Posted: September 2, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Dog owners looking for a pet-friendly city need look no further than Philadelphia – at least according to the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp., which sent out a press release late August touting the city as a haven for pet lovers. As it turns out, the city of brotherly love also has lots of love for pets, with many hotels, restaurants, and retail shops that welcome visitors and their canine companions.
“Philly is up there with some of the most pet-friendly cities,” said Cara Schneider, media relations director for The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. “A lot of cities are opening their eyes to how much people are willing to do with their pets and how they want to have them in their lives.”
At the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, dogs or cats weighing 15 pounds or less can stay for no extra charge.
“We’re a family-friendly hotel and pets are definitely part of the family,” said Farra D’Orazio, public relations manager for the Four Seasons.
Dogs and their owners can dine alfresco at Derek’s in Manayunk, a neighborhood in the western section of Philadelphia.
“Manayunk is full of dog lovers,” said manager Kim Pizio. “Here you can have lunch and sit outside with your dog. It’s convenient.”
Visitors looking to do some shopping while in town will find plenty of stores dedicated to pets, like Bonejour Pet Supply, which offers premium foods, toys and accessories for cats and dogs. And just like their owners, pets can receive a little pampering at local spas.
For Schneider, it’s no surprise Philadelphia has picked up on the pet-friendly trend.
“I really have seen in the last handful of years a big rise in the number of stories about traveling with pets, and at the same time more pets places are opening in the city and in other cities too,” Schneider said. “The bottom line is people want it.”