Many places in Pennsylvania are friendly to pets. Numerous hotels and attractions welcome well behaved friendly pets. It is best to call these places in advance of visiting with pets to check on rules.
The website Trips with Pets is a good resource for hotel accommodations with pets. This site recommends Best Western, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Hilton, and Marriott as pet friendly chains. Check with individual hotels about particular pet accommodations or find requirements for leashes or cages.
In addition to hotels, at least thirty state parks have campgrounds friendly to pets. Check out Pennsylvania’s DCNR State Parks for pet friendly campgrounds. Be aware that there are rules for having pets on leashes. Many of these parks are in isolated areas where an unleashed pet might come into contact with wildlife.
Presque Isle near Erie, Pennsylvania is a state park with pet friendly beaches. The outdoor lover will not want to miss this beautiful park on Lake Erie.
Outside of Pittsburgh the Air Heritage Museum at the Beaver County Airport is an attraction that
welcomes pets. In the city of Pittsburgh there are off-leash dog parks such as Frick Park, Upper Frick Dog Park, and Hartwood Acres, a venue for free summertime concerts. Shoppers can take their dogs to pet friendly Station Square on the waterfront in downtown Pittsburgh.
Overall Philadelphia seems more pet friendly than Pittsburgh. There are many off-leash dog friendly parks like Chester Avenue Dog Park, Eastern State Dog Pen, Pretzel Park Dog Run, and Schuylkill Park Dog Run.
Dog friendly historic sites also exist. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site, Gloria Dei Church, the oldest church in Pennsylvania, or Independence National Historic Park. Other pet friendly attractions are the South Street District and Ben Franklin Bridge.
The West Chester-Chadds Ford Area near Philadelphia is also pet friendly. Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site and Newlin Grist Mill allow dogs. Enjoy a pet friendly canoe trip on the Brandywine River with the Northbrook Canoe Company. The following are pet friendly outdoor restaurants: The Brickside Grill, Kennett Square Inn, and Four Dogs Tavern.
In Dutch Country numerous hotels are friendly to pets. There are pet friendly outdoor restaurants such as Isaac’s and the Kettle House Cafe. Buggy rides accommodate pets as does The Amish Farm and House. You can also visit Wheatland, President Buchanan’s estate. Let your dog run off some energy at Buchanon Park Dog Park in Lancaster.
The Harrisburg-Hershey area has several pet friendly attractions. Union Canal Canoe Rental and Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex both welcome dogs. For just $10 a day leave your dog at air conditioned Hersheypark Amusement Park Kennels, then visit the park knowing your pet is cool. To exercise your dog, try either Lower Paxton Dog Park or Lower Allen Dog Park. Both are off-leash parks.
Pennsylvania has many beautiful and historic places to explore with your friendly pets. Plan ahead for the best results when visiting these pet friendly places. Prepare for your pet by packing toys, travel sickness medication, and a little food and water. You and your pet will benefit from well laid plans and your advance knowledge of pet friendly places.
