The term “City of Brotherly Love” is truly all-encompassing for the residents of Philadelphia. Not only does the City welcome people of all different backgrounds, but it also welcomes their four-legged friends, both old and young, small and large. I’m here to give you the lowdown on all of the best pet-friendly places to bring your pup in Philadelphia so you don’t have to leave him behind on your next trip – after all, he deserves to see our nation’s birthplace, too!
Parks:
You’re going to need fun activities to make both you and your dog’s trip fulfilling! Below, see some of my favorite parks and attractions, all of which welcome both you and your pup.
Rittenhouse Square
Located in the southwest corner of Center City is Rittenhouse Square, arguably Philadelphia’s most upscale neighborhood. It is home to a massive commercial district. Within that district, however, lies a beautiful park shared by people and dogs alike, among other furry creatures who live there. Rittenhouse Square (as with the three to follow) is one of William Penn’s original five squares (City Hall counts as one) in his plan for Philadelphia from 1681, when he was granted the land by King Charles II. The squares designate the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest corners of what was then Philadelphia, but what is today known as Center City.
Dilworth Park
The City’s new masterpiece, Dilworth Park lies smack dab in the center of Philadelphia, directly to the west of City Hall. The park was transformed from a giant, lackluster slab of concrete to a lush green public space accessible to the whole city, including its dogs. Play in the fountain with your pup in the summer, or watch the ice skaters glide by in the winter, when the fountain is transformed into a massive ice rink in the middle of Center City. Enjoy festivals, live music, movie showings, and more all right here!
Franklin Square
Franklin Square lies at the northeast corner of Center City, though it doesn’t extend too far north – this park lies just between Chinatown and Old City and boasts fun attractions such as a historic carousel, a fountain, playgrounds, a miniature golf course, and much, much more for you and your pooch to enjoy.
Logan Square
Logan Square, also known as “Logan Circle” due to the fact that it is literally a giant roundabout, is home to the famous Art Museum you always hear about – you know, the one with the Rocky steps? It is also home to the Rodin Museum, among other attractions. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway runs along the northwest edge of Penn’s original Philadelphia. It houses fountains, parks, and statues, and is lined with all the flags of the world that will keep you and your dog busy for hours.
Washington Square
Washington Square, located in Old City, is the southeast marker of the original Philadelphia. It is a quieter park than the rest, but it is also is incredibly historic. It is part of Independence National Historic Park, housing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It houses the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Solider, a monument dedicated to those who died in the Revolutionary War, and was also a burial ground for those who died from the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793, making it a stop on the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. Bring your pooch here for a lesson in some of our nation’s richest history!
Attractions & Events:
Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing is located just east of all the rich history in the Washington Square district. It is home to the Delaware River Waterfront and is open year-round, but features some of the best attractions in the summer and winter seasons. In the summer, take your dog to Spruce Street Harbor Park, where you can hang out in a sea of hammocks hung beneath strings of colored lights, or to Festival Pier for summer concert series. In the winter, take your dog people-watching at the BlueCross River Rink Winterfest, which boasts an Olympic-sized ice rink as well as a heated plaza with snack bars – the perfect place to people watch with your pup! And, if your dog doesn’t spook easily, enjoy the fireworks down on the waterfront with him during both the 4th of July and the New Year.
Philly’s Cheesesteak & Food Fest
Going to Philly and not getting at least one cheesesteak is somewhat of a sin – so why not go and sample cheesesteaks and other Philly favorites such as hoagies and roast pork from over 50 vendors just to get your bases covered?! Also enjoy live music, games, and a craft beer garden. Held annually, this year’s event is October 15, 2016. Believe me, your dog will appreciate it as much as (read: more than) you will.
Pennsylvania Week for the Animals
This year marks the 9th annual Pennsylvania Week for the Animals, where animal shelters, humane societies, and more will be hosting events across the state such as low-cost spay & neuter clinics, educational events, dog training classes, pet first aid seminars, and more.
Join Philadelphia in the event at PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), and bring your dog, too! The more the merrier. Events will also be held in surrounding towns and across the state.
Yappy Hour
Throughout the year, different bars and restaurants host monthly neighborhood “Yappy Hours” for dogs and their humans. Enjoy dog-themed specialty cocktails while your dog chows down on biscuits. For a full list of dates and participating locations, click here.
Philadelphia Magic Gardens
The Magic Gardens are just that - magical. Isaiah Zagar creates beautiful mosaics that are preserved in the Magic Gardens as an art exhibit that is both people and pet-friendly. Enjoy his beautiful, seemingly never-ending creations with your pup - no matter how many times you go, you always discover something new.
