America’s most beloved cartoon dog, Snoopy, is often depicted lounging atop his iconic red doghouse. When Charles M. Schulz first started publishing his “Peanuts” comic strip in the 1950s, it was fairly common for the family dog to reside outside in a separate dwelling.
Times have certainly changed. Dogs have become so enmeshed in the household that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 85% of dog owners think of their pets as family. Dogs are increasingly included in family outings, from shopping trips to restaurant meals, and many businesses even cater to dogs with events targeted specifically to them.
Locally, there are myriad opportunities for dog owners to have fun with their four-legged family members throughout the year.
Wiscoy for Animals
424 W. Aaron Drive, # 201, State College
One pioneer of local canine-centric events is Wanda Crosby, who has owned Wiscoy for Animals for 34 years.
During that time, she says, “Dog ownership has changed a lot.”
Wiscoy began hosting its popular ice cream socials “in the old days, when you couldn’t really take your dog anywhere,” Crosby says.
The socials have become a mainstay for Wiscoy customers, taking place every Friday evening in August (if weather permits), and drawing anywhere from 80 to 120 dogs each week. The store provides dog-friendly ice cream and toppings as well as ice cream for humans.
“It’s a very nice event, really an old-school social,” Crosby says. “Something easy to do on a Friday evening in August.”
The store also hosts an annual Easter Biscuit Hunt indoors on the Wednesday before Easter (April 16 this year).
In October, Wiscoy hosts a Tricks for Treats event, which includes an entertaining twist. Dogs are asked to perform simple tricks, like sitting on command. If the dog is unable or unwilling to follow the commands, the owner must do so in order to earn the dog a treat.
For all these events, safety is Crosby’s number one concern, so rules must be followed. For example, dogs must be kept on a short leash, and nose-to-nose contact with other dogs is not allowed.
Crosby says one reason she started holding special events years ago was to give owners a way to work with their dogs on developing confidence and socialization.
“For me, socialization is not really about dog-to-dog interactions; it is about a dog interacting with their owner in an appropriate way,” she explains.
Crosby is proud that her store serves as a learning platform for owners who are training their dogs. On a day-to-day basis, she welcomes dogs of all ages and temperaments to come in and work on interactions. To avoid unexpected interruptions, all owners are required to request permission before bringing their dog into the store.
Felicity’s Pet Supplies
2022 Axemann Road, Suite 101, Bellefonte
Sheena Kirkwood tries to hold a dog-friendly event approximately once every month at her store, Felicity’s Pet Supplies.
“We just realize how much people want a place to bring their dogs that’s really dog-friendly,” she says.
Events include a monthly birthday bash; summer ice cream socials featuring healthy, homemade dog ice cream and toppings; a Pupkin Spice Latte Paw-ty in the fall; a Sniff and Sip Cookie and Carob Fest in the winter; and a photo booth for Easter.
Kirkwood says a typical ice cream social might bring in 30 to 40 dogs. That can be a lot in a small space, so it’s important for owners to be attentive, keep dogs on a leash, prevent nose-to-nose contact, and avoid approaching dogs while they are eating.
“Even some of the most well-trained dogs come in and forget all their training because it’s so exciting,” she says.
An in-store event is not the best place to bring a dog who is skittish or fearful of other dogs, Kirkwood says, but she is happy to provide ice cream or treats to go.
Pet Supplies Plus
277 Northland Center, State College
Like Felicity’s Pet Supplies, Pet Supplies Plus holds monthly pet-friendly events. As a franchise, event themes are often set by the corporate office, says Manager Marta Klinger.
The store has a large community room that the public is allowed to use free of charge for dog training or other pet-related activities. This is where most of the special events are held.
Some popular events include a puppy party, where young dogs are invited to come and play together, and ice cream socials in the summer, when Klinger says the store sets up wading pools on the sidewalk for dogs to enjoy. On April 12 from noon to 2 p.m., the shop will host a Spring Fling, featuring an Easter photo booth and promotions for different pet products.
Events usually include sample giveaways, raffles, and an opportunity for dogs to interact with humans and other dogs.
Customers are invited to bring their non-aggressive pets into the store for special events or anytime, as long as they are restrained by leash or in a carrier, Klinger says.
My Café Buzz
325 W. High St., Bellefonte
While My Café Buzz is a coffee shop for humans, owner Heather Cowher is a dog lover who enjoys hosting frequent dog-friendly events at the shop.
Although she says by law dogs are not allowed to hang out indoors there, the café has a dog-friendly outside deck and a grassy area next door. This is where she hopes to hold an Easter biscuit hunt in April, although a date had not been set at press time.
In February, the establishment held a Barkentines event, featuring homemade dog treats and a “doggie kissing booth.” In the warmer months, the café hosts ice cream socials at least once a month. Cowher also hosts pop-up events featuring dog vendors, charging them a nominal $20 fee to set up a booth outside the café — fees she donates to the Bellefonte Dog Park Association.
Every day, Cowher offers a special “doggie menu,” featuring ham, bacon, or other dog-friendly ice cream. She also sells dehydrated treats made by local vendor Biscuit Authority and leaves a dish of fresh water outside for dogs who are walking at nearby Talleyrand Park.
