A red plate with scrambled eggs, and a black dog on a red blanket looking at the food.

Let’s face it: one of the hardest parts of owning a dog is turning away from their saddened face when you leave them behind. Sometimes, it’s impossible to let your dog tag along, but in other cases, bringing them out for a doggy adventure can be a fun bonding experience. 

Fortunately, many local hangout spots in Middletown welcome dogs on the premises, and they may even offer further accommodations for them.

Middletown is a charming, historical town with many sights and experiences for you and your four-legged friend. As the oldest city in Dauphin County, Middletown is — like its name — a mid-point for many other towns and metropolitan neighborhoods in the area, making it a prime location to begin exploring with your pup! 

To give you guys the best chance of enjoying an outing together, bring them to one of the top dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Middletown that we’ve listed below.

Benefits of Dog-Friendly Dining

When you take your dog out for an afternoon on the town, it may be a random day for you, but it’s an exciting memory for them! 

Dogs are social creatures, and some dogs have a personality type that makes them naturally drawn to being out in public. 

There are many reasons why you may choose to bring your dog out with you, but some of the best benefits include: 

  • Opportunities for socialization: Dogs need practice to build productive social skills. Places that are dog-friendly will typically attract like-minded social dog owners. These spots are a great way to give your dog more exposure to other canines, build socialization skills and manners, and strengthen their confidence in new environments. 
  • Convenience for busy owners: Taking your pet out to eat can save time on a busy day. If you’re out for a walk or running errands together and find a local eatery that you want to try, it’s a lot easier to bring your dog instead of spending the extra time getting them home first.  
  • Strengthen your bond: Going on outings can help strengthen the bond between a dog and their owner because of the well-spent quality time in a new environment. Mealtime is a vulnerable moment for your dog, so taking them out when you eat can help them build trust in you and their surroundings. 
  • Build community: Dog-friendly restaurants and cafes are a great place to meet other dog owners and see where they take their pooches around town. If you have questions about local resources or facilities, want to expand your social circle, or need recommendations, try hanging around more dog-friendly establishments.  
  • Reduce separation anxiety: If you have a dog with anxiety, taking them out while you run errands and go for a bite can reduce their responses since they are being exposed to new stimuli they can process. This is a productive way to include your anxious dog in your routine. It can help them unlearn anxiety triggers by showing that they can be comfortable in various environments. 

How to Find Local Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Middletown?

If you plan on taking your dog along out with you, it’s important to double-check that the establishment you choose can actually accommodate your dog. Sometimes, hearsay or bolder guests may give the false impression that dogs are generally welcome. The business may also only permit service dogs.

There are many ways to find out if a restaurant or cafe is dog-friendly. The most convenient include: 

  • Online apps: Applications like BringFido can be a convenient resource when looking for local Middletown hangout spots that are dog-friendly. Not only can you find restaurants and cafes on apps, but you can also find events, parks, beaches, walking trails, and even hotels, too. 
  • Check reviews: Online Google or Yelp reviews can be helpful when researching if a specific restaurant or cafe is dog-friendly. Opt for places with more reviews that are current so you know that you are looking at their current pet policy. 
  • Go on social media: You can find a pet-friendly dining guide online. Social media platforms offer local businesses a chance to promote their unique features and accommodations, making it a great resource to look for your next outing with your dog!
  • Ask other dog owners: In your circle of friends and dog lovers, ask around to see if there is a popular dog-friendly meetup spot in your area. If you don’t know many dog owners, start with pet stores and facilities like canine daycare centers in Middletown!
  • Call ahead: Before you try out a new cafe or restaurant, try calling ahead first to learn about their accommodations for pets. If anyone knows about the most updated pet policy, it’s the employees!

Key Features of Dog-Friendly Establishments

In order to label itself as dog-friendly, an establishment like a restaurant or cafe must have certain accommodations for four-legged friends like yours. Some places offer more resources to keep your dog comfortable than others, but here are some of the basic features that you’ll find in a dog-friendly establishment: 

  • Outdoor seating: Dogs and their owners are usually seated and served at an outdoor table to prevent debris like fur from floating through the establishment. When the weather is extreme outside, space heaters or fans may be provided for comfort.  
  • Water bowls: You can usually ask for a water bowl for your dog at a dog-friendly cafe or restaurant. Keep this next to your pup while you eat so they stay hydrated while outdoors. 
  • Pet-friendly staff: In a pet-friendly establishment, employees may be trained to handle interactions with dogs safely and positively. 
  • Safety precautions: Places that label themselves as pet-friendly should take the time to block off hazards like poisonous plants, sharp or fragile decor, and cooking areas from the pet-accessible space.  
  • Ample space: A dog-friendly restaurant or cafe should not feel cramped and crowded. There should be wide walkways and adequate room between tables and chairs so the pup can move through the space comfortably without disturbing other guests. 

Recommendations for Dog-Friendly Places in Middletown From Greenlin Pet Resorts East

There are many places throughout the local area where dogs are welcome to hang out. Some of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants around the area include:  

  • Cork and Fork: This local bistro is known for its charm and dog-friendly hospitality alongside their Italian-inspired cuisine. For dog owners, they offer outdoor seating that you can take advantage of. Remember to make a reservation, they get busy! 
  • The Chocolate Avenue Grill: Despite the canine hazard in the name, there’s no chocolate for your dog to get their paws on! This spot has a large menu with a wide variety of options for the whole party including wraps, pasta, and seafood. There is a large, open patio where dog owners can sit with their pups while enjoying a nice meal.  
  • Ted’s Bar and Grill: As a local hangout, Ted’s is known for their high-quality wings and relaxed atmosphere. They advertise that dogs are welcome on the patio outside, and even have live entertainment on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Greenlin East in Middletown: The Ultimate Dog Hangout Spot

Give your dog the most inclusive hangout spot with all of the resources and equipment they could ever dream of! 

The Greenlin East location in Middletown is equipped with both indoor and outdoor play areas, trained and caring staff, and safety precautions to ensure your little rascal is safe and secure while you’re away. 

Facilities like our Pet Resort can aid in socialization, skill-building, and obedience. To learn more about our daycare and training services at Greenlin East in Middletown, check us out online, call (717) 388-2388, or stop by during our daily walk-in hours for a tour!

Posted in Pet Tips