Your pooch doesn't have to cramp your style--in fact, at these dog-friendly parks, restaurants, shops and hotels, your dog makes you that much more stylish. We've sniffed out the city's best spots, so grab a leash and lap up the fun.
Think no more—visitors to the Big Apple will be pleasantly surprised to learn that New York City is one of the pet friendliest cities on the planet, a destination where just about every basic pet need can be accommodated. With hundreds of pet friendly hotels, dog runs, restaurants, attractions, pet stores—and dog and cat sitters galore—you can do it all here in the city that never sleeps! In other words, your pet companion never really has to leave your side. Just call up a pet friendly taxi or chauffeur, grab your leash or carrier, and start navigating the city, and you and your pet are good to go. In New York City "location is everything", and that applies not only to the resident New Yorker. It also applies to pet owner tourists and visitors to the city who want to a find conveniently located pet friendly things, all of which can be found here.
Shop - Dog friendly stores in New York
DoggyStyle - New York, NY - Look past the name to the selection: asymmetrical scratching posts that look like Frank Gehry might have had a hand in the design, dog bowls that wouldn’t embarrass on a human’s breakfast table, plus ergonomically correct feeders and easy-to-use, buckle-free harnesses.
Canine Styles Downtown - New York, NY (59 Greenwich Ave, (212) 352-8591) - Go elsewhere for bulk food. Come here to pamper your pooch with extravagant treats. Try tasty Sushi Snacks or custom-made raised feeders. They also have collars and leashes in all styles and colors. This adorable West Village nook is like Barneys, but for the canine set. Think Burberry dog beds, camo-patterned sweaters, and gourmet snacks. Poochi Sushi, anyone?
Whiskers Holistic Pet Products - New York, NY (235 East 9th Street) - Don't even whisper the words "Fancy Feast" or "Alpo" at Whiskers. Once you speak with the animal-loving, holistically minded owners, you'll never go back to supermarket brands. For advice and recommendations--without pushiness--and to really engage in serious petspeak, this is the place. The selection of natural and organic pet food brands is excellent. For fanatic pet-owners, Whiskers sells home-cooked preparations packed in little Chinese takeout boxes that look good enough to share with your furry friend. The selection of natural and homeopathic remedies and vitamins is unsurpassed, and the eclectic toys and treats section has a good variety of catnip-filled forms for even the most jaded New York kitty. Carries our favoirte brands such as
Newman's Own Organics
.
Trixie + Peanut Pet Emporium - New York, NY - Online retailer and New York City pet boutique trixie + peanut celebrates the unique relationship between pets and the people who love them. Named after founder Susan Bing's two rescued Boxers, trixie + peanut began as a mail-order catalog in 1999. As an animal lover, Susan understood that pet owners desired the very best for their four-legged friends. A seasoned art director and graphic designer, she realized there were no pet catalogs that took advantage of sleek design to market an equally chic collection of items.
Furry Paws - New York, NY (141 Amsterdam Ave, (212) 724-9321) - Specializing in fine accessories and gourmet treats for Fidos and felines, Furry Paws puts the conventional milk bone to shame. Case in point--the freshly baked doggie treats. Fans say they have to be clearly labeled, or one might accidentally serve them with milk and no one would notice. The quantity of organic goods here could supply an ashram. We're not just talking food--there's a variety of holistic remedies for an ailing pet, as well as handmade gifts and crafts. But if you get confused and start thinking you're in California, the prices will set you straight.
For Pets Only NYC - New York, NY - Purchase canine couture at this pet store that caters more to animals rather than their human companions.
Eat - Dog friendly restaurants in New York
Pet friendly restaurants in New York generally mean dog friendly, since it is rare for a cat or bird owner to show up at a restaurant with those types of pets. Many restaurants with outdoor cafes will permit you to dine with your dog, but make sure to call in advance and ask! Dogs must be leashed and well behaved so as not to disturb other customers or your party could be asked to leave. Most dog friendly restaurants in Manhattan will offer your dog a bowl of water upon request. Since outdoor tables are generally the rule, visits to these restaurants is usually only possible during the warmer spring, summer and early autumn months. The location of a pet friendly restaurant near your hotel can save you a lot of time and can be an important consideration in your choice of accommodations in New York City. Here are some of our favorites:
Bubby’s - New York, NY - Bring your dogs and sit outside at this brunch-spot favorite. Fresh cooking and a guaranteed scene are behind this TriBeCa institution’s success.
79th St Boat Basin Cafe - New York, NY - One of the Upper West Side’s true finds. The views and the pub-grub eats just don’t get any better than at this seasonal outdoor dining spot. With pooches of all sizes joining their owners throughout the summer for al fresco overlooking the Hudson River, this is maybe the most dog-friendly spot it the city.
Bar Stuzzichini - New York, NY - Your four-legged friend is always welcome to join you for a meal and a glass of vino on the patio at this laid-back restaurant--so long as Rover isn't dining.
Pastis - New York, NY - Balthazar owner Keith McNally works his magic at this painstakingly French bistro in the Meatpacking District. Small pooches can park with their humans in the outdoor cafe.
