Dog Days Of Summer: Where To Take Your Pet During The Warmer Months

The Dog Days of summer might be upon us, but as anyone with a pup will tell you, every day is actually a dog day! Luckily, the concept of "brotherly love" extends to Philadelphia's pets, too. Here's where to take yours this summer in the city. –Chelsea Karnash

Tavern 17's 'Canine Delights'

Daily

Your pup doesn't have to starve while you dine out in the city! At Tavern 17, there's actually a canine menu that includes scrumptious options like the "Bow Wow Cluck" (pulled chicken), "Hound Dog Heaven" (an all-beef patty) and even the "Veggie Pup," a fried tomato. Just make sure to keep your pet on a leash and out of the way of pedestrians at all times while he/she digs in.

Yappy Hour

Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.

The Independence Visitors Center on Independence Mall is offering a special dog-friendly happy hour this summer, aptly-named "Yappy" Hour. Happening every Thursday, the event includes $1 hot dogs and $4 Dogfish Head ales. And don't worry—your dog won't spend three hours begging, because Crosswalk has treats on-hand for pups!

Bring Your Own Dog Brunch

Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Animal-loving chef Guillermo Tellez has brought back Square 1682's beloved BYODog Brunch for the summer, featuring pretty outdoor seating and an all-new menu for the four-legged crowd that includes options like Lola's Bowl with beef tartare, raw egg, rice and carrots; or Yodi's Chow, made from chicken, steel-cut oats, seasonal veggies, white beans and cheddar. Plus, $1 from every canine meal sold will go towards Operation Ava, and there will be adoptable dogs on-site…just in case you're looking for another furry friend!

Dog-friendly Happy Hour

Last Tuesday of the month, 5 – 8 p.m.

No bones about it (couldn't resist!)—Wissahickon Park's historic Valley Green Inn is one of the most beautiful places to eat within city limits. Settle in on the covered patio and enjoy some drinks with Fido at your side during this monthly event, when dogs are welcome and fifty-percent of drink proceeds benefit PAWS.

CITY DOG PARKS

Have a pooch with energy to spare? Take 'em to one of these local dog parks, where they—and you!—can exercise and socialize.

Wissahickon Valley Park and Beach
Kitchens Ave at Wissahickon Ln
Sunrise – Sunset
On Leash

Take your dog to a doggie beach-in-the-city! To reach it, park at Kitchens Lane and take the path to the left past the wooden gate, down a dirt/rocky hill and over the stone bridge. The "beach" is to the left, right past the bridge.

I-95 Dog Park
Front & Chestnut Sts, near the Irish Memorial

This fenced in dog park has mulch base and benches—so you can relax while your pup expends some energy.

Mario Lanza Dog Park
Catharine St between 2nd & 3rd Sts
www.qvna.org
Park closed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

This Queen Village park is fenced in and has water fountains, benches, trees, tables and lights. Dogs must be on leashes outside the dog run.

Passyunk/Columbus Square Dog Park
12th & Reed Sts

Hang out in this fenced in dog park, which has stumps for energetic pooches to climb and jump on.

Orianna Hill Dog Park
900 N Orianna St
www.oriannahill.org

Formerly an abandoned lot, Orianna Hill opened as a community garden in 1992. Neighbors successfully petitioned for the dog run to be added a few years later. It's entirely kept up through donations, so dog-owners must become members and make a donation ($50 is suggested) to go.

Schuylkill River Run Dog Park
25th St between Pine & Locust Sts
www.phillyfido.org

There's Astroturf and a separate small dog area at this park, plus drinking fountains. But bring water for your dog in the colder months, when the fountains are shut off to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Seger Dog Park
1000 Lombard St
www.segerdogrun.org
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

This fenced in park was built in 2005, and many call it the best in the city for pups. There are shade trees, benches, mulch ground cover, and drinking water, but be sure to bring your own water in the winter. And consider making a $35 donation to upkeep—this spot is entirely donation-supported.

Triangle Dog Park
Under I-95 where Aramingo, Fletcher and E Girard meet

This is one of the city's less-crowded dog parks; perhaps because there seems to be no way to find information about it! There are a number of benches and picnic tables, but apparently no running water, so bring your own.

Pretzel Dog Park (Manayunk)
Silverwood & Rector St
www.friendsofpretzelpark.org

This adorably-named park is fenced in on three sides and has a low wall on the fourth. There are foot-operated water fountains for the dogs, and frequenters praise it for being "un-cliquey."

Want to plan the perfect day for your pup? Check out our guide here.

Keep your pet cool with our list of spots where dogs can swim.

Planning to bring your dog on vacation? Here's a list of pet-friendly resorts nearby.