Wagging New York A Dog Friendly Guide- places to take your dog in NYC

New York! New York! What a dog wagging town and my first home after leaving my parents. This is where I met my new owners when I was only 10 weeks old. I am sure glad I picked them, due to if it wasn’t for them I would have never had the chance to travel and find out how dogs live all over the world. Looking for some great places to take your dog in NYC? Well, there are loads of wagging things to do in the Big Apple.

Spring in New York © by Bernt Rostad

After my parents picked me up they took me to the West Village to live with four crazy cats. There was Max who was really old, Min who did not like anyone, Miso who talked to walls and chased her tail and Ella who was just full-out crazy. I became good friends with Max and Miso, however, the other two were not impressed that I was a new member of the family. Anyhow, I think they were just jealous due to my owners took me everywhere that they could.

Now New York is a vast city, so I am not going to be able to cover it all, but I will do my best so you can get an idea how it would be like living in New York as a dog.

First of all, New Yorker’s are dog crazy! They love them and they are everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. New Yorker’s can really spoil their dogs here. This is New York City and the center of Dog Bling, if you can imagine it, you can get it here for your dog. There are pets stores everywhere, big and small, couture dog clothing shops, bakeries just for dogs, dog-friendly car service, doggie spas, dog-friendly hotels, doggie day care, dog parks and dog events, such as pet fashion week.

It is a great thing that they do have all these things for dogs to do in the big apple. Even though New Yorker’s love their dogs, they are not really allowed anywhere fun. Dogs are not allowed on the subway or buses unless your tiny and can fit in a dog carrier bag or crate. So traveling around is mostly going to be by paw.

Bus and Subway Rules

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MTA: Small dogs in bags or carriers are allowed on the Long Island Railroad, Long Island Bus and New York City Transit buses and subways. Small dogs in bags or carriers or on a secure leash are allowed on the Metro-North Railroad.
PATH: Small dogs in secure carrying cases are allowed on the trains.
Seastreak Ferry: All dogs regardless of your size can go on the ferry. However, you need to be on a short leash, and regardless of the weather, you have to stay outside. The only exception is if you’re a tiny dog and have a carrier, then you will be able to go inside.
Fire Island Ferry: All dogs shapes and sizes are welcome. You must buy a ticket, but you can sit anywhere you like.
Staten Island Ferry: You have to be either caged and or muzzled!
New York Water Taxi: nope

The best option to get around New York as a dog is to either take a taxi or car service. I was lucky and was able to take taxi’s all over. The rule is that a taxi driver does not have to take a dog in their car. However, we did find dog-friendly drivers who did not mind. My owner carried my doggie blanket to put on the seat for me and also carried handi-wipes for a “just in case moment”

New York City taxi cabs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dog Car Services

They can be a bit pricey, however, they do fit the bill. Here are a few that I would recommend.

Things to do with your dog in New York City

New York has dog parks all over and you’re welcome to visit. There great places to meet other dogs and chase squirrels! Here are some of my favorite parks in the city, plus information of off-leash areas and rules.

Rules, Rules, Rules

No dogs allowed: We can not go to the zoo, hang out in playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields, any type of court and water fountains. However, I have never been stopped having a slurp. Also, the Hudson River Park will not even let you on the grass! If they see your little paws on it, they will give your owner a ticket.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times: If you see this sigh, leash up or your owners will get a ticket.

Dog Runs: There are some good dog runs and some awful ones as well (think giant cage). However, the good ones are large, fenced in areas for you to run around without a leash, meet other dogs and socialize.

Designated Off-Leash Areas: Certain parks, Like Central Park allow dogs to be off-leash from the time the park opens until 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. until the park closes. My owner used to call it the mugging time dog walking event. However, we know many people who take their dog running with them in the park in the morning.

A guide: Dogs and Parks NYC a guide for owners!

Whew, now that we know the rules…

Beaches: From Oct 1 to May 1 we are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Rockaway Beach, Coney Island & Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, and South Beach. We are supposed to be leashed, however, I have had a run around when no one was looking.

Washington Square Park: West 4th and MacDougal Street. This was my favorite dog run and was a short walk from the West Village. The park is located right in the center of Greenwich Village and has two runs for dogs. When I was a pup I use to play in the dog run for small dogs, however, I later graduated to the large dog run. This is a great place to meet dogs and the Village character owners.

Chelsea Piers Dog Run. 22nd Street and 11th Avenue. Full of obstacles to let your dog roam around and explore. Includes a stream and a pool of water. It can get crowded on the weekends. canine best friend.

More information on Dog Parks check out these links:

New York Parks just put in “dogs” in the search and get a load of information.

Be a Tourist!

The best way to experience New York is to walk it. Here are three great places to tour around and take your dog.

A walk along the Hudson River Park, start downtown at Christopher Street and head North all the way to 42nd Street!
Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and head along the promenade.
Brooklyn bridge at night, New York city, NY. Français : Pont de Brooklyn de nuit, à New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Riverside Park is a scenic waterfront public park on the Upper West Side. A nice alternative to Central Park.