Shortlisted as one of the top destinations to visit (in the world!) in 2021, the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love is filled with historic sites, award-winning restaurants, dozens of craft breweries, and oh so many vibrant neighborhoods to explore with your pup in tow.
Not all cities are created equal when it comes to catering to canines, but Philadelphia is definitely a dog-loving city. And it’s backed by data. When pet-advice website PetListed published its 2020 ranking of the 100 best American cities in which to own a dog, Philadelphia landed at number 13. Based on factors like proximity to green space, walkability, and the number of dog-friendly restaurants, the city truly is a paradise for your pooch.
From pet-friendly restaurants late-night bars to on-demand veterinarians and mobile dog groomers, here’s our dog-lovers guide to the city of Brotherly Love.
The Best Veterinarians in Philadelphia
If you’re looking for top-notch care for your pet, Philadelphia delivers. With the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine located just west of Center City, finding a provider at Ryan Veterinary Hospital is accessible for many locals. And if you need in-home care for your pet, Vetter is a Philly-based mobile clinic that can work around your schedule and come directly to you.
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Top-Rated Groomers in Philadelphia
Whether your pup needs a quick bath and nail trim or a full-on day at the spa, there are plenty of professional groomers to call in the Philadelphia area. The Groomin' Room offers a full range of services and takes care of both cats and dogs in its brick-and-mortar location, while Fairy Tales Mobile Grooming comes straight to you with a climate-controlled van and flexible scheduling.
Philadelphia Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from visiting the Liberty Bell or hanging with Gritty at a Flyers game, leash up your pup and head to one of the city’s many dog-friendly eateries. Grab a burger and take in the canine-themed decor at Good Dog Bar or enjoy some outdoor music at MilkBoy Philadelphia. In the summertime, visit Bok Bar, a rooftop restaurant with a rotating list of pop-up dinners created by local chefs.
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The Best Dog Parks in Philadelphia
Dedicated volunteer organizations help keep Philly’s off-leash dog parks in good condition, so consider donating to or joining a group closest to you. Queen Village K9, for example, runs the Mario Lanza Dog Park Improvement Project and hosts yappy hours, educational events and clean up opportunities that give locals and their pups a way to socialize and enjoy the shared green space.
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Rescue and Animal Shelters in Philadelphia
If you’re looking for another way to give back to Philly’s four-legged community or are considering adding a member to your pack, there are dozens of local rescue organizations to support. Morris Animal Refuge has the unique distinction of being the first animal shelter established in the United States, while the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) provides adoption opportunities and affordable veterinary care for owners in need.