The Most Pet-Friendly Cities in Pennsylvania
Looking for places to bring your pup? These Pennsylvania cities put Fido first.
If you’ve ever seen the bumper sticker that reads, “Who rescued who?,” and thought it was relatable, you’re probably a dog lover (and owner). Our canine companions are pretty special, and it shows — doggie day cares, pet-friendly hotels, dog food bakeries and pet-friendly patios are on the rise just about everywhere.
Across Pennsylvania, cities are welcoming not only new residents, but their furry four-legged family members, too, with off-leash dog parks, ample trails and greenbelts, and pet-friendly hotels, offices, housing, breweries, and restaurants. Curious which are the most pet-friendly cities in the state? Read on to find out!
In This Article
Lancaster
If Six Flags were a dog park, it would be in Lancaster – Beau’s Dream Dog Park features areas for large and small dogs, each with a splash pad, pup tunnels, water stations and a tennis ball tree that launches balls for fetch.
Outside of the city, the Lancaster area is fairly rural and known for its Amish community, which attracts many visitors – but what many may not know is that several of the local attractions also allow leashed pets. At The Amish Farm & House, furry friends can go on the house tour, the bus tour and even on a horse-drawn buggy ride. Plus, leashed pets can explore the grounds at the nearby Conrad Weiser Homestead.
Leashed pets are also welcome at Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery and the Lititz Farmers Market, which are short drives away, and on the patio at Spring House Brewing Co.’s Hazel Street location. One thing not to miss in Lancaster is That Fish Place-That Pet Place, an 88,000-square-foot pet store. While you’re perusing the aisles for treats for your furry friends, you can also explore all it has to offer, including huge tanks of fish that rival an aquarium.
Philadelphia
Mars Petcare’s “Better Cities for Pets” list sets the gold standard for cities where pets are welcome. Cities earn the recognition based on the policies and programs they have in place that relate to housing, shelters, businesses, and parks. Philadelphia is one of only dozens of cities across the country to receive a certification.
Here, dog parks run the gamut. One of the most popular is Schuylkill River Dog Park, which has separate areas for large and small dogs as well as kiddie pools for hot days. There are dozens of local restaurants with pet-friendly patios – but Unleashed: Bark & Beer, a dog park/beer garden hybrid, hosts the ultimate yappy hour. Philly companies like Arden Theatre Co. and Neff also pride themselves on being welcoming to dogs in the office. Outside of the city, Ridley Creek State Park offers approximately 13 miles of trails over 2,600 acres — the perfect place for you and your four-legged friend to explore.
Pittsburgh
The Steel City region boasts approximately 175 parks, meaning you and Fido have plenty of options when it comes to walking, exploring and enjoying the outdoors. And many of these spaces have off-leash opportunities, like Riding Meadow Park. The area is also home to almost a dozen dog parks — there is even one that’s totally indoors (the aptly-named Indoor Dog Park is a lifesaver during the cold weather months).
Petagogy, a local pet supply store, has numerous events, including pet photos with Santa, yappy hours, and collaborations with local shelters. And many Pittsburgh region businesses are pet friendly. At Pins Mechanical Co., your pup can tag along while you bowl; at Stick City Brewing Co., you can enjoy a brew with Fido outdoors, and at Salty Paws, you can get your pup an ice cream or a cookie made just for them. Dogs are even welcome at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Scranton
Located on the western edge of the Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania, Scranton has plenty of ways for pups — and their owners — to get out and about. For those who want to run Fido off leash, you’ll love Connell Dog Park. As for parks and trails for on-leash walks, check out Nay Aug Park, a former amusement park with paved and dirt trails, as well as the nearby Back Mountain, Luzerne County and D&H rail trails.
Pups are welcome indoors or outdoors in the yard space at the former garage-turned-brewery Groove Brewing, where they also hand out peanut butter dog treats. At nearby Roba Family Farms, dogs are welcome from September to November to enjoy the farm’s pumpkin patch, corn maze and hayride, while their owners can enjoy The Marvelous Mutts performances and other attractions.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg is another city that is set up to accommodate four-legged friends. Eight local dog parks can be found in and around the region, including Canine Meadows at John Rudy County Park. On-leash pets and their humans will also love exploring trails like the nearby Reservoir Park Path that roams through historic sites.
If you’re looking to bring your pup out while you grab a round or two, check out Zeroday Brewing Co. Taproom. And if you’re a baseball fan, you’ll love Wet Nose Wednesday. Your pup is invited to FNB Field on select Wednesdays to watch the Harrisburg Senators, a Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, take on their competitor.
This article was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
