Dog-Friendly City Guide - Philadelphia

Dog-Friendly City Guide - Philadelphia

Posted by Megan Schneider on 11th October 2016

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
i  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 RiverRink 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
!

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