Some guests at this ice cream store sat on the floor to eat.

A few barked at fellow customers, while others started pawing at some of the inventory on the shelves.

That’s a typical afternoon at Salty Paws Pittsburgh, a doggie ice cream shop in Lawrenceville.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, 2-year-old Odin, an American bully, was enjoying a scoop of peanut butter ice cream at a table near the front window.

“Frio Creamery (in Lawrenceville) is my favorite ice cream store, and now there is a place for Odin,” said Odin’s owner Kate Zarvis, of the North Side. “We will definitely be back.”

Zarvis, who owns a spa called Kure and Manikure in Lawrenceville, said Odin would like more, but that one scoop is enough.

Dr. Jose Arce of Puerto Rico, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said giving animals treats is fine – just don’t overdo it.

“Treats are often used by owners as a way of positive reinforcement for their animals when their owners are training their pet,” Arce said. “It is important to know the ingredients in treats.”

Making sure the ice cream and other goodies are safe for the animals is top priority, according to owner Jessica Kury, who opened the shop in November.

The pumpkin and blueberry ice cream is made of goat’s milk. Others, such as vanilla, bacon, carob, banana cream, maple bacon, peanut butter, birthday cake and cheddar cheese, are created from lactose-free milk.

Season offerings will be made throughout the year.

A scoop costs $4.99.

“All of the ice cream is lactose-free, which is why it is easier on a dog’s digestive system,” Kury said.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review Salty Paws Pittsburgh owner Jessica Kury reacts as Scout, a 2-year-old golden retriever owned by Mike Celestino of Bethel Park (right), refuses the treat she offered at the Lawrenceville shop.  

Ice cream is served in gluten-free cones, waffle bowls or dishes. There is a topping bar with items such as peanut butter yogurt drops, rabbit, venison, beef, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dehydrated apples, newapawlatin yogurt drops, steak and sweet potato biscuits, peanut butter biscuits and cheese and bacon biscuits.

The flavors aren’t sweet and are human-grade, but people probably wouldn’t like the taste because it would be bland, Kury said.

“I think the animals like it because it’s a new taste and texture,”she said. “Everyone likes ice cream. It’s also an experience for pet owners and their pets. I have been a dog owner my whole life.”

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review Kaitlyn Haley of Bethel Park talks to her dog Stryker, a 1-year-old German shepherd, while shopping at Salty Paws Pittsburgh.  

It shows, as she greeted every pet and owner as they entered the store. Kury talked with Kaitlyn Haley and Mike Celestino of Bethel Park, who stop by at least once a week. They bring Striker, a 1-year-old German shepherd, and Scout, a 2-year-old golden retriever.

“We love it here,” Haley said. “The bacon ice cream is their favorite and they like the doughnuts, too.”

In addition to ice cream and doughnuts, the store carries cupcakes and cake mixes, dehydrated sweet potatoes and whoopee pies.

The store hosts occasional Happy Hours, where it serves cookies such as “Barkarita” and “Makers Bark” and dog beer, as well as birthday parties.

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There is a natural bone bar as well as a bully bar and collagen bar and a cat section with toys and treats.

Stephanie Fencik of Lawrenceville brought in her 1-year-old mini goldendoodle, Hazel. It was Hazel’s first time in the shop, but Fencik had purchased items before.

“I bought her a Christmas cookie and she loved it,” Fencik said. “She is making friends here today.”

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review Hazel, a 1-year-old miniature goldendoodle, visits Salty Paws Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville with her owner, Stephanie Fencik of Lawrenceville.  

Across from Hazel, Oliver, a 6-year-old mini-Australian shepherd, was licking a bowl of bacon ice cream. Oliver’s owners, Bree McGuire and Kenny Rakentine of Bellevue, heard about the shop on Instagram.

“I said my next day off I am coming here,” she said. “Oliver loves it. We will be back.”

Having the ice cream store in the neighborhood is great because it complements the ice cream places for people, said Lauren Connelly, executive director of the Lawrenceville Corp., the local business group.

The vibrancy of the Lawrenceville neighborhood, which is a place where people often walk their dogs, was attractive to Kury.

“We have seen so many people with their pets enjoying the ice cream,” Connelly said. “These businesses help build relationships with people in the neighborhood and are a great way to bring people together.”

Salty Paws is located at 4126 Butler St.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday

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