Pet Friendly Things to do in Philadelphia

Philadelphia – the city that booed Santa Claus -- may have a reputation for surliness, but don’t tell that to the friendly Philadelphians who operate pet-friendly businesses there. The City of Brotherly love must have been founded with a pooch named “Brotherly” in mind, because this is a city that loves to let its visitors love their four-legged companions.

First, you and Pooch Magooch are going to need someplace to stay. Philadelphia offers a wide range of options. Of course, Motel 6 and Super 8 offer low rates and allow your furry friend to join you, and many of the extremely high end hotels will accommodate any species if the price is right. The issue becomes the hotel’s policies regarding extra fees or condemning guests and pets to less desirable rooms. Many hotels also have surprise limitations on the size of the canine guests. For example, the Loews Philadelphia is a class establishment all the way with moderately priced rooms. They don’t restrict the number or size of the pets who they allow, but they charge $125 for the privilege. This fee might work out to be a bargain for travelers bringing multiple pets for multiple nights, but if you’re looking for a short stay with one animal friend, this fee is excessive. Still, the pets do get treated well there.

At the Rittenhouse Hotel, up to two pets can stay, and the fee is only $50, much more in line with fees paid everywhere. The Rittenhouse has a rule against leaving pets unattended in rooms (and even if your hotel doesn’t have such a rule, it’s a safe bet your dog does). But the concierge provides a walking/sitting service by the hour for those who would like some time away from ol’ Marmaduke.

Meanwhile, out by the airport, the Sheraton Four Points has no limits on pets. Presumably, a traveler could bring an entire kennel of dogs and caboodle of cats without any consequences. There is no pet fee, and the cost per room is also quite reasonable. Of course, the downside is that the hotel is out near the airport.

Many of these hotels provide maps and directions to dog-friendly parks and trails when it’s time for Spot to stretch his legs. No fewer than a half-dozen parks in Philadelphia are dog-friendly, with another half dozen allowing off-leash activity. Rittenhouse Square boasts a downtown location for swanky shih tzus and well-to-do welshies, and the Schuylkill River Park proudly continues to pamper its pets by regularly adding improvements, including water fountains for the pooches in both the large and the small dog ares, improved surfaces on the dog run, and a squad of volunteers who maintain the park. Future improvements continue to proceed, earning the Schuylkill River Park ongoing praise and regular accolades in the Philadelphia press.

After a day out on the town, treat Rex to a visit to The Bone Appetite K-9 Bakery & Boutique. Nestled in the pet-positive neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, Bone Appetite sells clothing and food for your buddy, but they do more as well. A personal touch and knowledgeable staff help earn this business its tremendous reputation. They have experts on staff to help fit your pet with new gear, and maintain vigilance on your behalf, keeping a close watch on recalls of food, treats, and other risks.

Although Bone Appetite does help you choose food for your pup, many travelers will want to enjoy a mean along with their companions. PYT is hip and exciting, targeting a younger crowd. They have a nice burgers-and-beers type menu, and encourage you to bring your buddy along to enjoy the day on their patio. And with offerings like the Veal Parmesan Burger and the Krispy Kreme Burger (a Krispy Kreme Donut serves as the bun, and the filling includes a hamburger, cheese, and chocolate-covered bacon), you will never get tired of the fare.

Philadelphia was the birthplace of America, and has a long exciting tradition for travelers with broad interests, and now they don’t need to leave their quadrupedal sidekicks behind, either. If you are a phanatic for Philly, bring your pet along next time and see the city in a whole new and exciting way.