Pets and kids near me in Orlando, FL
Find pet and family services in Orlando and Orange County, including veterinarians, groomers, dog daycare and boarding, pediatricians, tutoring, day care and kids' activities. Browse local options across Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Windermere and nearby, plus Central Florida safety tips.
15 places · Updated October 2026
Every pets & kids category
Veterinarians
When you choose a veterinarian, ask about appointment availability, after-hours and emergency care, which species they see, and whether they offer…
4 listedPet Grooming & Boarding
Finding a groomer or boarding facility you trust takes a little homework.
4 listedDaycares & Preschools
Choosing a daycare or preschool in Orange County means balancing safety, schedule, cost and location.
4 listedTutoring, Dance & Music Lessons
Whether you need a math tutor, test prep, piano lessons or a dance studio, start by being clear about the goal: catching up in a class, preparing for an…
3 listed
Keeping pets safe in Florida heat
Central Florida summers are dangerous for pets. Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset, and test pavement with the back of your hand before you go. If it's too hot to hold for several seconds, it's too hot for paws. Short-nosed breeds, older pets and heavy-coated dogs struggle most with heat and humidity.
Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a short errand. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, weakness and vomiting, and they need a vet right away. Keep fresh water and shade available, and keep thunderstorm season in mind for dogs that panic at loud noises. Many groomers in the area offer shorter summer cuts, though some breeds, especially double-coated dogs, should not be shaved, so ask your groomer or vet first.
Toads, alligators and other local pet hazards
Cane toads, often called bufo toads, live throughout Central Florida and release a toxin that can seriously sicken or kill a dog that mouths one. They're most active at night and after rain. If your dog licks or bites a toad, wipe its gums with a damp cloth, avoid pushing water down the throat, and call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Alligators live in lakes, ponds and retention ponds across Orange County. Keep dogs on a short leash near the water and away from the shoreline, especially at dusk. Fleas, ticks and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are active most of the year here, so ask your vet about year-round prevention. Florida law requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Before hurricane season, add pets to your storm plan with a carrier, food, medications, vaccination records and a list of pet-friendly shelters or hotels.
Child care, schools and activities for kids in Orange County
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program offers free pre-K for 4-year-olds who live in Florida, and many private child care centers and public schools participate. When touring a day care, ask about staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, how they handle outdoor time on hot days and their emergency and storm plans. Orange County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the country, so research schools early if you're moving.
For activities, families lean on swim lessons, sports leagues, art and music classes, libraries, nature centers and summer camps. Summer camps often fill well before school lets out, so start looking in winter or early spring. Public libraries across Orange County host free story times and family programs, and parks with splash pads are a popular summer outing.
Water safety and swim lessons in Central Florida
With pools, lakes and springs everywhere, water safety is a basic part of raising kids here. Swim lessons are widely available year-round, and many programs teach infants and toddlers basic survival skills. Lessons don't replace supervision: assign one adult to watch the water at all times, without a phone.
If you have a pool at home, use barriers such as fences, self-latching gates and door alarms. Learn CPR, and keep kids out of lakes and retention ponds, which can hold alligators and drop off quickly. When thunder rumbles, everyone should get out of the pool and head indoors until the storm passes. Retention ponds in many neighborhoods look harmless but can be deep near the edges.
Frequently asked questions
Are cane toads dangerous to dogs in Florida?
Yes. Cane toads, also called bufo toads, are found throughout Central Florida and secrete a toxin that can be deadly to dogs. Signs include heavy drooling, red gums, pawing at the mouth, stumbling and seizures. Wipe the dog's gums with a wet cloth, don't force water down its throat, and call a vet or emergency clinic right away.
Is pre-K free in Florida?
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program provides free pre-K for children who are 4 years old by September 1 and live in Florida. Families can choose a participating private provider or public school, with school-year and summer options. In Orange County, you apply for a certificate of eligibility through the state's early learning system, then enroll with a provider.
Does Florida require rabies shots for pets?
Yes. Florida law requires dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, with boosters on the schedule your vet sets. Keep proof of vaccination handy, since groomers, boarding facilities and day cares usually ask for it. Orange County Animal Services periodically holds low-cost vaccine events.
How hot is too hot to walk a dog in Orlando?
There isn't one cutoff, but pavement in the summer sun can get hot enough to burn paws even when the air feels manageable. Test it with the back of your hand for several seconds. In summer, walk early in the morning or after sunset, choose grass or shade, keep walks short and bring water for both of you.
When should I sign my kids up for summer camp in Orlando?
Earlier than you might think. Many popular day camps, sports camps and specialty programs in Orange County open registration in winter and fill by spring. Start comparing options in January or February. Ask about indoor space for hot afternoons, how they handle lightning and storms, swim supervision, staff ratios and whether they offer before- and after-care.
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