is somewhere near the bottom of the long list of rules that are posted throughout the shopping/dining area.
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Thanks Bryan, I went by this afternoon and shot some photos of the sign, posted above. I’ll be sure to notice next time I’m there if security asks the owners with their pets to leave.
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I was there over the weekend, and saw people walking their dogs around the boardwalk area. I was looking, but did not see any security pass them by without saying anything.
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There is a place and this is not the place to have dogs for saftey and health reasons.
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PIER PARK IS NO PLACE FOR DOGS TO BE STROLLING AROUND WITH THEIR OWNERS. TAKE THEM TO WALKING TRAILS OR SOMEWHERE ELSE!
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Dogs should not be allowed in the Park, they have put too much time in creating it to let the dogs ruin it, alot of the grass I have noticed isn’t real, so what happens when a dog goes to the bathroom on it. Leave the dogs home there is a time and a place for animals and that is not the time or the place!
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Dogs should not be allowed, except as specified, to assist persons with disabilities.
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I am a dog owner, however, I respect the fact that not all people want dogs in this environment and there should be NO question about adherence to the cleanup issue —– One strike and you get a ticket and must leave the facility for that day.
Don
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I own a very friendly, social dog but I would not have considered taking him to a shopping center. I think it is completely disrespectful to others and I do not expect other people to love my dog like I do. I did hear that there is a designated pet area on the beach across the street from Pier Park but I have not checked it out yet. Do you know if this is true?
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I have a dog and cats, but I am 99% against pets unless the person has a disability requiring the aid of a dog.
DOGS DON’T HAVE FLUSHABLE TOILETS, and SOME dog owners don’t clean up after their dogs, and you can’t clean up the smelly(P).
SOME PEOPLE are alegeric to dogs, and some people are deathly afraid of dogs. Dogs are similiar to the smoking issues – Please DON’T allow them to cast a shadow on the best thing that has happened to PCB this Century!
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More and more urban communities are becoming more dog friendly. European countries have been dog friendly for years. You’ll find man’s best friend both inside and outside cafe’s and boutiques.
As usual, PCB is behind the times, stuck in their time warp and afraid to get out of it. Install postings with the plastic poop-bags in the grassy areas to encourage proper clean up. Yes, fining someone who is caught not cleaning up after their pet is a great idea. I have not yet brought my English Bulldog to Pier Park, but I LOVE seeing all the different dogs with their owners, walking down the street, sitting under the tables outside.
Our neighbors in Walton County have been much more pet friendly around their beaches and retail areas and it works for them.
There is also a big difference between having pets at Pier Park and letting them in the retail stores.
Some of you are fine with spring breakers trashing the community and Thunder Beach roaring through the streets, and yes, this year Pier Park, but then you get upset when someone brings their pet to an OUTSIDE establishment. Educate yourselves. The world around you is changing.
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I travel with my small dog and I try to respect other people. He is very well behaved and I clean up after him, but I have seen a lot of dog owners that do not. I was in a store in Gatlinburg, TN and someone had let their dog leave a big pile that would have fit in a two pound butter tub. These are the people that ruin it for others. I agree pets should not be in the stores or resturants, sidewalks ok, as it does get too hot for them to stay in the car.
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I agree that dogs should not be allowed at Pier Park, “including the concerts in the park”. Dogs bark and many disrupt others around them. And that is not even mentioning that not all people clean up after their dogs and many of us bring blankets to sit in the grass. If you want to listen to music with your “dog”, then sit in your backyard and turn on your stereo. Don’t force others to endure your pet. Not everyone likes animals and many are allergic to pet dander. Please, be thoughtful of others. Thank you.
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Keep your pets at home in their own yard and enjoy them there! It is not “outdated” to want to be in people places without pets. It is a choice of lifestyle.
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Dogs should NOT be allowed in the retail area of the Park. There are designated areas for dogs in the Park and on the beach. It seems to me that many people that bring a dog into a public area do it to gain attention not because the dog is enjoying it. Has anyone ever heard a dog say, take me to Pier Park.
Just this last weekend I witnessed two dogs on leashes got at it with the owners thinking it was funny. If your a pet lover then take your pet to a pet friendly area. don’t expect the reat of us to put up with you need for attention in a public area.
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COME ON PEOPLE! Responsible people need a place where they can take their dogs to get socialized! Dogs who are banned to the backyard for their entire lives are the ones who become mean and angry and eventually break out of their prisons and bite people. A venue where you can take your dog to a concert in the park or let your well behaved dog sit under your outdoor table while you enjoy a burger or a beer is what makes life worth living! I know of many untrained, destructive children that are more of an interruption to my enjoyment than someones four legged friend!
