Weather and seasons in Miami
Miami is hot and humid most of the year, with daily summer thunderstorms and heat indexes that make midday walks risky. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and sand and asphalt in full sun can burn paw pads.
Planning around the seasons
From May to October, walk at dawn or after dark, keep walks short, carry water and watch for signs of overheating โ heavy panting, drooling or slowing down.
During hurricane season, include your pet in your plan: keep a carrier, food, medication and vaccination records ready, and tell your sitter what to do if a storm is forecast.
Getting around Miami with a pet
Miami is largely car-based, and public transport takes pets mainly in carriers, so a pet taxi is a practical way to reach the vet, a groomer or MIA for a flight without putting a dog in a hot car.
Homes, buildings and access
Condo buildings often have size limits and rules on using service elevators and pools. Houses may have pools and yards โ make sure your sitter knows how gates and pool fences work.
Local rules worth knowing
Miami-Dade County requires dogs to have a current rabies vaccination and a county dog licence tag, and dogs must be on a lead in public except in designated areas. Beach rules vary between Miami and Miami Beach โ check signs.
Pet care in Miami โ FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Miami?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Miami. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address โ the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Miami?
Providers in Miami set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
Is it safe to walk my dog in Miami in summer?
Yes, at the right time of day. Walk at dawn or after dark, keep walks short, avoid hot sand and asphalt, and carry water. On OnlyPaw you can book early or late slots and agree limits with your walker in the chat.
What should my pet sitter know about hurricane season?
Share your storm plan: where the carrier, food, medication and records are, whether to evacuate and where to, and who to call. Agree it in the chat before you leave.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents โ home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training โ before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
