If you’re a doggo, it really is always sunny in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is overflowing with pawsome activities and adventures for you and your pup to enjoy together. Here are a few of the best festivals, dog-friendly restaurants and bars, and pet photo spots that Philly has to offer.

Dog park spotlight: Penn’s Landing Dog Park

Philly dog parks don’t get much better than Penn’s Landing Dog Park. This pawpular pooch playground has separate play areas for small and large doggos, and it’s usually quite busy with socializing, running, and playing pups. 

Drinking water and poo bags are provided, and mature trees provide shade if your fur-baby needs some time out of the sun. As for pet parents, you can put your feet up and relax on one of the park’s benches. With some impressive views of the Delaware River on offer, it’s a peaceful spot to sit back, relax, and watch your dog make some new “fur-iends”! 

Animal shelter spotlight: Philly PAWS

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is the City of Philadelphia’s largest animal rescue partner. It's rescued close to 40,000 animals from the city’s animal control shelter, providing them with essential veterinary care and helping them find their “fur-ever” homes. So if you’re thinking of fostering or adding a new dog or cat to your family, PAWS’ boutique Adoption Center in Philly’s Old City is well worth a visit.

But PAWS isn’t just about adorable adoptables. The non-profit also runs 2 clinics to provide affordable veterinary care to pet parents who might otherwise be faced with the heartbreaking prospect of surrendering their pets. It’s also working to make Philadelphia a no-kill city, so the future of at-risk pets in Philly is in safe hands.

Philadelphia dog-friendly event spotlight: Petapalooza 2023 

Chestnut Hill is one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in Philadelphia, home to a host of pet-friendly bars, restaurants, and hotels. But it’s also the site of one of the city’s best pet events, Petapalooza.

This annual celebration of all things furry takes place on September 9, 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm. Held along Germantown Avenue, Petapalooza features more pet-friendly activities and events than you can wag a tail at. There are training exhibitions, pet vendors, veterinarians on-site, and refreshing pools where puppers can cool off. 

There will also be more than a dozen pet rescue and adoption agencies with animals looking for loving homes, so you may even find yourself a new family member. And with “Yappy Hour” specials kicking off at 3 pm at participating restaurants and bars in Chestnut Hill, you can keep the party going all day long.

Where to take pics of your dog in Philadelphia 

From iconic man-made landmarks to impressive natural beauty, there are plenty of great spots around Philly to capture memorable images of your pup. Check out these locations for your pupper’s next photoshoot.

“Rocky Steps”

In a list of cinema’s most iconic moments, there aren’t many scenes that come close to that of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, ascending the 72 steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

So where better to grab some happy snaps of your pup than as they bask in the glory (and the lovely city views) at the top of these instantly recognizable steps? Capture them in the right light and they’ll feel like the world champ.

LOVE Sculpture

You love your dog more than anything, so this gorgeous sculpture is the perfect fit for a doggo photoshoot. Located in LOVE Park, found near City Hall, it’s the ideal spot for you and your fur-baby to strike a pose or 3.

Ben Franklin Bridge

Picture the Philadelphia skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge is probably the first image that pops into your head. This iconic suspension bridge is visible from plenty of spots around the city, but why not take your leashed pet for a stroll along the 1.5-mile pedestrian pathway? With the Delaware River and the city skyline as your backdrop, you’re sure to capture loads of great shots.

Dog-friendly bars in Philadelphia

Looking for somewhere to quench your thirst with your dog by your side? Check out these 3 “grrr-eat” options.

Wissahickon Brewing Company 

This family-owned and operated brewery has something to put a smile on the face of every pet parent. Not only does it serve up a mouthwatering selection of craft beers, but well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. And with spent grain dog treats available for sale, your dog will be licking their lips just as much as you are.

Doobies

This laid-back dive bar has long been a hit with pet parents and their fur-babies. Your pup is more than welcome to join you while you enjoy a refreshing beverage or 2, and the welcoming atmosphere will have you coming back time and again.

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company

When a brewery has 2 gorgeous Newfoundland mascots known as Barley and Hopz, you know it’s going to be a great place to grab a drink and a meal. Its Germantown Avenue beer garden is the ideal spot to let your dog indulge in water and treats while you sip an IPA and munch on a gourmet pizza. Yum!

Most popular dog names in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Wag! sniffed out the top 50 names in the state of Philadelphia — scroll down to see if your fur-child's name made the top 10!

#10. Rocky

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 2.34%
- National rank: #13

#9. Buddy

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 2.62%
- National rank: #9

#8. Lucy

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 2.97%
- National rank: #5

#7. Daisy

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 3.00%
- National rank: #6

#6. Cooper

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 3.11%
- National rank: #12

#5. Bailey

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 3.13%
- National rank: #8

#4. Charlie

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 3.72%
- National rank: #4

#3. Max

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 4.17%
- National rank: #3

#2. Luna

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 4.32%
- National rank: #2

#1. Bella

- Share of Pennsylvania's top 50 names: 5.67%
- National rank: #1

Want to see other state's rankings? Check out the top 10 in each of the 50 states.