AboutSusie Rano Expertise I've lived in St.Thomas for nearly 20 years. I can answer tourist-related questions regarding this island and may be able to help with questions regarding St.John too.
Experience lived on St.Thomas for almost 20 years
Education/Credentials lived on St.Thomas for nearly 20 years
Question QUESTION: Our 4 pound maltese will be traveling with us to St Thomas between Christmas and New Years we are staying in a home where we have permission to bring him, are there pet friendly restaurants where can dine with him with us outside can he go to the beach as long as it is not a park, we are staying near Magens Bay, what is the attitude towards a dog being with us shopping and around the area??? He is often in his dog stroller when I shop and he is small and sweet.
ANSWER: Hi Laura- I'm a HUGE animal lover. I have a cat (my other died the day before Thanksgiving this year ;0( , and I have a bunny- WELL trained. I've also had pet iguana's, a blue & gold macaw, and a dog. Sooo...please understand when I suggest that you leave your furry baby HOME! I understand you love him very much- but believe me when I say- you want to bring him FOR YOU!- NOT his own good.
I'm not sure where you're from- but there are NO restaurants here that will allow a dog- no matter how tiny or cute. There are 2 or 3 beaches I could suggest that would be okay to bring your pooch- if you decide to bring him. Shopping with him?- NOPE! I don't want to go into the sad details of what happened when I brought my dog out for a day of shopping. Suffice it to say the younger set here, at the time, thought it would be big FUN to beat my dog with a stick while leashed outside our local K-Mart. Lucky for us, a local woman came into the store asking "who's dog is that....getting beaten." VERY sad. The youths were about 12-14 years old. My DH scared them but....? Assholes!
Anyway, I don't mean to discourage you. I just think that bringing your pooch would make YOU happy- not necessarily your dog. Best- Find someone where you live to take care of him while you're away. So he's not subject to strange surroundings, and can be safe and sound at home until you return.
Best wishes- I hope I've helped. Let me know how it goes and give your pooch a hug fur me. What is his name BTW?
Respectfully,
Susie
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QUESTION: Susie,
Thanks for your prompt and honest reply, we will be staying in a private home and with our grand child staying in most of the time so I am going to bring him for me. I would love to know any beaches that he would be allowed as he loves the beach. In florida he can go everywhere with us, shopping and restaurants. I will be very careful where I take him in STT. His name is Bentley.
Laura
ANSWER: Laura- As far as I know, there are only two beaches on St.Thomas that you would be able to bring Bentley. They are Hull Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Honeymoon, is very beautiful and generally quiet, but is located on Water Island. You would need to take the ferry from Crown Bay to there. It's only about a 5 minute ferry ride and I think, well worth it. Hull Bay is towards the airport, just get a map when you arrive. A great guide is St.Thomas This week. You also might want to check out the local Island Trader which comes out on Thursdays. Both of these have tons of helpful info and are free.
Don't forget- I believe you have to have Bentley get a clean bill of health certificate from his vet, 24 or 48 hours before you leave. Check this out with your vet to confirm.
Let me know if I can be of further help.
Kind Regards,
Susie
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QUESTION: Thanks Susie,
The home we are staying at is within walking distance to Hull Bay beach, so that is wonderful that we will be able to take Bentley there, he and my 1 and a half year old grand baby can wear each other out on the beach. Thanks for your advice.
That being said is there a small casual restaurant near Hull bay beach?
Thanks,
Laura
Answer That's Perfect! There is a beach bar/restaurant there called Hullbay Hideaway- VERY island casual. You can go to their website and check out photos of the beach, check out the menu, etc. Also, since it's been quite awhile since I've been there with a friend who had a dog, you should probably just confirm with them that dogs are still allowed at the beach there. There is a contact link on the website- www.hullbay.com
Have a GREAT time to ALL of you and Happy Holidays!