State College Spikes Bark in the Park Nights
Sunday, June 8; Tuesday, July 8; Friday, August 8
Dogs are invited to join their owners at three State College Spikes baseball games in the summer.
This has become a beloved tradition for local dog owners, who must show proof of their pooch’s up-to-date vaccination status and sign a waiver in order to bring their pet into the game to enjoy special canine-related activities, from giveaways of treats or dog bandanas to wading pools on the concourse.
Spikes Director of Communications Joe Putnam says Bark in the Park nights typically draw around 200 to 250 dogs, although he says they’ve had as many as 500 show up.
“With all of those four-legged friends, you might think it would be a formula for chaos, but really, it just provides a fun atmosphere,” Putnam says, although he notes, “It is fun when we hit the doorbell [sound effect] upstairs and really get the dogs going while the opposing team is at bat.”
Dogs are not permitted in the seating bowl but are allowed anywhere on the concourse and in the outfield bleacher seats. Dogs must remain on leash and must observe a one-to-one human-to-dog ratio.
In the event that Bark in the Park falls on a fireworks night, fans will be given ample time to get their dogs safely to their cars before the fireworks show begins.
Paws-a-Pool-Ooza Dog Swim
Park Forest Pool, State College, September 7, 2025
Every year since 2013, Park Forest Pool has opened its gates to dogs for an end-of-the-season splash a few days after the pool closes to humans.
According to Todd Roth, aquatics supervisor for Centre Region Parks and Recreation, the event can draw as many as 120 dogs in good weather. Dogs enter at different time slots based on their size, and each group has half an hour to play in and around the pool.
During their allotted time, dogs do not need to be kept on leashes, but owners are expected to watch them closely, as well as to clean up after them. Dogs are encouraged to chase tennis balls and try out either the tot pool or the regular pool, which have lowered levels of chlorine. Owners can wade in to help their dog, if necessary.
“Part of the joy of this event is the simplicity of it. It’s just a time to come and bring your dog in to swim, and that’s it,” Roth says. “Everyone is just grateful to be there.”
The cost is $5 per dog. Humans are free. Hike, Walk & Play
Dogs need exercise — some breeds more than others. Hiking in the state parks and along trails in places like Musser Gap, Scotia Barrens, Colyer Lake, Shingletown Gap, and Mount Nittany can provide excellent workouts for humans and their dogs. Just be mindful of potential dangers like ticks and rattlesnakes.
While on-leash dogs are permitted in most local parks, some places do not welcome furry friends, including The Penn State Arboretum and almost all parks in the State College Borough (exceptions include Lederer, Walnut Springs, and Orchard parks).
Off-Leash Exercise
Dogs are permitted to be off-leash at Patton Woods Natural Recreation Area, off Circleville Road in State College, as long as they remain under owner control and within sight of the owner.
For other off-leash fun, Tudek Dog Park (425 Park Crest Lane, State College) offers separate fenced-in areas where large (over 30 pounds) and small (under 30 pounds) dogs are free to roam and play. The park is unsupervised, so owners must adhere to safety guidelines, including removing aggressive dogs, cleaning up after dogs, staying inside the fence with your dog, and not bringing in food or treats. Complete rules are posted at the park or can be found online at crpr.org.
The Bellefonte Dog Park Association (pserefine.wixsite.com/bellefonte-dog-park) was founded two years ago by Peter Serefine after tiring of driving 25 minutes each way to take his dog to the closest off-leash dog park (Tudek). He has since assembled a nine-member board of directors and formed a nonprofit LLC. The organization is currently waiting for 501(c)(3) charitable designation from the IRS. This is holding up the endeavor, Serefine says, because they don’t want to start any serious fundraising drives until donations can be made tax-deductible.
Serefine says the group is modeling their efforts after a membership-based dog park in the Carlisle area. He estimates that the project will cost about $20,000 to set up and then another $5,000 in annual maintenance.
The group is still looking for land on which to build the park. Serefine would ideally like to lease an acre of municipal property for the project but says the group is looking at a variety of options.
Shopping & Dining
If you don’t like to leave your pet at home alone while you’re out running errands, many retailers welcome well-behaved dogs as long as they are on a leash or restrained in a carrier. Some local dog-friendly stores include:
Felicity’s Pet Supplies
HomeGoods
Home Depot
Lowe’s
Michaels
Old Navy
Petco
The Pet Pub
Pet Supplies Plus
Rural King
TJ Maxx
Tractor Supply
Wiscoy for Animals
In addition, many local restaurants with outdoor seating spaces permit dogs to accompany owners on their patios. These include (but are not limited to):
Axemann Brewery
Big Spring Spirits
Boal City Brewing Co.
Café Lemont
Champs North Atherton
Doggie’s Pub (until 7 p.m. and not during busy local events)
Duffy’s Tavern
Governor’s Pub
Meyer Dairy
My Café Buzz
Naked Egg Café
Panera Bread
Penn State Berkey Creamery
Pump Station
Voodoo Brewing Co.
Policies are subject to change, so always check with an establishment before entering with your dog.T&G
Karen Walker is a freelance writer in State College.