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I took my puppy to Pier Park last Saturday. She is a small dog breed and I am teaching her proper social behavior. She was well behaved and more people than not stopped to pet her, ask her breed or just talk about their dog they left at home. Tiki was a wonderful conversation starter and I actually ended up meeting new friends through her.
Look at communities in Walton County; one of the finer examples is Rosemary Beach. They have bags above trash cans for the dog droppings. You never see dog poop on the lawns over there.
Some of us are quite responsible with our pets. Do not ban us because of other’s irresponsibility.
As for litter…I just saw a local man last night throw out an aluminum can out his car window on Front Beach Road. Let’s quit blaming others; tourists, dogs, spring breakers, and start taking care of our area ourselves.
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If someone was smart they would put some type of a dog run our open a dog sitting service at the mall. Someone is missing out on big bucks.
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Jason I have been out of town and would like to know if anymore stores have opened in the last 12 days. Thanks and do you have any pictures.
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I like the idea of having dogs at the park. I love my ‘girls’ and often take them with me for an outing. I work every day and feel guilty leaving them on the weekends or when I’m on vacation and they enjoy being with us, too. People who bring dogs generally only bring well behaved ones. I attend a doggy happy hour in Alexandria, VA and there have never been any problems. It has also increased the business quite a bit. Pier Park could have a doggy happy hour, too, and then even do a Halloween costume party or Christmas parade to increase business. http://doggiehappyhour.com is the website.
Europe allows dogs and recognizes the joy and comfort they bring. I say let them in and be sure people know they have to pick up after them or be fined/asked to leave.
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I do feel for dog owners and believe there should be places for dogs to socialize but not Pier Park. South Walton may have areas for dogs but look at the demographic of South Walton.
My friend who is a retailer in Peir Park told me she saw a dog uninating on the astro turf. There are responsible dog owners out there but I don’t think we should start the entirety of Bay county dog owners out in Peir Park.
The park area across the street is a great alternative and I believe much more appealing to the dogs.
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I think that people who insist on bringing their dogs to public shopping/dining areas should all go to Europe to live!
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I agree totally with Lisa who wrote on April 1 that Panama City is way behind the times. I am much more offended by what the College and High school spring breakers do in the way of trash than a pet at Pier Park. I agree pet owners do need to be responsible and should be fined if they don’t clean up after their pets but there are irresponsible people everywhere. Being the manager of a retail store, I had a dirty diaper left in the dressing room and thrown all over the parking areas. Maybe we should ban all babies in diapers from retail shopping areas. I have also seen the beer cans and cigarette butts thrown all around the shopping centers. We could ban smokers and drinkers as well. How about people who drink water or soft drinks and throw those bottles on the beach or everywhere but in the trash?
I agree with Lisa too, on there is a big difference too in allowing dogs in Pier “Park” then in the retail stores and restaurants.
And for the comment about dogs at concerts in the park, I am for banning the screaming babies and children running all over out of control to some of us that is more offensive then a dog who is leashed and laying peacefully by his masters side. Also, I think we should ban cigarette smokers who smoke at the concerts because I am extremely allergic to cigarette and cigar smoke. It makes me deathly ill. I have had to leave a concert or change my seat because of that. And exactly what do they do with the butts when they are done smoking. The answer is in all people being responsible and considerate of others. Do you think that can ever happen?
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My only problem with dogs in pier park is my son’s severe allergies. He takes daily medicine and shots ,but would still have a reaction if any animal fur is on his clothing than has contact with his skin. This is a problem every year at school as well we have to ask the kids who have cats or dogs to please not sit next to him it sucks and he hates it but we’re doing what we can. He sometimes has such severe reactions ,especially to fur, that we’ve ended up in the ER, the worst part in all this is my son loves animals so much. He’d love to pet your dog in pier park but can’t . If your dog was allergic to my kid I’d maybe you’d understand.
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I am a fun loving pet owner who owns 2 dogs. I feel the the owner of the of Pier Park has mad a rule based on the best interest of the property and the people who will vist. The people who feel that we need to grow up and change base on the rules of other countries should A) move to the country that has the changes they like, or B) Build their own Pier Park and let thier dogs do as they wish. Rules are rules thats why they are posted big or small.
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Scott,
AMEN!
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Pier Park IS DOG FRIENDLY!
Simon Group has made that decision and it attracts shoppers to the area. The signage is just temporary ‘boilerplate’. If they didn’t allow dogs, Pier Park would lose out on millions of dollars of shopping and dining revenue. People love their dogs and people bring money. Go, Dogs!
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Bill,
Will you let us know when they change the signs?
Personally, I don’t believe for a minute that Pier Park retailers will lose a lot of money if they don’t allow dogs.
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I met a couple last month at the dog beach who told me they came to this area BECAUSE they could stroll with their dog at Pier Park and visit the beach with him. They spent thousands of dollars during their week – money that they wouldn’t have spent in Destin. Don’t tell me that retailers don’t benefit.
