Top 10 pet-friendly places in Philly

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
October 17, 2007

With the fall weather finally arriving in Philadelphia, take advantage of the last weeks before winter’s snow and slush by spending time outdoors with your favorite pet. Dogs, cats and other domesticated animals (read: no monkeys, pigs, alligators, etc.) are welcome and encouraged at the following restaurants, parks and stores.

10. Adobe Café—This Tex-Mex restaurant allows leashed dogs on the outdoor café premises while pet owners enjoy a meal of tacos and frozen drinks. At 4550 Mitchell St. in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, the Adobe Café offers a fairly inexpensive menu of fire-grilled sandwiches, Mexican-inspired pizzas, kebobs and fajitas.

9. Urban Outfitters—If you happen to be taking Rover for a walk down Walnut Street in Center City, stop by Urban Outfitters, which permits well-behaved, leashed dogs in the store. Located at 1627 Walnut St., Urban Outfitters carries clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women, along with apartment furnishings and entertainment items.

8. Labrador Coffee—Enjoy a cup of coffee during your morning dog walk in scenic Chestnut Hill at the Labrador Coffee shop at 6 E. Hartwell Lane. An outdoor patio allows guests to bring well-trained dogs along for a relaxing stop for a sandwich or pastry. Treat your four-legged companion to a healthy snack available at Labrador Coffee.

7. Segar Dog Park—Located on 11th Street between Lombard and South streets, Segar Dog Park features separate, fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. The Segar Park Dog Owners Association makes sure to construct and maintain a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere for local dogs and owners. Members of the SPDOA share health news and safety tips with the community and sponsor events to foster sociable relationships among area residents.

6. Devon Seafood Grille—The staff at Devon Seafood Grille, located at 225 S. 18th St., accommodates small pets with bowls of water at its outdoor café. Pet owners may enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner from the sea at Devon after a sunny stroll with Fido on the weekend. Fresh specialties at Devon include mahi mahi, rainbow trout, Chilean sea bass and tilapia.

5. Bonejour—Cats and dogs will forever love their owners after receiving gifts and treats from Bonejour at 14 N. 3rd St. Beds, collars, toys, grooming supplies and accessories are sold at Bonejour, where durability and superior ingredients are important for a happy, healthy pet.

4. Locust Point—This park at 2429 Locust St. is hosting a Dog Costume Parade and Party Oct. 20 at noon. Halloween-dressed dogs will take part in a parade, which will be followed by a fall fashion show and day-long events that include pet photos, a dog trainer and a pet psychic. Complimentary refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded for the best pet costumes.

3. White Dog Café—Located at 3420 Sansom St., the White Dog Café unites fabulous cuisine with community activism. Offering a contemporary American menu made with organic ingredients, White Dog is also part of a community-building project with its sister restaurants. The programs include mentoring and multicultural events, community tours, guest speakers, storytelling and donations to non-profit organizations such as White Dog Community Enterprises. Guests may purchase gifts and accessories in honor of favorite pets at the adjacent Black Cat Shop.

2. Lowes Philadelphia Hotel—This hotel at 1200 Market St. is a great get-a-way for pets and their owners alike. Lowes offers two-legged guests access to Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Zoo, the Kimmel Center and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, all within three miles of the hotel. To accommodate the smaller, furry friends, Lowes provides food and water bowls, special treats, dog and cat beds, litter boxes and room service menus.

1. Chic Petique—Find the perfect gift for your cuddly companion at this pet boutique. All products sold at Chic Petique are natural and chemical-free, healthy for any four-legged friend. Occasionally, the 616 S. 3rd St. shop has for adoption previously abused and abandoned dogs. The Chic Petique Foundation, in conjunction with Street Tails, is dedicated to helping the homeless animals of Philadelphia by helping meet their medical needs and placing them in compatible and loving homes.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu