New York City is among the most dog-friendly cities, not just in the United States but in the world. There are countless dog-friendly activities owners can do with their dogs. The best part about New York City is that it has something dog-friendly for everyone. Whether you prefer outdoor spaces or places packed with people, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do NYC owners can choose.
With many options available for NYC dog owners, it helps to know which places are worth your time and what to expect from each dog-friendly thing to do. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the most popular dog-friendly things to do in New York City. Read on to get caught up with the latest dog-friendly activities and places the city has to offer.
Top 5 Dog Friendly Things to Do NYC
There are countless dog-friendly things to do in a location like New York City. Some of these options include places that you can relax with your dog, while others focus more on exploring the city’s food scene. Here’s our top five picks for the best dog-friendly things to do in NYC.
Explore Central Park
Central Park remains one of the most well-known (and the best) spots for dog owners in NYC. It provides a large open area where dogs can walk, explore, and run freely in designated areas during off-leash hours, which run from 6 AM to 9 AM and 9 PM to 1 AM. During these hours, a large portion of Central Park essentially becomes a dog park for your dog to run around, socialize with other dogs, and release excess energy.
Dine in Dog-Friendly Restaurants
New York City has plenty of restaurants that offer outdoor seating areas where dogs are more than welcome, with some even offering dog menus. You definitely won’t find it difficult to include your dog in a meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, availability may vary, especially during peak hours. Even if you’re going to a small restaurant, it is best to call ahead and make a reservation at a dog-friendly table.
Have Fun at Dog-Friendly Pubs
Just like restaurants, there are many pubs and bars that offer designated seating areas for customers with dogs scattered throughout New York City. This is a great option when you want to have a couple of drinks with friends but can’t leave your dog home alone. Some pubs, just like restaurants, may even take their dog friendliness further by offering water bowls and even a pup menu.
Visit Dog Parks in the City
In addition to Central Park, you will also find numerous dog parks throughout New York City. Some are small with a few pieces of agility equipment, while others are spacious and offer designated areas for small and large dogs. These parks can also serve as a place for socialization, both for you and your dog, making New York City dog parks one of the best dog-friendly things to do.
Take a Ferry Ride With Your Dog
While dogs must be specifically in a bag or a container to ride the New York City subway, certain ferry routes allow dogs on board as long as they are leashed. This can be a perfect way to explore the city and include your dog in the journey. It also offers a change of scenery compared to parks and streets, filled with unique scents that your dog will definitely appreciate experiencing.
Getting the Most Out of Dog Friendly Things to Do NYC
New York City surely has a lot of dog-friendly things to do, and the best way to get the most out of them is to invest your time and energy into training your dog. Teaching them basic commands and socializing them will make every outing a pleasant experience, as you won’t need to worry about your dog pulling on the leash or reacting to others trying to enjoy the city’s dog-friendly offerings.
If you don’t have a dog just yet and are trying to understand if New York City is a good place to have one, all you need to look at is the city’s dog ownership statistics, which are among the highest in the country. New York City is undoubtedly among the top cities to have a dog. Whether you want to buy puppies in New York or adopt a dog in need of a forever home, you shouldn’t have any doubts about New York City being dog-friendly.
