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