Manayunk: Five Places Pet Owners Need to Know

Julia Held and her dog, Lilly. are playing fetch at Pretzel Park

Located in the lush northwestern section of Philadelphia, Manayuk is well known for its booming commercial district centered on Main Street, which runs parallel to the Schuylkill River. The combination of entrepreneurial animal lovers and the plentiful array of paths and parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhood make Manayunk a great place to have a pet. Here are five of Manayunk’s best spots for cats, dogs and their owners to stay happy, healthy and entertained.

Manayunk Dog Park in Pretzel Park

Tucked one block above Main Street sits the green oasis with the silver pretzel statue. Pretzel Park (above) has been a fixture of the Manayunk neighborhood since 1929 but wasn’t given much loving attention until revitalization efforts began in 1998. Since then, the Friends of Pretzel Park coalition, with the help of city and state officials, community leaders and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, has transformed the space into a pet owner’s paradise.

Four-legged guests are specifically accommodated with a gated “dog run” area as well as complementary waste bags. The dog park’s volunteer-run website encourages a strong community of pets and owners by featuring a gallery of some beloved pups as well as a profile on a “pooch of the week” available for adoption.

Winnie's LeBus outside sitting area for dog owners
Winnie’s LeBus outside seating area for dog owners and other customers is located right on Main Street

Winnie’s LeBus

Nothing says summer quite like eating a fresh, seasonal meal under the sun.

At Winnie’s LeBus on Main Street, pets can enjoy this luxury alongside their owners in the restaurant’s pet-friendly outdoor seating area. An offshoot of LeBus Artisan Bakery, Winnie’s has been a fixture on Main Street for more than a decade. Originally a mill building, the space retains some historical elements such as exposed brick walls that characterize Manayunk’s aesthetic appeal.

Austin Tremellen and Brody going on a walk in the Wissahickon Park
Austin Tremellen and Brody going on a walk in the Wissahickon Park

Manayunk Pooch Scoochers

After undergoing open-heart surgery in 2006, Austin Tremellen decided to combine his lifelong love of dogs with his doctor-recommended walking regiment and launched Manayunk Pooch Scoochers.

“A big part of the recovery was a lot of walking,” said Tremellen whose business has boomed into a seven day per week enterprise with three employees.

In addition to caring for the canine companions of Manayunk-based young professionals who work outside of the area, Tremellen has expanded his model to include short-term dog sitting to cover vacations and business trips.

Dr. Simpson checking Pudgy before going home
Dr. Simpson checking Pudgy before she goes home

Main Street Animal Clinic

Dr. James Simpson has seen plenty of changes on Main Street since 1984, when he first opened the Main Street Animal Clinic. Despite the evolving landscape outside, however, Simpson’s commitment to providing great pet care has remained consistent.

One satisfied customer, Kellie R., raved about her excellent and affordable experience at the clinic on Yelp: “Dr. Simpson was so sweet and patient with [my cat]. I almost took her to a Vet ER which would have cost an arm and a leg. I was happy to have found Dr. Simpson on Main St…his prices are reasonable and he has great hours for a working professional.”

Caring for Cats clinic is located inside an apartments building
Caring for Cats clinic is located at Main Street and Leverington Avenue in Manayunk

Caring for Cats

Caring for Cats is a multi-purpose hospital serving Manayunk’s feline community with an emphasis on preventative care. The state-of-the-art facility features a new surgical suite complete with on-site radiology and laboratory services. Cats can be brought in for medical treatment, single or multi-night boarding, or full service grooming Monday through Saturday.

– Text and images by Victoria Marchiony and Alison Vayne 

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