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Bill,
Can you please provide your source for your statement Simon has changed their mind since posting the signs? That way, everyone will feel more comfortable breaking the posted rules. Thank you.
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Bill,
Can you please provide your source for your statement that Simon has changed their mind since posting the signs? That way, everyone will feel more comfortable ignoring the posted rules. Thank you.
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Randy,
So that couple made the decision to vacation in PCB while the “no pet” signs were still on the Pier Park retail area, didn’t they?
I have no problem with designated pet areas, even a place for them on the beach or in some parks. But pets should not be allowed in the main Pier Park retail/dining areas, in my opinion. The people who I know who travel with their pets (my cousins for example) do not think that they have to have their dog with them 24/7, everywhere that they go.
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And……most condos don’t allow pets. There is a reason for that!
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First Fridays, downtown Panama City has allowed dogs for ever, that I know of. I have not seen any conflicts or complaints. My wife and I take our dog to First Fridays and enjoy it. Our dog, 100 pound Lab/boxer gets lots of attention and enjoyment. We do pick up after our dog and that should be a law. At Pier Park at the concerts allows dogs and again no conflicts that I have even seen. If you want to look like Key West, dogs would be allowed as well, Thank you
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I can certainly respect the fact that not all people are comfortable with dogs at designated public establishments but we live in a world where we have to compromise. I love seeing dogs in outdoor areas and since this is new to Panama City, there will be “growing pains”. Pet owners have to be educated and pets have to become socialized so we need environments such as Pier Park in order to accomplish this. The dog-friendly beach is just across the street and a great place for the dogs to unwind before their owners go to Pier Park to do the same. Let’s at least try to make this work and if a pet owner is not taking their responsility seriously, let’s politely bring it to their attention.
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It is up to the Pier Park owners and I haven’t seen any evidence that the “no pets” policy has been changed. As I said, I have no problem with designated pet areas. I think it’s good to have some designated public parks/beaches where people can take their dogs. But I’ve not seen any compelling reason why dogs should be allowed in the retail/dining areas of Pier Park, other than that some owners seem to insist on taking their dogs everywhere.
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I took my dog to the Haufbrau House a couple weeks ago for a beer and sausage. NOBODY complained or seemed to mind. One family seemed a bit put-off by his presence but came up and said hi and visited when they left with NO complaints.
In fact my dog got a lot of attention from people wanting to pet him. IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners wouldn’t think to bring their dogs into an area like Pier Park.
But as always, a few caustic comments and OPINIONS by the minority of a community will ruin it for the rest.
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I believe that the decision should be up to the Haufbrau House and the owners of the complex and that the rules posted should be followed, and on an equal basis for all.
Jason, how about setting up about a poll, so that those of us caustic people, in the minority, whose opinions don’t really count, can at least have a vote?
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done. I added a poll to the top right of the page. I’ll also do another post on it for Wednesday to be sure everyone knows it is there.
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Now MJ, don’t take it personally. Ooops looks like you already have!
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David,
Bless your heart! Of course, your opinion is every bit as important as mine.
Jason,
Thanks for the poll!
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I strongly agree with comments #15 and 27. Dog Friendliness is a economic and social trend that can’t be ignored. PC and PCB are way behind the times. Business owners will soon realize that responsible dog owners tend to frequent businesses where dogs are welcome (and not necessarily inside the store), and spend significantly more, on average, than non-dog owners. Just call Amerisuites, Quality Inn, or Motel 6. These dog-friendly establishments have shown an increase of over 25% in sales since implementing a dog-friendly policy. This is not a coincidence. Pier Park can be a model for Dog-Friendly areas – if we let it.
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John,
There are so few hotels and almost no condos that allow pets, so I’m not surprised. However, taking your pet on vacation is one thing, but thinking that your pet should be allowed to go everywhere that humans go is a different thing, entirely. I keep hearing things like “compromise”–compromise is establishing pet-friendly areas, as PCB has done. But it seems that when some people say “compromise” what they really mean is “My dog, my way and anyone who feels differently can take a hike”.
I don’t think that most people (even dog lovers) want to shop and dine out with a lot of dogs around them.
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My dog is certified and insured to go in hospitals to visit patients in an ICU. Certainly he poses no health threat to anyone strolling through Pier Park. Quit with the hyperbole and hysteria. If you don’t like dogs, then don’t sit near them. I personally don’t like sitting near children in restaurants because they are quite often noisy and dirty and smelly, but in a polite, free society, my freedoms do not supercede anyone else’s and we must all learn to get along. Give it a try. Your blood pressure might come down and you might be able to come off that Zoloft.
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Thank you, Cat, for being so polite.
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Thanks, MJ!
FYI, can someone fix the spelling on the poll? ALOUD?
Shouldn’t it be ALLOWED?
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