Restaurants:
I don’t know about you guys, but after a long day of exploring (or even before), one of my absolute favorite parts of being in a new city is getting to try new restaurants. Below is a list of a few of the many dog-friendly restaurants in Philadelphia. And don’t worry, no one will judge if you “accidentally” drop some food for him.
Sabrina’s Café
Sabrina’s is a very popular breakfast, brunch, and dinner spot amongst Philadelphians. Serving comfort food classics, they have locations in the Italian Market, Art Museum, and University City neighborhoods and welcome both you and your pup!
Fadó Irish Pub
Fadó serves traditional and not-so-traditional pub food with an Irish twist and welcomes your dog when its outdoor seating is available in the warmer months.
Rouge
Located in Rittenhouse Square, Rouge is the perfect place to take your pup after a walk – he can dine on water and treats while you dine on their classic American bistro cuisine.
Shake Shack
Who doesn’t love a good burger and shake? Your dog certainly does, which is great, because Shake Shack has a dog-friendly menu featuring vanilla custard with peanut butter and biscuits.
Taproom on 19th
Taproom on 19th provides water bowls for your dog while you dine on fan favorites such as burgers, cheesesteaks, tacos, and more, and enjoy a cocktail or a craft beer.
Square 1682
If you’re staying at the Hotel Palomar (or even if you’re not), this place is perfect for you and your pooch. Owned by the hotel, the restaurant provides water bowls for your dog while you enjoy classic American cuisine.
Paradiso
Bring your pup down to Paradiso, where you can dine on seasonal Italian cuisine while your dog enjoys water and house-made dog treats made for visitors just like him!
Hotels:
When we go on vacation, we often have to leave our pets at home because they have no place to stay. Fear not! Philadelphia has many hotels that welcome dogs, so this is not a full list, but rather a list of the best. Now that you and your pup are exhausted from your adventures, find a place to stay from the list below.
The Rittenhouse
The Rittenhouse Hotel believes that its four-legged guests are just as important as its two-legged guests. The hotel’s self-proclaimed VIPs (“Very Important Pooches”) receive free personalized doggie bowls and gift bags filled with world-class treats prepared by their pastry chef to prepare them for their stay. Although these perks are free, your dog’s stay will cost you a $150 fee; you may also arrange a pet sitter with the concierge for an additional fee (but your dog deserves to get out and see the city, too!). Limit one pet per person.
Hotel Palomar
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia wants you to be able to enjoy your vacation with your pet. They welcome pets of all sizes and weights at no charge to you. Additionally, they offer amenities such as hand-delivered pet beds, food, and water bowls; disposable pick-up bags; and a map of the best walks in the city for you and your pooch! Additionally, you can ask the concierge about their pet services, such as pet-sitting, grooming, and walking, for a $20/hour charge during the week and $25/hour on the weekend. No limit on number of pets.
Sofitel
The Sofitel is a French hotel chain that, true to tradition, allows pets at its Philadelphia branch for no additional charge. They also include amenities such as a room-service pet menu, pet beds, water bowls, and treats that can be delivered to your room. Limit two pets per room.
Loews
The Loews Hotel chain was the first national chain to announce its “pet-friendly” policy in 2000. Loews Loves Pets provides amenities such as a room-service menu for your pup, a welcome letter with a list of pet services, pet beds, pet toys, and more. There is a $40 fee per stay, and a two-pet limit per room.
The Sheraton
The Sheraton Philadelphia allows dogs up to 50 pounds for a $50 fee. The only stipulation they ask is that you do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
Whether you’re here for a brief stay or an extended vacation, Philadelphia is the perfect city for both you and your pet. You will be welcomed by an abundance of people and places, and anyone you ask will be willing to give you further recommendations – after all, it is called the City of Brotherly Love for a reason!
Did you know there is a correct way to buckle up your dog in the car? The first step is purchasing a crash tested harness, but the second step is understanding how to correctly strap your dog in for a road trip, using the harness. So what exactly is a crash tested harness? At Kurgo, our Enhanced [...]
Holidays are the busiest travel time of the year with car trips– whether it’s to Grandma’s house or to meet up with friends. If you are like75% of people, you plan to bring your dog with you for the holidays. But, likehumans, dogs can get antsy and bored in the car. So, in between last-minutepacking [...]
So, who really needs a dog harness anyway? As the dog travel andadventure experts, we get asked this question often and our answer is thatevery dog can benefit from using a harness! Maybe you and your best boy liketo adventure out in the car to the weekend farmer’s market or on a road trip tovisit [...]