The Minnow - Brooklyn, NY - Small dogs are welcome on the patio at this Park Slope seafood spot specializing in classic dishes done in a Mediterranean style, such as pickled mackerel, raw seafood platters, and fried clams.
Barking Dog Luncheonette - New York, NY - Serving American food and dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
Play - Dog friendly parks in New York
DeWitt Clinton Park - New York, NY - De Witt Clinton Park is a truly family-friendly park. Because of 1996 improvements to its Erie Canal Playground, one can find play equipment, safety surfacing, painted games, swings, benches, drinking fountains, concrete play mules (named Sal, Pal and Gal) and a frog spray shower within the play area. Your four-footed family member hasn't been forgotten; there are dog runs in the park for Fido to run within to his heart's content.
Carl Schurz Park - New York, NY - A lovely park, bordering the river, Carl Schurz Park is a serene oasis. The park contains a playground, two dog parks, a walkway along the water, and beautiful flowers. Perfect for reading quietly, watching the ships go by, jogging, or dog watching. Dog runs are large, fenced-in areas for dogs to exercise unleashed. Created with the expertise of a Parks Department landscape architect and volunteers, the runs encourage play while supplying good drainage, safe lighting, and healthy plantings.
Central Parks Dog Areas - New York, NY - Central Park is a special dog-friendly place where you and your dog can enjoy beautiful walks, trails and play areas. There are no enclosed dog runs anywhere in Central Park. Signs throughout the park indicate areas where dogs are never allowed (e.g. the Sheep Meadow) and areas where dogs must be on leash at all times (e.g. the Ramble and the Bridle Path). In all areas not otherwise restricted, dogs may be off-leash between 9 at night and 9 in the morning.
Sir William's Dog Run at Fort Tryon Park - New York, NY - Surrounded by the beautiful natural setting of Fort Tryon Park, Sir William's Dog Run is NYC's largest dog park, and is "graced with rolling hills and one of the most picturesque in the city." In 2001, the acre of land was officially dedicated as Sir William's Dog Run, and became the Parks Department's first official off-leash dog area.
Pelham Bay Park Dog Run - New York, NY - The dog run at Pelham Bay Park is close to Watt Avenue and Middletown Road. Both streets merge at the entrance to the parking lot on Middletown Road. The dog run is about 100 yards east of that point.
Chelsea Waterside Park Dog Run - New York, NY - Dogs are allowed off the leash in designated dog runs only. Posted at each dog run: the dog runs are cleaned twice a day. Features a double-gated safety vestibule with fences all around. Fresh running water is generally available for pets inside the dog runs from mid-April through early November. Hard surface has drainage. Benches and trash cans are provided. Chelsea Wateside's dog run includes special play features for dogs as well.
Sleep - Dog friendly hotels in New York
The Cooper Square Hotel - New York, NY - All dogs are welcome at this Bow-wowery hot spot, so long as their owners sign a damage waiver. This is the true lap of luxury when it comes to NYC hotels, so don't be surprised if you run into a few slum-dog millionaires.
W New York Union Square - New York, NY - The downtown outpost of the dog-friendly hotel chain is conveniently located just across the street from an off-leash park. Dogs under 45 pounds can stay for $100, plus daily cleaning fees. Now if only the rest of your vacation planning was this easy.
Novotel New York Times Square - New York, NY - Bring any dog up to 50 pounds to this Times Square hotel. There are no pet fees, though owners must sign a pet waiver. And be sure to keep smaller dogs clear of the tourist stampedes known to inundate this neighborhood.
Affinia Dumont - New York, NY - The Affinia Dumont at 150 East 34th Street, is a distinguished, all-suite hotel located in the Murray Hill neighborhood. Here the bell staff greets your pet with gourmet treats, and rooms are equipped with food and water bowls and information on local pet resources.
Le Parker Meridien - New York, NY - At the gorgeous Le Parker Meridien at 118 West 57th Street pets can enjoy mood music, scratch pads, and a "Feed the Party Animal" menu that features such delicacies as steak tartare. Le Parker Meridien welcomes all pets from aardvarks to zebras.
Hotel Pennsylvania - New York, NY - The moderately priced Hotel Pennsylvania at 401 Seventh Avenue, one of New York’s larger hotels, is across the street from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, and is no stranger to hosting pets: It is the host hotel for the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Tribeca Grand - New York, NY - At the Tribeca Grand, 2 Sixth Avenue, upon request they can have your guestroom set up with pet bed, food and water bowls, and treats—all at no extra cost. They also loan kennels and pet beds of various sizes, food and water bowls, and kitty litter boxes. Along with complimentary treats at the front desk, they provide a pet food menu through room service, arrange for pet sitters, dog walkers, pet spas (all grooming done off property) and veterinary care through their concierge team.
The Muse Hotel - New York, NY - The Muse Hotel at 130 West 46th Street offers the Pampered Pooch Package. Upon arrival, you'll find a delightful amenity basket in your guestroom, filled with canine treats and food and water bowls and New York's only doggie playground, "Canine Court," with open land and an obstacle course close by. Hotel guests and their dogs are welcome to shop together at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany's, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic and the Gap.