A good friend of ours, Rebecca Davis, is running a really cool company that I wanted to bring attention to. It's called Run Philly Dog Run, and it's a dog running service in Philadelphia. Below is an article from Rittenhouse Magazine.

Run Philly Dog Run

A Dog Running Service for Center City Residents

Your dog might be interested in completing a 5k!

American Kennel Club statistics rank the Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd, and the Golden Retriever as the most popular dog breeds in the Philadelphia area.

Those are some sizeable hounds.

It is a common misconception, though, that only big dogs need to run, that only big dogs can get cooped up in an urban environment. Any vet will tell you that most breeds need 35-40 minutes of exercise a day. Many people find it difficult to find that workout time for themselves, let alone for their pets.

It was with this in mind that Rebecca Davis started Run Philly Dog Run, a business that does exactly what the name says.

“I’d see people on the streets and in the parks walking their dogs. The people were drinking coffee and talking on the phone, and the dogs looked out of shape and completely unengaged,” she said. “I saw an opportunity.”

The opportunity was to combine two things about which she has always been passionate: dogs and running. The idea was simply to take the concept of the dog-walking business to another level. She put the plan into action last year, and the company has grown since. It is the first of its kind in Philadelphia.

Beyond the business aspect, a seemingly small corner of the service market service like Run Philly Dog Run can have a hugely positive effect on folks in communities like Rittenhouse.

Philadelphia boasts the highest number of kennels in the country, no doubt due to the proliferation of dog owners in the city. But even with the scarcity of parks in the Center City area, Run Philly Dog Run manages to keep pets active. Places like Rittenhouse Square serve a starting and ending point for runs, a place where dogs can feel comfortable, even in a hustling metropolitan sprawl.

“Owning a dog in the city can be time consuming,” said Donna Richards, a regular client of Run Philly Dog Run. “Especially if it is a high energy dog. As a new small business owner, my time is limited and precious. But so is my pet. It’s difficult to find a balance.”

From one small business to another, Run Philly Dog Run provides the kind of service that working people need.

“Run Philly Dog Run has been great,” said Richards. “They are prompt, professional and tireless.”

The Yorkshire terrier, the poodle, and the shih tzu are also on that list from the American Kennel Club, and the team has put together a consistent and flexible canine-centered program which caters to all breeds.

The same rules that apply to your own exercise routine also apply to your dog.

Before taking a step, clients should have their dogs evaluated professionally. Each pet’s regimen is based on such factors as the dog’s age, weight, height, fitness level, temperament and breed. What goes into that exercise regimen varies depending on those factors. For example, while it is true that a small dog with short legs usually does not need quite as vigorous a run as a larger dog does, leg length is not the only determinant of a dog’s capacity for covering distance. Breeds with short noses may have trouble breathing when exercising vigorously. A diminutive pug with a short snout might need as much attention to respiratory issues as a rangy boxer.

Warming up and cooling down are essential, as is proper hydration. It is important to keep statistics regarding time and distance to help monitor progress. The service takes care of all of this.

Establishing a daily or weekly routine keeps your dog focused on the goals that you have set. Run Philly Dog Run operates regardless of the weather, seven days a week, all year round. Dogs, after all, don’t live by a holiday calendar. It is this kind of dedication that keeps clients coming back. Or, more correctly, keeps runners coming back to their clients. Run Philly Dog Run has a standard pick-up service. They will take your dog anywhere in the area.

“With the lack of large dog parks in the city, it seemed like Buckley was never getting enough exercise, and he certainly was not burning enough of his endless supply of energy,” said Rana Roseberg, another staunch customer. “But now that he is active and running with Run Philly Dog Run, he's a completely different pet. They have done an incredible job of catering to his needs and pushing him when it seems like he's ready for it. We love reading his progress reports after each run. He's a healthier and happier dog these days, which makes us happier dog owners.”

Happy dogs and happy dog owners make for a happy community. Friendly pets put non-dog owners at ease. Owners can relax and bring their dogs out knowing that their well-exercised and even-tempered dogs can be social about town.

“I see no reason why a dog shouldn’t be able to enjoy the squares and sidewalks of the city as much as I do,” said Rebecca.

Now let’s get started on that 5k.