Photo by Josh Rocklage on Unsplash
Spring is usually jam-packed with pet-friendly things to do in Pennsylvania, which means we’ve got a fun season ahead of us. Whether you want to go on a pet-friendly hike, sip a beer and chill with your pup, or learn how to keep yourself and your pets safe from ticks, you’ll find plenty to do this spring. Add one, a few, or all of these pet-friendly spring events in Pennsylvania to your to do list.
1. Walk for Paws: West Chester
Gear up for a day of pet-friendly fun at Walk for Paws, an annual color run and walk that benefits the Brandywine Valley SPCA. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at West Goshen Community Park in West Chester from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Walk for Paws festivities will include a 5K color run, a 1K walk, a pet costume contest, yoga with puppies, live music by the Bachelor Boys Band, and a Kids Fun Zone. Meet adoptable pets, browse the vendor booths, and treat your pup to ice cream from Salty Paws Phoenixville, the first doggie ice cream truck in Pennsylvania.
Register for Walk for Paws.
Address: 1023 Fern Hill Rd, West Chester, PA 19380
2. Walk for the Animals: Return of the Walkers – Leesburg
Let the force guide you on the half-mile Walk for the Animals: Return of the Walkers. The 49th Annual Walk for the Animals will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesburg. Join other animal lovers for this Star Wars-themed event that will benefit Humane Pennsylvania. The day will also include vendors.
Registration for the pet-friendly event begins at 10 a.m. while the walk kicks off at 11 a.m.
3. Wild About Dogs – Harrisburg
Enjoy a spring afternoon outdoors at the 5th Annual Wild About Dogs at Wildwood Park. The free dog-friendly event is set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features fun for the whole family. Leash your pup and head out on scavenger hunt, explore Wildwood Park on a scenic trail, or grab a bite or a drink from B&L Dogs or TO Espresso. More than a dozen vendors, including the Humane Society of Harrisburg and Three Dog Bakery, will also be on hand.
While admission to Wildwood Park and Nature Center is free, you and/or your dog can become members of Friends of Wildwood Park. Membership includes a variety of benefits, including a 10 percent discount on purchases at the Nature Shop and reciprocal membership to nature centers in the U.S. that are part of the Association of Nature Administrators program.
If you purchase a membership for yourself at the event, your dog will receive a free membership, or you can buy a membership for your pup. All dogs with a membership, whether new or current, will receive a gift.
Address: 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
4. Barks & Brews – Stoudtburg Village, Reinholds
Join other dog and beer lovers at Barks & Brews on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The annual festival features a full menu of fun, including live music from Bob’s Bigfoot, DJ sets by DJ Koolie Kirk, craft beer, and food trucks. Enjoy a delicious meal before browsing the vendors’ booths, and visit local rescues, where you can meet adoptable pups.
While the event is dog-friendly, be sure to clean up after your pets and keep them on a non-retractable leash. Make it even more fun by dressing your pets in a bandana or their favorite costume. Tickets typically sell out quickly.
Address: 55 Stoudtburg Road, Reinholds, PA 17569
5. Mother’s Day Art in the Park – Grantville
Celebrate mom at Mother’s Day Art in the Park at Memorial Lake State Park in Grantville. The kid and pet-friendly event will kick off on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. and run until 3 p.m. While art supplies will be available, they will be limited, so consider bringing your own, too, so you can make a card or a craft for mom.
Address: 18 Boundary Road, Grantville, PA 17028-9682
6. Paws in the Park Pet Expo – South Fayette
Mark your calendar for Paws in the Park Pet Expo at Fairview Park, set for Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The pet-friendly event, which coincides with National Pet Month, will feature food, music, activities for pets, and vendors. Parking and admission to Paws in the Park Pet Expo are free.
Address: Fairview Park, 288 Recreation Road, South Fayette PA 15017
7. Tick Talk – Lyme Disease Awareness Month – Harrisburg
Learn more about ticks and how to keep you, and your pets, safe at Tick Talk, a presentation during Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The talk will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The pet and family-friendly event will be held at the amphitheater by the parking lot. Because the amphitheater has a roof, Tick Talk will be held regardless of the weather.
Address: 1447-1489 Pennsylvania 443, Harrisburg, PA 17112
8. Hike to Bordner Cabin – Pine Grove
Slip on your hiking shoes and leash your pup for an interpretive hike to Bordner Cabin at Swatara State Park on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As you journey along Swopes Valley Trail, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and turkey. Your guide can answer your questions, too.
Bring plenty of water for you and your pup, bug spray, and sunscreen. Park officials advise wearing comfortable hiking shoes. Remember to clean up after your pup.
Address: 1450 Suedburg Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963
What are your favorite pet-friendly things to do in Pennsylvania in spring? Come on over to our Facebook page and let us know. Looking for more pet-friendly fun this spring? Set off on a dog-friendly wildflower hike, or catch a baseball game with your pup.
