Sometimes urban living can be difficult for dog owners because there aren’t enough green spaces and services available for their four-legged friends. Not so in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Manayunk. This lively walkable neighborhood offers several friendly spaces for your fur-babies and their best friend (you).

Roxborough Dog Park

Started in 2014 by a group of civic-minded dogs’ best friends, this local dog park started as a reclaimed empty lot. This non-profit park is run like a gym with a yearly membership fee and a gate access code. Each dog member must have all its vaccinations, and each human member must volunteer four hours a year towards park maintenance or special events. There are separate spaces for large and small dogs as well as toys.  Puppy play dates are encouraged.

Pretzel Park

If you and your pooch live in apartments Manayunk, you’ll be happy to know about Pretzel Park in the heart of the neighborhood. The park features pretzel sculptures and pretzel-shaped paths. There is a farmer’s market every Saturday for the humans and a dog-park with new fencing to keep canine high-jumpers safe. All the benches in the park were recently restored and the parks board hopes to refurbish the playground soon.

Schuylkill River Trail

If your dog doesn’t mind waking on a leash, the Schuylkill River Trail offers 30 miles of walkable paths. The interactive website allows you to plan your journey from the Manayunk neighborhood, so you don’t tire out your hiking buddy by walking too far.

Pet Friendly Dog Bakery

The name says it all with the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery on Main Street in Manayunk. This fun space offers the coolest tail-wagging dog treats you’ve ever seen (and purr-worthy cat treats too). For humans, this locally owned shop offers obedience classes, a coffee bar and a variety of pet-themed gift items.

Dogs need human companionship, high-quality food, and a place to exercise. All these factors are available in the Manayunk neighborhood. whether you live in a sprawling estate for a tiny apartment, this community is perfect for dog lovers.