There’s a difference between spaces that allow our best pals and the ones who are truly dog friendly. Pet expert Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat joined us on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to share how to have the pawwwfect Pittsburgh day — plus the rules for her patented four-paw rating system.
Pack A Doggie Bag
Just like you would for a kid, bring a bag filled with necessities: water and a portable bowl, snacks, and toys. Check out Wagsburgh in East Allegheny. The North Side pet supply store carries healthy treats and even dog biscotti from Enrico Biscotti in the Strip District.
Determine Your Destination
Breweries are great for doggie dates, and we’re lucky to have so many in Pittsburgh. Mistick developed a 🐾four-paw rating system for what brew spots are best.
🐾 Your dog is allowed but has to be outside.
🐾🐾 You can order a beer while holding your dog’s leash.
🐾🐾🐾 There’s a place for your dog to sit that isn’t gravel.
🐾🐾🐾🐾 There’s a lot of open space for your dog to run around.
Mistick gives four paws to Big Sewickley Creek Brewery, Helltown Brewery in Greensburg, and Allegheny City Brewing in East Allegheny (they have dog treats behind the counter!). Grist House Craft Brewery in Millvale gets three paws because there are “sometimes more dogs than people.”
If you’re not a beer drinker, Mistick suggests checking out Big Dog Coffee’s patio in the South Side.
Follow Dog-Owner Etiquette
Mistick says it’s important to have manners if we want Pittsburgh to become more dog friendly because “one person can ruin it for everyone else.” This includes recognizing that some people don’t feel safe around dogs and keeping yours on a leash. “When I go out, I bring a towel or mat, and I’ve trained my dogs to go to their ‘place.’”
Take your pup’s needs into consideration too. “Get in tune with your dog,” Mistick says. “If they are barking or pulling, then they’re probably not having a great time, and it's time to go home.”
