New Yorkers have something of a reputation that isn’t altogether positive. And yes, it’s true, we have our moments. But we have our redeeming qualities.
Whether you’re in downtown Brooklyn, or way up in the Bronx, you’ll see how much we adore dogs. That isn’t hyperbole, either. Not only do we have dog parks, but there are also spas and daycare centers designed for our fur babies. Many residential buildings, hotels and Airbnbs welcome them. Plus, dogs can be a great conversation starters between strangers.
If you’re planning to bring your pup along for a Manhattan adventure, here are seven neighborhoods where they will feel welcome.
1. Upper East Side
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I’d be remiss not to include the area where I was born and raised.
When I was a child, there were so many dogs on the Upper East Side. 20+ years on that hasn’t changed.
In John Jay Park and along the East River Esplanade, you’ll find friendly retrievers, bulldogs and poodles running alongside their owners. Literally running- folks are big on their exercise.
At the East River Dog park, there are separate areas for big and small dogs.
Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, you’ll find people out with their pups. This is the city that never sleeps, after all.
2. Upper West Side
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Your dog will love Central Park, and so will you. It’s a breath of fresh air all year long. Except where the horse carriages are, maybe.
According to the site, “off-leash hours are from 6:00 am–9:00 am and 9:00 pm–1:00 am. Dogs must be leashed from 9:00 am–9:00 pm daily.”
Note that certain areas of the park are leash-only at all times.
They include the Bridle Path, Conservatory Garden and Kerbs Boathouse Plaza, among others.
Also in Central Park, there’s a statue of Balto, the heroic dog who delivered much- needed medicine to children during a diphtheria outbreak in Alaska.
3. Battery Park City
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Battery Park City loves dogs so much it has its own puppy parade in October.
BPC writes, “the Nineteenth Annual BPC Dogs Halloween Puppy Parade was a great success, having the largest turn-out since this event was first held over 20 years ago.”
Awards were given to the winners, human and animal.
Your dogs will enjoy the North End Dog Run and West Thames Street Dog Run, which are in this area.
4. Chelsea
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No need to worry about finding dog-friendly places to eat in Chelsea.
Check out The Wilson, which offers a dog menu. There’s also Cookshop, The Grey Dog (which welcomes well-behaved pooches) and Il Piccolo Ristoro.
If you need to drop off your dog for a few days, head to New York Dog Spa and Hotel. They have two Chelsea locations (20th and 25th streets). Your dog will have such a good time socializing, they may forget all about you.
5. Harlem
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Your doggo will feel at home at Harlem’s parks, including St. Nicholas Park and Morningside Park.
Both offer dog runs.
Harlem Doggie Day Spa is on St. Nicholas Avenue. It’s the place to go for grooming, daycare and cage-free boarding. If your dog is staying overnight, they will have around the clock care.
6. Greenwich Village
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Take Fido to Washington Square Park, which is really lit in the spring, summer and fall.
As noted by Boogie The Pug, “the park is always buzzing with activity and a frenetic New York energy that’s contagious. There are musicians playing on benches, sunbathers lounging on lawns and canines frolicking in the dog parks.”
“Pass through the iconic Washington Arch, located on the park’s Fifth Avenue, north side entrance, and dip your paws into the beautiful central fountain.”
7. Tribeca
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Tribeca is chock full of personality, with so many bars, restaurants and shops.
According to Trip Advisor, The Roxy Hotel, Smyth Tribeca and Four Seasons Tribeca will welcome you and your pup.
While you two are on your walk in this hood, don’t be shocked if you encounter a celebrity. They are pretty much the only ones who can afford to live there nowadays.
