Better Cities For Pets – Lancaster

Lancaster is a Certified Better Cities for Pets™ Community

In 2024, Lancaster earned its Better Cities for Pets™ certification, joining other cities across the country that are committed to making life easier for pets and the people who love them.

We’re proud to share that Lancaster scored especially high in Shelters and received a grant to:

  • Build a directory of pet-friendly local businesses
  • Provide clear signage showing where pets are welcome

This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for updates as we roll out this program and build our community database of pet-friendly spaces.

Lancaster is Pet Friendly flier: a community that welcomes all paws. Look for Lancaster's new pet-friendly business signs in shop windows. A green Pets Welcome sign means pets are welcome inside; an orange Pets Welcome On Our Patio sign means pets are welcome in outdoor seating only; a red We Love Pets But They Aren't Allowed Inside sign means pets should stay home. Check out Lancaster's Pet-Friendly Business Directory, available now, with new businesses always joining. Pet owner guidelines: keep pets leashed and under control; clean up after your pet; respect businesses' posted rules; be considerate of other guests; if your pet becomes anxious or disruptive, please calmly remove them from the area. Be kind. Be respectful. Be pawsome. Together, we can make Lancaster one of Ohio's most pet-friendly communities. Presented by the City of Lancaster, Better Cities for Pets, and the Fairfield Area Humane Society.
Share this flier with Lancaster businesses and pet owners.

Know the Signs

Participating Lancaster businesses display a window sign showing how pets are welcomed there. Look for one of three colors before you head inside.

  • Green Sign

    Pets Welcome. Well-behaved pets are welcome inside the business.

  • Orange Sign

    Pets Welcome on Our Patio. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area only.

  • Red Sign

    We Love Pets, But They Aren’t Allowed Inside. Please leave your pet at home when visiting.

Pet Owner Guidelines

Responsible pet owners make Lancaster better for everyone. When you bring your pet along:

  • Keep pets leashed and under control.
  • Clean up after your pet.
  • Respect businesses’ posted rules.
  • Be considerate of other guests.
  • If your pet becomes anxious or disruptive, please calmly remove them from the area.

Pet-Friendly Business Directory

Lancaster’s Pet-Friendly Business Directory is available now, and new businesses are joining all the time. Check it on the City of Lancaster’s website before you plan your outing.

Lancaster businesses

If you’re a Lancaster business interested in learning more or signing up, please visit the City of Lancaster’s website.