Many city hotels welcome four-legged companions. The Hotel Sofitel, Society Hill Sheraton, Rittenhouse Hotel, and Loews Philadelphia Hotel allow all sorts and sizes of pets to stay for free. Loews also loans out pet beds, bowls, leashes, and collars; offers a map of dog-walking routes; and, for an extra fee, dog walking and pet sitting. Pets that find no room in inns can sleep in luxury at Mazzu's Canine and Feline Hotel, 334 N. Water St. (tel. 215/923-8326; www.mazzus.com), the city's first pet-designated boutique hotel, which offers mini, regular, and double canine and feline suites, with TVs and DVD players, a pet spa, and dog walking.
Most restaurants with outdoor cafes -- such as Philadelphia Fish & Company, Derek's, Fork, and, not surprisingly, University City's White Dog Café -- allow dogs to accompany human eaters. Pups who prefer to preen as they sup can angle for a primo sidewalk table and gleaming water dish at elegant Rouge, right across from Rittenhouse Square.
Dog-friendly parks and designated runs dot the city. Best in show include Washington Square at 6th and Walnut streets, the Front and Chestnut Dog Park, and Center City Dog Park at 25th and Delancey streets.
For 24/7 small-pet emergencies, the best (albeit often most expensive) source for help is Penn's acclaimed Ryan Veterinary Hospital at 39th and Spruce streets (tel. 215/746-VETS or 215/746-8911; www.vet.upenn.edu/ryan).
National websites worth a gander include www.petswelcome.com, www.pettravel.com, and www.travelpets.com.
