What better way to celebrate Philly’s furry friends than with some cute pet-friendly activations? Here is where to celebrate National Dog Day (Aug. 26th) in Philadelphia in 2023.
Dock Street Brewing Company
This South Philly brewery is hosting a special activation in honor of Philly pups. The Pawtraits Pop-Up will kick off on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., and will offer two digital portraits for furry friends priced at $20 (which you will receive the same day.)
Dogs can chill in the Brewery Room before or after their close-ups, and the brewery will also be selling the Dock Street Found Friends, a Hazy IPA brewed to benefit the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Available on tap or in a take-home 4-pack, each 4-pack sold will contribute $1 to support PAWS’ mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city for sheltered animals.
2218 Washington Ave., dockstreetbeer.com
Ghost Light Inn
Why not take a trip for National Dog Day? New Hope’s picturesque hotel is offering a special package for families with furry friends. As a release states, Ghost Light Inn offers a Dog Lover’s Delight Package which includes a loaded doggy basket upon arrival featuring “extra special treats for every pup that walks through the door.” Dog Lover’s Delight is available Wednesday through Sunday for $300 (in addition to the room rate) and includes a doggy bandana, personalized dog tag, a Ghost Light Inn collar, and more.
50 S Main St., New Hope, ghostlightinn.com
Urban Farmer
For National Dog Day and beyond, Urban Farmer’s newly launched pup menu is there to celebrate all of Philly’s furry friends. The menu from Executive Chef Sonny Ingui features different “Pupetizers”, “Big Bark Bites”, and even a “Doggy Dessert” served in a custom YETI bowl. Highlights from the Puppy Menu include a peanut butter and banana bowl ($5), beef tenderloin bits ($13), and a strawberry banana “ice cream” ($7).
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
Royal Boucherie
This Old City hotspot is offering the chance to be charitable and eat some delicious dogs—hot dogs that is—with the Dogs on Deck event. This glizzie cooking competition takes place on the venue’s second-floor patio just two days before National Dog Day, and will benefit the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
Chefs from Royal Boucherie, Khyber Pass Pub, Porco’s Porchetteria, Rosemary and Redcrest Kitchen will be competing, and attendees will be able to sample each of the contestant’s hotdogs. Complimentary cocktails will be provided courtesy of Boardroom Spirits, the co-sponsor of the event, and additionally, Royal Boucherie will hold a raffle for guests. Tickets are $40 per person and are available for purchase via Tock.
52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com
Red Owl Tavern
It’s not exactly on National Dog Day, but the establishment’s Yappy Hour is back this week, aka a happy hour for both imbibers and their four-legged pals that features food and beverage offerings for all involved, available every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., a release states.
The menu spans options tailored specifically for pets, plus some adult beverages, like their Patio Spritz (a craft cocktail with Tito’s Vodka, aperol, and prosecco topped with the day’s Fever Tree soda and garnished with an orange twist). A portion of proceeds from sales of the Tito’s Vodka-based drinks during Yappy Hour will also be donated to Philly PAWS.
433 Chestnut St., redowltavern.com
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District
This South Philly neighborhood is home to more than 160 independently-owned shops and restaurant—including plenty of animal-friendly shops and retailers. Philadelphians can head to Amelie’s Bark Shop, a pet boutique and bakery specializing in handmade and eco-friendly treats and accessories for dogs and cats, or Doggie Style Pets to check out options focused on specialty foods, thoughtfully-curated supplies, and nose-to-tail grooming with adoption services readily available. For those looking to pamper their furry friends, Sally’s Paw Spaw, a high-quality, certified dog grooming salon, is also in the area.
