Dog Friendly New York City
We lived in NYC for 10 years before moving to Los Angeles in 2019. Although we don’t currently live in NYC, we still think of it as home (plus, it was the only home Barak and SoomSoom knew before our move). It isn’t a stretch to say that we love New York City and, as dog owners, we think it may be the best city to raise your pup in.
We’re sharing some of our favorite dog-friendly spots and activities in NYC so you can fully enjoy the city with your pup, whether you live in New York or are just visiting!
Dog Parks
New York City has the largest, most accessible, and most varied selection of dog parks of any city in the United States. You want quirky and urban? We suggest (with some reservations because this park can skew very quirky) Thompson Square Dog Run. You want beautiful views or a lush park setting? Then Morningside Heights Dog Park or Riverside Park South Dog Run are your go-to spots. Want NYC sophistication and chance to spot a celebrity in sweatpants and a to-go coffee cup? Head to Washington Square Dog Park or Chelsea Waterside Dog Park and make sure you’ve got your phone handy in case Amanda Seyfried stops by.
All kidding aside, New York City is littered with great dog parks. In addition to the fenced parks specifically for puperrinos, larger parks like Central Park and Prospect Park have off-leash hours in certain areas. A lot of parks also have local groups or city workers that help keep things tidy and secure, meaning you and your pup can have a nice, relaxing visit. So if you see someone cleaning the park, don’t forget to thank them!
Bars, Restaurants, & Coffee Shops
NYC health codes are pretty strict when it comes to dogs in eating establishments.
If you’re looking to bring Fido to brunch, check to make sure the restaurant has outdoor seating. Some restaurants may want you to sit at the edge of their outdoor seating area if you’re dining with your pup, which might mean a slightly longer wait.
As with restaurants, New York City has strict health codes when it comes to coffee shops, but this doesn’t mean you need to skip out on a nice cup of coffee when our with your furbaby; there are an increasing number of coffee shops either have separate areas that are dog-friendly or outdoor ordering stations. Some have outdoor spaces, making it possible for you to enjoy an afternoon at a cafe with your pup in tow.
Don’t let the restrictions on seating scare you off, though! NYC restaurants are often very welcoming to pups and are used to bringing a water bowl to the table (potentially even treats!) along with the first round of mimosas. If you’re looking to take your furbaby for a meal, here are some options we like:
Madison Square Park’s Shake Shack
Shopping
Many shops in NYC are dog friendly, sometimes boasting dog bowls and even stocking dog treats for furry visitors. If you’re a regular, the shop staff will likely begin to recognize your pup and shower them with extra affection at each visit (Lush staff & This is Story folks, I’m looking at you!) Warning: If you take advantage of these perks, it might mean that you won’t ever be able to walk past the given store without entering - our pups quickly learned where they got nomz!
Note that some stores are less pup friendly - even if they’re not a grocery store, if they carry edible goods, they might not welcome furbabies (e.g. Bed, Bath & Beyond). If you’re unsure if your pup is allowed inside, just pop your head in and ask an employee.
Getting Around
Moving to or visiting NYC probably means jettisoning your car, at least until you find a parking spot that doesn’t require you to take a second job to pay for it. Having no car might make you worry about how you’re going to get around with your pup in tow - never fear, NYC has a couple of great transportation options that will work for you and your pup!
The Subway
For many people, their transformation into a New Yorker turns on when they learn to use the subway. The subway connects New Yorkers across five boroughs, providing access to even the most far-flung parts of Brooklyn and Queens. With some careful planning, it can do so for you and your pup. Dogs are allowed on the subway as long as they're in a bag of some sort. We’ve even seen a great dane inside one of those giant blue Ikea bags. Just be aware, your pup may receive a lot of attention! Plenty of folks bring their pups on the subway without a bag, but be warned - you can be ticketed for it if a police officer spots you.
Walking
NYC is an extremely walkable city. You can walk for miles with your pup within the city, along the many walking paths that skirt the edge of the city, or through the crisscrossing trails through its many parks. A network of river walks and park paths connect much of the border of Manhattan. When we lived in Chelsea, we could walk easily from our apartment to the Upper West Side or Battery Park via the park paths along the river. During the warmer months, these parks are popular hangouts for New Yorkers and their pups; during the winter, some of the paths get plowed by the city, making them nice places to let your pup romp.
Biking
Dedicated bike paths ring Manhattan and, increasingly, crisscross the city. More and more New Yorkers are turning to biking as their preferred transportation method and the city is working to make this safer and easier. If your pup is up to it, biking with your pup - whether in backpack, bike basket, or attached to a bike lead depending on your pups’ size and comfort level - is a great option for traveling slightly longer distances in the city. It might take a bit of work to acclimate your pup to a bike basket, backpack, or bike lead, but once they're used to it, you can cruise to more distant adventures with ease. Be sure to be extra careful when biking in NYC, though. While you’re protected from cars when biking along the river bike paths, bike lanes along the streets and avenues are less secure and you’ll need to pay close attention to traffic.
Taxi / Uber / Lyft
Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts are definitely an option for getting around NYC with your pup, but note that not all drivers will be willing to take you. If you’re planning to hail a taxi, plan to leave a bit early to account for any delays finding a willing driver. If you’re planning to catch an Uber or Lyft, make sure to call your driver after you’re matched to let them know you’re traveling with a pup - that way they can cancel the ride sooner rather than later if they’re unwilling to take you (it sucks to wait 8 minutes only to have them roll up and refuse to let you in).
The Dogist
Being in NYC with your pup is your best shot at meeting The Dogist. That is all.
