No matter what type of pet you have-- dog, cat, bird, or reptile-- Pittsburghers seem to be especially tied to their animal friends. And when they go out, they expect to be able to bring their four-legged friends with them! Luckily, our city understands this and has adapted accordingly. Pet-friendly places-- including many restaurants and bars-- have been popping up all over town in recent years, and more and pet parents feel confident they can bring their pet with them and enjoy spending time together. In this article we’re going to list the top pet-friendly places to bring your Fido or Fluffy in Pittsburgh.
In order to be sure and keep your pet safe during all their outdoor (and indoor) excursions, make sure Fauna Silver Spray is in your first aid kit for any unexpected abrasions!
Pirates Pup Nights
PNC Park, North Shore
Every Tuesday home game in 2019
Cost: $36 (1 person and 1 dog)
- Pups receive a special gift with a purchase on April 23, September 3, and September 24
- A portion of the proceeds benefit local shelters
- Tickets are limited!
In a city that just loves their dogs, the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Park have teamed up with local shelters to offer Pup Nights-- where fans can bring their dogs to the games-- on Tuesday home games. This is a really popular event, so there are limited tickets. However, if you can get a ticket, you and your pup are in for a treat! Dogs can sit right with their owners in the stands and cheer on the Pirates to a victory. There are even special prize nights, where every ticket purchased to pup night comes with a free gift. Perhaps the best gift of all-- besides spending a nice summer evening with your dog at a baseball game-- is that a portion of all the proceeds goes to local animal shelters. Now that’s something a dog-friendly city like Pittsburgh can get behind!
Point State Park
Downtown Pittsburgh
601 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-565-2580
If you’re looking for a place that’s not too far from home to take your dog for a run, consider checking out Point State Park. Located where the three rivers meet, this park is a great option for dog owners. And if your cat is good with the leash, bring them along as well! With two large fields, you can play frisbee or fetch and never have to worry about running into another dog’s space. There are also some quiet, shady trails that are a nice respite from the sun. With paths attached to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, you can walk around the city to your-- and your dog’s-- hearts content. Offering fantastic views along the way, most of the trails closely follow the river and offer easy on/off access.
Lucky Paws Resort
2273 Lovi Rd.
Freedom, PA 15042
724-728-1484
Lucky Paws is your one-stop shop for all things dog! In addition to being a full service overnight facility, Lucky Paws also offers day-care as well. If you don’t like the idea of leaving your best friend home in the house all day, consider using this service at Lucky Paws. They’ll be able to run and and play in their indoor facility and dog park. Plus, they’ll get the chance to meet other dogs and continue to develop their socialization skills. If it’s training you need, they offer that as well. From intense boot-camp courses, to learning to develop consistent obedience, there is a class available for your dog’s needs. When the warm weather rolls around, don’t forget to use their salon and spa services. They groom cats as well!
“Excellent, caring staff. I take my puppy to daycare 2 to 3-days per week. They are like a second family! She gets excited every time we pull into their parking lot. I even get a report card to let me know who she played with and what toys she favored.” --Carrie R. Yelp Review
Frick Park
1981 Beechwood Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-682-7275
The largest of the city of Pittsburgh’s municipal parks, Frick Park is a favorite amongst pet owners. With green areas and beautiful woods, there is always something new to explore. Whether you want to hike on the trails, or go for a jog, this is a great park to do it in. When you’re done with the trails, be sure to stop off at their dog park as well, for some off-leash playtime with your pet. The cold Pittsburgh winters don’t hamper the fun either, and when the snow hits, take your pet along for a cold, but fun, day at the park.
“Frick Park is a nice place to walk, take your dog and/or your kids for a few hours of fun. There is also some good food around to try and just all out have a good time.” --Elizabeth J. Yelp Review
Carnegie Dog Park
200 Cooks Lane
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-276-1414
Located in Carnegie, this dog park is attached to Carnegie Park and is a popular spot for Pittsburghers to bring their pets. If you’re looking for a nice place your dog can run-- and get to meet new dogs as well-- then consider checking out the Carnegie Dog Park. Pittsburghers like to make a whole day of it, as the park also includes shelters for picnics and fun playground equipment for the kids. There is also a skateboarding park too, if you’re up for that!
“We love taking our puppy to the dog park. Plenty of room to run & play. They keep it rather clean.” --Malarie J. Yelp Review
Bernard Dog Run
Lawrenceville
3 Rivers Heritage Trail System
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Bernard Dog Run is a community managed dog park in the Lawrenceville area of Pittsburgh. Located in a part of the city that didn’t have much green area, the members of the community decided to refurbish a part of it and make it for their dogs. The Bernard Dog Run has both green and mulch areas, separate sections for large and small dogs, seating for humans and even play structures for the dogs. It has proved to be very successful, and is not only a great asset for Lawrenceville, but also shows that when the community comes together they can get things done.
“It's a great run for dogs to play and get out energy. Two fenced in areas with a smaller one for little or skittish dogs. Bowls with water are all over and benches for humans when we need a rest. Talk about hidden gems in a city this is one of them.” --Karla D. Yelp Review
Reading with Rover
Animal Friends
562 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-847-7000
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Animal Friends of Pittsburgh offers a couple of literacy outreach programs-- involving both animals and children. Their Reading with Rover program is designed to help struggling or shy children increase their reading aptitude by reading out loud to dogs. The dogs in the program encourage a more relaxed environment, and it enables the children to gain more confidence. It is a one-on- one session too, so there’s not a large audience for those struggling with shyness. They also offer a PALS (Pet-Assisted Literary Services) program where children can interact with an approved literacy dog and participate in a literacy activity . Animal Friends offers many other educational opportunities, so if you’re interested, check out their available courses.
Dormont Pool Doggie Dip
Dormont Pool
1801 Dormont Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Labor Day weekend
At the end of a long, hot summer, what better way to welcome the Fall than with a Doggie Dip in the Dormont Pool? Taking place on Labor Day weekend, the pool reserves the last swim of the year for the dogs of Pittsburgh. Dogs love to swim, and what better way to give them the chance then at the Dormont Pool! There are other pools in the area that offer this dip as well-- including the Sandcastle Water park-- and before draining their pools for the summer let the dogs have a fun day in the water.
When you’re looking for something fun to do in Pittsburgh, don’t be afraid to bring along your furry friend! There are some cool places just for them to have a good romp, as well as an increasing number of restaurants, shops, and hotels In Pittsburgh that are all pet friendly.