By Coral Gables Gazette Staff
Coral Gables is already considered among the most dog-friendly cities in South Florida, with its array of pet-welcoming restaurants, boutique hotels, and shaded green spaces. And this October, with a string of tail-wagging celebrations on tap, the City Beautiful is leaning all the way in. From dog parades to bandanas to a treat-dispensing ATM, Coral Gables is giving four-legged residents the VIP treatment.
Dogs hit the streets with Commissioner Castro
The fun kicks off Saturday, October 11, when Commissioner Melissa Castro hosts the city’s monthly Community Dog Walk in partnership with The Doggie Walk Club. The free event begins at 10:45 a.m. on the steps of City Hall and offers a spirited, social way for residents—and their furry companions—to explore the city together.
Participants will check in before embarking on a two-mile pack walk through downtown Coral Gables, including Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza. The first 30 attendees will receive limited-edition dog bandanas designed by local artist Jay Ramirez. Along the route, walkers can enjoy refreshments, meet adoptable dogs sporting “Adopt Me” bandanas, and even stop for a biscuit at the city’s newest four-legged attraction: a Dog ATM.
“The Pack Walk is all about bringing neighbors together, strengthening community bonds, and celebrating our love for our furry friends,” Castro said. “Beyond that, we hope to bring foot traffic to our beautiful downtown where local businesses need and deserve our support.”
Florida’s first Dog ATM opens on Miracle Mile
Just one day earlier, on Friday, October 10, TD Bank will unveil Florida’s first Dog ATM—a whimsical machine that dispenses dog treats instead of cash—at its newly renovated branch at 2401 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Known officially as the Automated Treat Machine, the installation features a green paw-shaped mat that activates a motion sensor. When a dog steps on it, the machine lets out a friendly canine greeting and releases a biscuit into a tray. The interactive, pup-friendly experience even includes sound effects designed specifically for dogs. TD Bank holds the patent and debuted the first model in Philadelphia last year.
Coral Gables was selected for Florida’s first installation because of its reputation as one of the region’s most walkable and dog-loving communities. The ATM is open to all, not just TD Bank customers, and is part of a national rollout expected to reach 14 locations by the end of 2025, with Sarasota, Boston and New York next on the list.
The opening celebration on October 10 will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and includes:
- A DJ
- Watercolor pet portraits
- Pup-accinos
- Custom dog cookies from Woof Gang Bakery in Merrick Park
- Fireman Derek’s desserts
- Adopt-a-dog station hosted by the Humane Society of Greater Miami
- Branded giveaways for both dogs and their humans
The installation aligns with TD Bank’s “Unexpectedly Human” branding strategy, which emphasizes community connection and customer-centric innovation. The bank has long leaned into dog-friendly services, with teller biscuits and water bowls at branches nationwide.
Costumed canines take center stage
The month concludes with a bark and a bow-wow. On Wednesday, October 29, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club will host its inaugural Howl-O-Ween Paw-rade at 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event features a dog costume parade, trunk-or-treat, music, raffles, and a pet adoption drive to benefit the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter.
Organizers invite families to bring their dogs dressed in spooky, silly, or creative costumes for a chance to win prizes and help raise awareness for local shelter animals.
In the City Beautiful, dogs take the lead
Whether it’s a stroll with Commissioner Castro, a treat from the city’s first Dog ATM, or a costumed romp with the Woman’s Club, Coral Gables is putting its best paw forward this October. As dog-friendly infrastructure meets canine-centric charm, the city isn’t just pet-welcoming—it’s officially gone to the dogs, in the best way.
This Post Has 4 Comments
I have to mention that Coral Gables is not the most dog friendly city. Where are the dog parks? Neighboring cities like Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne have the best dog parks, as well as dog stations everywhere and trash can to dispose of the dog bags. I love Coral Gables but needs dog parks and more dog stations instead of tall apartment buildings and condominiums in residential zones.
I do like that we are all dog friendly and etc. I personally would love to have a teacup dog. However, i do not appreciate Owners imposing their dogs to other people. I am allergic to animal epithelium and people do not restrain their animals. Also is unsanitary to see dogs rubbing on people on the street, or at a supermarket or restaurant!!!
The other day, we were eating at a very known place in Gables, this dog shaken his body and some of his hair falls on my and my friend’s plate. The Owner just laughed “Oh my, no capri, he is soo playful” but our food was wasted. The waiter changed it for us as a courtesy, which was nice, but he shouldn’t have to as it was responsibility of the dog’s owner to pay for our $175.00 dinner. Being that “Playful capri messed up”
So, i just ask kindly to keep your dog’s closer to you and do not take them to a restaurant or a supermarket. That is not a place for animals. Parks, they do are for animals. The street where your live, it is for animals. Supermarkets and restaurants are not for animals.
As a proud resident of Coral Gables, I recognize the commendable efforts our city has made in providing convenient dog waste stations throughout the area. However, as many residents, including myself, have noted, we currently lack sufficient green spaces and parks for our community of pet owners and nature lovers.
When we compare our city’s park offerings with other cities, it’s evident that we are falling short. While we value our status as a pet-friendly city, this is a crucial opportunity for us to improve.
I applaud those who are advocating for more green spaces and amenities for our pets. I urge the city to prioritize acquiring land for parks or transforming existing land into beautiful, welcoming spaces for all. By enhancing our green areas, we can enrich our community, promote outdoor activities, and foster a healthier environment for both residents and their pets. Let’s work together to create lush, vibrant parks that reflect the beauty and spirit of Coral Gables.
Thank you.
I love living in the Gables and walking my dog in a city where we cross paths with many other dogs and owners in the mornings and evenings. However, we do not have a single dog park that you can walk to in the downtown Coral Gables area. We have to drive to Douglas Park (which the city of Miami opened a wonderful dog park in) or Coconut grove that has about 2 or 3 dog parks. So many businesses welcome dogs and place water bowls at their storefront. The city needs a dog park. I understand one was in the works a couple of years ago, and now sits as just a fenced green area because of the campaigning of one resident who was against the dog park. Let’s bring the idea back to the table and let the residents decide. We have plenty of green space for this.