The ultimate guide to dog-friendly Pittsburgh

May 27, 2021 - 3 min read
Explore All The Steel City Has to Offer Your Pup

With a modern, vibrant downtown and plenty of places to explore on two—or four!—feet, Pittsburgh is a perfect place for dog lovers to call home.

Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio, Pittsburgh’s one of a kind skyline and nearby mountains give the city a vibrant feel any time of year. And although it may be known as The Steel City, the Burgh has become increasingly popular for it’s theaters, museums and public art installations.

Made up of 90 distinct communities, Pittsburgh is known for having more “named” neighborhoods than any other American city. Get to know the area by bringing your dog to a ball game, exploring the extra dog-friendly Shadyside neighborhood or taking in the view at Point State Park. Are Yinz ready to find out what else Pittsburgh has to offer its pet people?

Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants

With more than 30 craft breweries and a strong food and beer culture, there are a number of dog-friendly locations to explore. Start with a visit to Allegheny City Brewing, where you can enjoy the atmosphere from an outdoor patio and food from a local food truck, then make your way to Federal Galley, where you can support an ever-rotating menu of tasty food served up by local chefs.

10 Great Bars and Bites in the Burgh

Pittsburgh-Area Groomers

Make bath time easier for yourself and your pup by leaving things to the pros. Greenfield Grooming Salon, located right by the city’s historic Schenley Park, is the perfect place to stop after a long walk (or roll in the mud). If you’re committed to taking the DIY route, Lather. A Pet Bathhouse offers full grooming services in addition to providing you with all the supplies you need to bathe and groom your dog on your own, including access to a high-power dryer.

Where to Get Your Pup Cleaned Up

The Best Veterinarians in Pittsburgh

If you’re looking for a veterinarian with a long history of exceptional care, you’re in luck, as many Pittsburgh-area vets have decades of experience treating animals in the area. Werntz Memorial Animal Hospital was established in 1919 and is one of the oldest and highest-rated practices in the city. Avalon Veterinary Hospital, meanwhile, has been in business for over 50 years and its providers make occasional house calls to pets that cannot be transported safely.

10 Top-Rated Pittsburgh Veterinarians

Off-Leash Dog Parks and Hikes in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh boasts hundreds of acres of outdoor space, including a number of dog parks and off-leash spaces for you and your pup to enjoy. Frick Park, a massive 644 acre green space, is a must visit for any pet parent and has two off-leash areas for small and large dogs. Riverview Dog Park is another large space with beautiful views and wooded trails for some on-leash hiking opportunities within the city.

6 Places to Play in the City

Pittsburgh Animal Shelters and Rescues

Ready to add to your pack? Humane Animal Rescue is the largest animal welfare organization in Pennsylvania and has adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits in addition to offering dog training services for new adopters and pet parents. Or if you’re looking for low-cost veterinary care, Animal Friends offers wellness appointments at affordable prices for those who need it in addition to pairing companion animals to veterans at no cost.

Where to Adopt a New Pet or Give Back to Pittsburgh’s Animals