Brohard Paw Park — Attraction in Venice

Between 2005 - 2015 my parents took their border collie to this beach frequently without any issue. This place was a gem! With population growth in the area, this dog beach now seems to be far more populated, with that A LOT of dogs off leash, some of which are unmonitored and not in control by their owners.

Last week when visiting family in the area we took our dog (an older blue heeler) to the paw park beach for the first time. He was on leash and we intentionally did not take him in the areas where large populations of dogs were running around off leash. Despite us being in a quieter corner of the beach, with him under a shaded beach tent, on leash, close to us, an unattended off leash dog attacked our dog and our pup got two puncture wounds on his face before we could separate them.

The owner, who subsequently grabbed and hit her dog, refused to give contact information, did not apologize, and fled the beach. I contacted the police, who didn't seem even slightly surprised to be getting a call from this dog beach, and upon sharing in a facebook Venice FL Community group (who subsequently removed the post as according to the admin they 'don't try people in their group') over 100 people responded within a few hours that their dog has been attacked or they have witnessed dogs get injured, people get bit, dog owners who were not accountable, and even dog deaths at this beach in recent years. I feel terrible I brought my dog to this beach and we will never return unless the beach became a safer environment and there is more responsibility exhibited from owners.

Picture of owner fleeing the beach with her black/white dog off leash who attacked. If you go to this beach with your dog proceed with caution! It is a dangerous, over-populated, unpredictable environment for dogs. Especially dogs that are timid, reactive, or you wish to...

What a great dog park and beach .they have a great fenced-in dog area . A large dog area and then a small dog area 20 LBS and under. They have hoses and sprayers to clean the dogs off after they go to the beach and they have a water dispenser for giving your dog a drink and inside the fencing area you can let them loose and let them run around with their friends . They have a double gate entry and exit so that there is no fear that if someone opens the gate to bring a dog in or out that your dog might get out. Everyone is very respectful to make sure that the one gate is closed before the other one is opened. Now talking about the beach it is great plenty of area for your dogs to run free off leash. You must make sure that your dog is well behaved dog friendly and no dogs in heat are allowed on the beach or at the park. But what a great Beach everyone is extremely friendly and the dogs are all very well behaved. DO NOT BRING A DOG THAT IS DOG AGGRESSIVE. dogs come running up to greet yours many times more than one at a time . From all sides so it makes it very hard to keep an aggressive dog under control . You do not want to get your self or your dog in a bad situation. But for those who have dog friendly dogs this is a great Beach .After one visit your dog will get excited when you approach that beach they know it's fun and running and friends they can play with and they enjoy it. I highly recommend you and your dogs will...

Wonderful beach to enjoy off leash fun with your dog. There is a place to bathe your dog by the front dog park area and plenty of parking and doggie doodie bags available. Follow the park rules, don't let your pet run down in the vegetation on the walk to the beach, (alligator habitat).

Periodically, dogs have drowned in the Gulf at this beach. I helped perform dog CPR/lifesaving for one dog to no avail. Always be careful for signs of exhaustion in your dog. Swimming/playing fetch in the Gulf can be exhausting. Bring a bottle of fresh water and a bowl for your dog to drink from, see that they avoid drinking salt water. Always be concerned about heat stroke also.

If it is your 1st time to the beach, I suggest you go early when it is cooler, (it is a long walk from the parking area to the beach), and keep your dog on the leash once on the beach, (6ft or less) until you know how your dog will react. I've seen many newcomers release their dogs and they end up chasing after them way down the coast as dogs are going after birds in flight. (I know this personally). There are pet CPR classes available from Blue Pearl periodically, which I'm glad I got certified. My dog wears a life jacket and only goes when it is cooler because snub nosed dogs can't take the heat...