Are you looking for a Philadelphia dog park? Dog Parks are a wonderful way for you and your dog to go somewhere exciting! They provide a safe space for dogs to interact with other dogs and get in lots of off-leash playtime. Dog Parks are also a perfect way for people to meet other people and set up a puppy playdate. While at the dog  park, remember to keep a close eye on your pup. Your dog and other dogs’ behavior is unpredictable so pay attention. Additionally, your dog should remain off-leash unless coming or going. Leash aggression is common in dogs, so your dog should be on-leash only near entrances and exits. Many parks have a small holding area. This is an excellent place to leash or un-leash your pet.

Although it may be tempting, it is never a good idea to let your dog off-leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area. Unleashed dogs often upset leashed dogs, and you never know if your pup is going to say “hi” to an aggressive pup or a friendly one. Many people (and dogs) are very afraid of dogs, so having an unleashed dog  run up to them can ruin their day at the park. Even with excellent recall, unleashed dogs can become distracted and run into small children, food, animal carcasses, or traffic. Be considerate of your dog and others by keeping them leashed in mixed use parks.

Dog Friendly Hot Spots (leashes required):

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and National Park

916 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Old Swedes is a lovely dog friendly church and cemetery. There are plenty of grass and trees. In the spring a beautiful mulberry tree provides delicious treats for hungry walkers. Every year the reverend performs a blessing of the animals right in the chapel. This is officially an on-leash park; however, there are often a number of off leash dogs playing in the field out back. If your dog isn’t great with other off leash dogs, you may want to steer clear. Taking your dog off leash is at your own risk. The field is considered a national park, and you can be ticketed by park rangers.

Jefferson Square Park

3rd and Washington, Philadelphia 19148

Jefferson Square Park is a city park with benches and the occasional event (such as hosting the end of the Naked Bike Ride this year). It has sidewalk, grass, trees, and benches.

Dickinson Square Park

Moyamensing and Tasker, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Dickinson Square Park is a great park with a playground, grass, and basketball court. The community provides 4 poo bag stations around the park and dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed.

Rittenhouse Square Park

16th and Locust, Philadelphia 19103

The famous Rittenhouse Square is a bustling, beautiful park that is always full of dogs and events. The park provides poo bag stations, trees, and well maintained grass.

Washington Square Park

8th and Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

Washington Square Park is a beautiful, large, historic, and sometimes somber park where plenty of pooches are walked. It features a memorial to George Washington and to all the unknown soldiers that died during the American Revolution.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is almost 15 square miles and features trails, ponds, the Schuykill River, and 63 parks! What more could a dog want?

Clark Park Dog Bowl

4398 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

The Clark Park Dog Bowl is right off of busy Baltimore Ave. in West Philly in Clark Park. It is big, concave “bowl” where pooches can let off some steam by running up and down the hill. Clark Park often has events such as farmer’s and flea markets, Shakespeare in the Park, and LARP-ing for children on Saturday mornings.

Laurel Hill Cemetery

3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132

http://laurel-hill-cemetery.mybigcommerce.com/

Laurel Hill Cemetery is a beautiful, dog friendly, historical cemetery in Fairmount Park. The park has events and even hosts tours!

From our friends on Facebook and Twitter

“Lucky’s Last Chance, Philadelphia Java Co, O’Neal’s, The Dive, Shot Tower are all dog friendly!”

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