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Located just northeast of Center City, Fishtown neighborhood is full of vibrant places to visit with great food, places to shop, and great places to explore.
And of course, Fishtown’s furry friends don’t get overlooked either.
Palmer Doggie Depot, located on Palmer St. in Fishtown, is a place where dogs can meet other dogs and play. This nonprofit dog park started in 2015, and slowly started offering various community events such as dog first aid training and dog training sessions. They even offer fun events like pool parties and dog weddings.
Palmer Doggie Depot got its name from the train station that once stood in the neighborhood and became an important part of the community’s identity. Since then, the park has incorporated elements related to that original design and has embedded itself in the neighborhood in a way that honors and respects its history.
Funded by the Penn Treaty Special Services District, the depot is run with a board of volunteers.
Board president Mary Acker and vice president Sara Autori explained that the space is meant for community engagement and events that are driven by feedback from the residents nearby.
“What we try to cultivate at the park is a place for people and dogs, and so predominantly the park is just used for people to exercise their dogs, but people end up being there for two hours. When you’re spending so much of your time at the park, we want to make sure that your time is well utilized and comfortable as well.” Autori said.
Their goal at the park is to host events that can also teach dog owners additional information on how to further make their furry friends more comfortable. Partnering with Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), every six months, they host a first aid event where owners can learn about CPR, wound management, and allergies as the summer season approaches.
“I think one of the most important things is that there aren’t that many leash-free spaces in Fishtown or the city in general, and this is one of those spaces, it’s a dedicated space for dogs in a place that doesn’t always have,” Acker said.
Having a dog in Fishtown has given residents a chance to have friendships and talk to the community members, not only about their pets but also about their lives outside.
More than just the depot
Apart from Palmer Doggie Depot, there’s also a range of various dog-friendly businesses that Autori and Acker have recommended as well.
“I think you could really spend an entire day out with your dog, from waking up, coffee, a bagel, to late-night drinks with friends. I know Philly’s such a big sports city, and especially right now, there are so many cool businesses that have a TV and a yard, and your dog is welcome,” Acker said.
Local businesses such as The Head & The Hand bookstore allow dogs inside, while ReAnimator Coffee lets dog owners bring their dogs in to order, though customers are encouraged to sit outside while enjoying their coffee.
Palmer Doggie Depot has collaborated with other businesses, such as Evil Genius Beer Company to host “Yappy Hour” every Friday in the summer, with a portion of the sales being donated to the park.
They have also emphasized the importance of recognizing business rules and being responsible for one’s dog behavior as well. Acker and Autori stressed the importance of cleaning up after your dog and being a good neighbor in Fishtown.
Other dog-friendly businesses in Fishtown that come highly recommended include Interstate Drafthouse, Humble Parlor Brewing Company, Myers Brewing Company, and Ham + Bone, where staff members are eager to learn every dog’s name and always ask how they’re doing.
“I think a lot of the businesses that allow dogs in Fishtown really have that mentality that our dogs never leave us, we are all just together, and your dog is a part of the fabric, so as long as you’re a responsible dog owner and neighbor, it can be really fun to create relationships that include your dog,” Autori said.
Palmer Doggie Depot offers community nights every Tuesday of the month, where people can ask Autori and Acker any questions regarding the space or how to help dogs be a good neighbor. With any upcoming events, they use Instagram and Facebook, where they can get in touch with people in Fishtown.
“We care about Fishtown, we care about Fishtown being a good and safe space for dogs, and we care about being good community members to the businesses and neighbors around us, and so just wanted to highlight that too. The space has been there, and we really try and activate it as part of the fabric of the neighborhood,” Autori said
Through community events, local partnerships, and everyday interactions between neighbors, Palmer Doggie Depot has become an important part of what makes Fishtown feel welcoming and connected. Any donations can be made via their website.
