Wilmington is going to the dogs! We love our four-legged family members, and it's always fun to take them to new places. Here are some upcoming Wilmington events, along with pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks where well-behaved dogs are welcome.
 Photo Shautnah | Canva |
Should you take your dog?
Before choosing to take your dog out and about in Wilmington consider whether your dog (and you!) will have a good experience. Typically, well-behaved, socialized dogs who are comfortable around people and other dogs are ideal for these settings.
Ensuring your dog is friendly, leash-trained, and non-disruptive will help everyone enjoy their time. Always check specific venue policies and consider your dog's temperament to ensure a pleasant outing for all.
PET-FRIENDLY DINING IN WILMINGTON, DE
We asked on Facebook ... and doggone it, you answered! Here are the restaurants, breweries, and bars in Wilmington, DE you told us have dog-friendly patios.
(Please note: If you aren't sure about whether it's OK to bring your pooch, it's best to call ahead and ask!)
Greenville
- Karma Kaffe
- Centreville Café & Montrachet Fine Foods
Newark
- Autumn Arch Beer Project
- Grain on Main
- Little Goat Cafe
New Castle
- Dairy Palace
- The Dog House
Pike Creek
- Brew Ha Ha! (Pike Creek/Limestone Rd.)
Wilmington
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- Centreville Café & Montrachet Fine Foods
- Docklands Riverfront
- Timothy’s Riverfront Grill
- Del Pez
- Park Cafe
- Trolley Tap House
- Wilmington Brew Works
- Scout Cafe
NEW CASTLE COUNTY DOG PARKS
New Castle County is lucky to have nine great dog parks to enjoy with our favorite pups. Dog parks are a great place for our pups to play unleashed and meet new friends! Typical dog park rules include:
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and shots, and supervised at all times.
- Clean up after your pooch! No one wants to step in that mess.
- Know your dog: If you have a dog that has shown aggression toward other animals, children, or adults, it's best to leave them at home.
- Taking your kids? Supervise them closely! Let them know that running and loud play aren't a good idea around dogs they don't know well, and teach them how to approach a dog to pet it.
Read more about dog park etiquette from the Whole Dog Journal.
DOES YOUR DOG NEED SOMETHING PAWESOME?
Want your business in this section too? Email leslieh@macaronikid.com
 Lum3n | Canva |
WILMINGTON, DE SHELTERS
These might not be the best places to take your own dog, but we wanted to give our Wilmington shelters a shout-out too and let you know about potential volunteer opportunities for your family!
Brandywine Valley SPCA
Copeland Center for Animal Welfare, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720
- BVSPCA is the largest animal welfare organization in the region, helping 20,000+ animals per year across PA, DE, NJ, and DC.
- Volunteer Opportunities for groups, dog & cat volunteers (13+), or junior volunteers (ages 8-12 with a chaperone). Kids under 12 can host a donation drive or make enrichment treats or toys (7+ & up to 15 kids).
Humane Animal Partners
Wilmington: 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 | (302) 571-0111 and Stanton/Christiana: 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 | (302) 998-2281
- HAP’s mission is to connect people with animals, build strong relationships to better the community, and prevent cruelty to animals.
- Volunteer Opportunities:
Doggy Day Out Program, Foster a dog or cat, group service days, and individual volunteer opportunities.
- Ages 16 & up: Help clean when the shelter opens/closes, stock their pet food pantry, walk dogs, attend outreach events, transport supplies and animals, and more.
- Under 16: Organize a donation drive, make enrichment treats & toys, or other special projects!
Faithful Friends Animal Society
165 Airport Rd, New Castle, DE 19720 | (302) 427-8514 | info@faithfulfriends.us
- FFAS is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization with a no-kill shelter and community veterinary clinic.
- Volunteer Opportunities: volunteer@faithfulfriends.us
Know of a pawesome Wilmington event, dog-friendly restaurant, dog park, or animal shelter we're missing? Let me know at leslieh@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
