County offers ample opportunity for pet-friendly activities
In Butler County, there are plenty of chances for activities shared between people and their pets.
During the warm summer months especially, Butler residents and visitors can patronize many businesses and spaces that proudly welcome pets and people alike.
Carissa Neary, who owns two dogs, frequently visits Butler for its pup-friendly brew pubs, restaurants, parks and more. Enjoying activities around the county with her two golden retrievers — Boomies, age 5, and Bates, age 2 — has been “nothing but a joy,” she said.
The trio are active members of the Golden Retriever Social Club of the Greater Pittsburgh region. The nonprofit group focuses on creating community bonds among local pups and facilitating fundraisers for golden retrievers in need.
Neary has long volunteered as an administrator for the club. Until 2023, she also offered outreach and event-planning services for Camp Bow Wow, a dog care and boarding service in Cranberry Township.
“Between working for Camp Bow Wow and the Golden Retriever Social Club, I became very involved in the Butler County community,” Neary said.
In the summers, Neary takes Boomies and Bates to Cranberry Township Waterpark’s annual Puppy Plunge. Typically taking place in September, the canine-only swim allows dogs to cool off together and make a splash.
Similarly, Butler’s Alameda Pool hosts Poolside Pups, a summer’s-end event that gives pets a chance to beat the heat with their favorite people.
Neary and club members have also made the most of Butler County’s fur-friendly fall events.
In October, you can find Boomies and Bates haunting the Barktoberfest & Spooktacular Pet Costume Contest at Cranberry Township’s Market Square. Admission is free and people and pups can find artisan pet products and handcrafted accessories, custom keepsakes, local pet services, seasonal vendors, food trucks and refreshments.
For more Halloween fun, Fun Fore All Family Park’s Howl-O-Ween Pup Night is free for dogs, who are encouraged to attend dressed up in costumes while their owners play minigolf and meet with local pet stores and rescues.
A more typical monthly outing for the Golden Retriever Social Club, however, is an afternoon at the Rotary Dog Park. The four-acre plot, located within Cranberry Township’s Community Park, features separate off-leash running areas for large and small dogs alike. With a double-gate entry system which allows dogs to enter without letting others out, guests can socialize with peace of mind as their pets explore.
ShuBrew, a local favorite in downtown Zelienople is known for its outdoor seating, including four sidewalk tables where pets and people can enjoy their meals together.
“We do have reservations available for those tables if you’re planning for a day out with your pet,” Shubrew owner Zach Shumaker said.
Shumaker added pets are also welcome at their Harmony brewing location during outdoor spring and summer events.
Stick City Brewing in Mars is another pet-friendly dining option. The taproom be enjoyed almost completely outdoors and guests can partake in on-site food trucks and vendors while their pets can enjoy refreshments from a Stick City-provided dog bowl.
Butler County brewpubs such as Helltown Taproom, Grist House Beer Crib and Recon Brewing are also known for their outdoor seating areas, which offers canines and humans a chance to enjoy a dinner date together.
Other county restaurants, including Union Brothers Brewing, take a dog’s night out one step further. The brewery in Harmony offers more than table scraps for pets. The dog menu includes a dog patty, nuggets or even a sweet potato.
At Burgher Brewing Company, people and their pets can also enjoy dinner together. While you might order a burger, your dog can appreciate a patty of their very own.
Likewise, Harmony Inn gives dogs choices. Their “Run With Your Wolf” menu features everything from a steak dinner with a canine twist to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. What’s more, 5% of purchases from the menu are donated to a local animal shelter.
If sharing a sweet treat is more your speed, Pennie’s Bake Shop & Espresso Bar in Butler is a popular option featuring outdoor seating. While you are trying to decide between their toasted almond coffee cake or carmelita brownies, your pet can chow down on a Pennie’s homemade dog treat — made from pumpkin, peanut butter and whole flour.
Hillview Coffee also offers homemade dog treats, available at the walk-up window of their Portersville shop.
